Q. I love figs but cannot get good quality fig trees/plants in Karachi. Can I grow my own plants from seed taken out of the figs found in the market?

A. Young fig trees, of decent to good quality, are generally found in Karachi nurseries from early January to the end of March; even all-year round, if they are pot grown. I do not recommend trying to propagate seed taken from fresh/dried figs sold in local markets as, besides taking years to grow to fruiting size, there is no guarantee that the resultant variety will be suitable for the Karachi climate. Figs are more normally propagated from cuttings or runners. Perhaps you can contact your local horticultural society and ask if any of the members, already growing figs, can spare a few young plants for you.

Q. Most of the seeds for sale in Pakistan are F1 hybrids, which cannot be saved. It really puzzles me. This being the case, how can seed companies come up with a new batch of F1 hybrid seeds every new season?

A. F1 hybrids are created by a complicated series of selections and controlled pollination by specialist seed-producing companies all over the world. These companies are perpetually engaged in producing new crops of F1 seeds for the global market. This production is a never-ending process and quite a costly one too. This is the reason why F1 seeds are more expensive to buy than those of open-pollinated plants.

Q. I have found websites selling heritage seeds in Pakistan but I don’t know if I should trust them. Because of this, I am thinking of importing heritage seeds from the US, but am not sure if American-origin seeds will grow well here. What do you think?

All your gardening queries answered here

A. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the US does not send seeds to Pakistan. As a point of interest, seeds purchased from an American seed selling company may not actually be of American-origin at all. Seed companies around the world regularly purchase their seeds in bulk, for repacking under their own labels, from the open global market. Seed-sellers in America may be sourcing their seeds from the exact same wholesalers as seed-sellers in Pakistan.

Q. I live in a village 150 km west of Lahore in district Kasur, where there is no direct access to seed stores. I want to grow a different selection of flowers and plants than are usual in this area, but have no idea where I can get such seeds and plants. I am prepared to travel to Lahore for them, but don’t know where to search when I get there. Can you help please?

A. As always, in cases such as yours, it is a matter of the internet to the rescue. I suggest that you undertake internet searches for seed and plant suppliers in Pakistan and, in Lahore, to see what they have on offer and to find out if they will post or courier seeds/plants to you. You can also use the internet to find plant nurseries and seed-sellers, with their locations and contact details, in Lahore. Wishing you good luck!

Q. Your column uses either botanical names or English names of plants. It would be preferable if names which can be understood by malis in Karachi were used instead, please.

A. Please note that this column appears in an English language publication, hence the general reliance of English language plant names, with botanical names as back up.

Q. I have seen people adding anti-fungicide to their soil when sowing seeds. These anti-fungicides all seem to be chemical-based. Can you kindly suggest an alternative?

A. There is absolutely no need to use an anti-fungicide when sowing seeds. Just ensure that soil drainage is good and that you do not overwater the seed trays/pots/beds and fungus should not be an issue.

Q. Is it possible to cultivate grapes in Thatta district, Sindh, where humidity is very high?

A. Grapes are not a recommended crop for your area.

Q. I am about to retire and would like to grow my own kitchen garden but lack confidence in making a start, as the only thing I have ever grown is coriander. Also, I am not sure if the quality of seeds available is worth investing in. Can you please give advice?

A. There is nothing wrong with the seed quality available in the market here, as it is fresh stock. I suggest that you begin your garden by ensuring the soil is good quality, that plenty of old, well-rotted, preferably organic, manure/compost has been mixed in and drainage is adequate. Then, begin with seasonal crops that are relatively easy to grow e.g. lettuce, spinach, courgettes and tomatoes. Keep an eye on this column for general gardening advice, and pay particular attention to the seed-sowing guide given on the first Sunday of each month.

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, May 24th, 2020