The Green Scene December, 2020 Volume 19, Issue 2 How do I care for a Miniature Rose Plant? I received a miniature rose for Valentine’s Day. How do I care for it? Miniature roses need direct sun. In the home, place the miniature in a south or west Want more tips, tricks, and facing window. Rotate plants once or twice a week to promote even growth. articles? Go to hortnews.extension.iastate Miniature roses also require a consistent moisture supply. When the soil surface .edu becomes dry to the touch, water the plant until water flows out the bottom of the container. Discard the excess water. Fertilize the miniature rose (once or twice a month) with dilute fertilizer solution. Miniature roses prefer daytime temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a minimum nighttime temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the plant away from cold drafts or heat sources. To promote new growth and additional blooms, remove flowers as they fade. Cut off the stem just above the uppermost five-leaflet leaf. Also, remove any yellow leaves or dead growth. Finally, periodically inspect the miniature rose for pests. Roses often have problems with spider mites when grown indoors. Discolored leaves and fine webbing are signs that spider mites may be present. Control spider mites by spraying plants with insecticidal soap. Several applications may be necessary to completely control spider mites. In May, the miniature rose can be placed outside. Harden or acclimate the plant to outdoor conditions by initially placing the plant in a shady location. Then gradually expose it to longer periods of sunlight. After the miniature rose has been acclimated outdoors for several days, place the potted plant on a sunny patio or deck. The miniature rose can also be planted outdoors in the garden. While miniature rosses are small, they’re actually more cold hardy than hybrid tea roses. Select a sunny site with fertile, well drained soil. Marion County 210 North Iowa St. Knoxville, IA 50138 | 641-842-2014 www.extension.iastate.edu/marion This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext. ADV.20.04J July 2020 For the Love of Chocolate By Cindy Haynes Chocolate, along with roses, are standard gifts for Valentine’s Day. White chocolates are popular gifts, have you ever wondered how chocolate is produced and the origins of this tasty treat? Chocolate is produced from the fruit of cacao (Theobroma cacao). Cacao is a large shrub or small tree that grows 10 to 20 feet tall. The tropical plant is commonly grown 20 degrees north or south of the equator. Major cacao producing countries are Brazil, Cameroon, Ecuador, Ghana, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Mexico, and Nigeria. Cacao requires hot, humid conditions, regular rainfall, and some shade for best production. After a few years of establishment, plants produce pods (fruits) that contain 30 to 50 seeds called “beans.” The pods grow along the stems or trunk and as the pods ripen, they turn orange. The ripe pods are harvested by hand and the beans extracted and allowed to ferment for a few days in the shade. Afterwards, the beans are dried for a few days in the sun, before they are bagged, sold, and processed into chocolate bars, powder, candy, and other concoctions. Cacao is the term used for the plant and beans before drying or processing. After processing, the terms chocolate or cocoa is used. Cocoa is the processed powder used in cooking or for hot drinks. Cocoa is mainly solids from processing the cacao beans that removes much of the cocoa butter or natural fat. Chocolate refers to anything made form the bean and often contains both cocoa butter and solids. Types of Chocolate There are several types of chocolate available for sale on the market today. The most common types of chocolate sold are dark, milk, and white chocolate. Dark chocolate is made by mixing a thick chocolate paste from the ground nibs (called chocolate liquor) with cocoa butter and sweeteners. Adding mike or milk powder creates milk chocolate. White chocolate does not contain the cocoa solids or chocolate liquor. Because it lacks the cocoa solids, some contend that white chocolate should not be classified as a type of chocolate. A ruby chocolate was introduced to the marker a few year ago. This pink chocolate is purportedly made from cacao bean varieties with pinkish beans. While the terms and processing surrounding chocolate may sound confusing, buying chocolates today is easy. When purchasing chocolate for yourself or someone special in your life, the biggest dilemma may be deciding on dark, milk, or white chocolate. In reality, there is not bad selection. Since they all taste great, enjoy one (or more?) of each! To learn about some of chocolate’s history go to: https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2020/02/love-chocolate This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext. ADV.20.04J July 2020 .