If you want to add a little burst of color to your life and your salads, why not grow Johnny Jump Ups? They are adorable and edible. Johnny Jump Ups produce small, sweet, mild flavored flowers upping the vibrancy of your dishes. A small container will work for this lady. They can thrive in small pots on windowsills or companion planted with other crops outdoors.
Johnny Jump Ups need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors: Can be grown in pots with bright light or hydroponically using grow lights for 10-12 hours.
Keep soil consistently moist. Indoors, monitor soil moisture frequently; outdoors, water regularly, especially in full sun conditions. Mulching helps retain moisture.
Johnny Jump Ups are a cool weather crop and love 55-75°F, ideally 60-65°F. Plant outdoors in early spring (March -April) and fall (September-October) in NYC zone 7b. Cooler temperatures support long-lasting blooms.
Indoors: 6-8" wide, 6" deep, 1 gallon; Outdoors: 6-8" wide, 6-8" deep, 1-2 gallons
Johnny Jump Ups thrive in well-draining potting soil with organic compost or cow manure. Indoors, top with worm castings.
Apply balanced, water-soluble fertilizer 10-10-10 every 4-6 weeks. Organic options: compost, fish emulsion, bone meal. Moderate feeding ensures continuous blooms.
Johnny Jump Ups are ready for harvest 60-70 days after planting, or when the flowers are fully open. Outdoors, these plants can live for 1 to 2 years; indoors, can live for several months to a year.
Harvest flowers often to promote continuous blooming. Regular picking keeps the plant healthy and productive, providing colorful blooms.
Wilting: Water regularly, avoid overwatering. Pests (Aphids): Release ladybugs and/or top of 1" of worm castings. Slow Growth: Use balanced fertilizer. Yellow Leaves: Water less. Diseases (Powdery Mildew): Improve air circulation.
There are around 10-15 varieties of arugula gardeners commonly grow. One of the perks of growing arugula at home is the opportunity to experiment with different varieties that you won't find at the grocery store.
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