Cactus in bloom | Photos by the writer
Cactus in bloom | Photos by the writer

Q. For a sustainable garden we need to save our seeds and then grow them when their season comes. But the problem is that we cannot save seeds from F1, F2 and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). So what are our options? Every fruit and vegetable we buy from bazaar is grown from F1 and most of the seeds available online are F1 variety. There are also F1 organic seeds, so saving only organic seeds isn’t always the answer. I want to save and grow seeds over and over again but am totally confused as to how to do this.

A. What you need to grow are ‘heritage’ or ‘heirloom’ seeds. These categories of seeds produce plants that are the same as the parent plant for generation after generation. Heritage/heirloom seeds have been handed down, from grower to grower, for hundreds of years. Each generation of growers have, year after year, saved seeds only from the very best of whatever crops they have grown. If the heritage/heirloom seeds are indigenous to a certain area of the country, they have often, quite naturally, evolved to have a high resistance to localised pests and climatic conditions.

A prime example being the once famous, purely local, variety of melon for which Malir was famous many years ago. The big problem in sourcing heritage/heirloom seeds is that, as growers can save their own seeds and never have to resort to buying them, seed companies have done/are doing, their very best to eradicate them as it is not in their financial interest for growers to save their own seeds.

Heritage/heirloom seeds do not have to be certified organic for them to be good, productive seeds. Organic seeds are simply seeds that have been produced without the use of chemical interventions. F1 and F2 seeds have been selectively hybridised to produce good-looking crops, often at the cost of taste — if fruit and vegetables — and loss of perfume — if flowers — and their seeds do not necessarily reproduce plants having the same traits as the parent plant, hence, saving seed from these is largely a waste of time. GMO seeds have been genetically engineered and are best avoided altogether. Ask around amongst your gardening friends to see if any of them are growing heritage/heirloom seeds handed down by their parents, grandparents et al or search for a reputable online source.

All your gardening queries answered here

Q. Some weeks ago you had mentioned comfrey and how it is useful to add to home compost. As an avid home composter, I have been looking for the seeds or plants but neither the local nursery in Islamabad nor any online forum seems to know about it. Does it have an Urdu name that you know of? And do you think it grows in the wild?

A. Comfrey is not indigenous to Pakistan — although it is to neighbouring Iran and parts of Afghanistan — so there is no local name for it. It is being grown by some gardeners in and around Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta and Karachi so an appeal to your local horticultural society may yield results. I personally bought comfrey seed in an Islamabad seed store and the germination rate was fairly good. But I have never seen actual comfrey plants for sale in a nursery. Good luck in your hunt.

Q. Can olives be grown in Chishtian in Bahawalnagar?

A. As long as the soil is not saline they may be alright, but will need regular irrigation throughout their growing season.

Q. Is it possible to grow a Jacaranda tree in Defence, Karachi and will it blossom here?

A. Jacaranda is notoriously difficult in Karachi. I suggest you plant Guaicum officinale (Lignum vitae) instead, as this smaller tree, with beautiful pale blue flowers and round orange seed pods, is climatically viable, plus, more suited to an urban environment than a Jacaranda which can grow to massive proportions both above and below ground.

Q. Which plants can be grown without water or with very little water? Water is a major problem in Jiwani, Gwadar but I long for some plants.

A. Cacti and succulents are the answer and there are hundreds and hundreds for you to choose from. Some cacti and succulents bear beautiful flowers and others have fascinating leaf shapes and colours so whilst, at first thought, cacti and succulents may sound boring, in reality they are diversely beautiful.

Flowering succulent
Flowering succulent

Q. I wish to grow Origanum onites (oregano) in the coastal region of Sindh. Is this a good idea or not?

A. Often called Greek oregano or Turkish oregano, Origanum onites thrives in coastal regions of the aforementioned countries but, to be honest, I am not at all sure that it would enjoy life in coastal Sindh. I can only suggest that you give it a try and ask that, if you do, please let me know the result.

Please continue sending your gardening queries to zahrahnasir@hotmail.com. Remember to include your location. The writer does not respond directly by email. Emails with attachments will not be opened.

Published in Dawn, EOS, March 8th, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.