Northern California June Checklist: Basil, Crape Myrtle, Melons, and Rose Care

Planting

Basil

For pesto, use traditional types: 'Italian Pesto', 'Profuma di Genova', 'Salad Leaf'. For flavored/colored varieties: 'Mrs. Burns' Lemon', garnet 'Red Rubin', Thai 'Siam Queen'. Ensure continuous supply by planting successive crops—sow seeds every 6–8 weeks or plant seedlings every 3–4 weeks. Buy at nurseries or online from Renee's Garden.

Dwarf Crape Myrtle

Zones 7–9, 14: Heat-loving shrubs for sunny, hot areas. Dwarf varieties (3–4 ft): 'Chica Pink', 'Chica Red'. Slightly taller (up to 5 ft): 'Centennial' (purple), 'Petite Embers' (rose-red), 'Petite Orchid' (dark pink), 'Petite Pinkie' (clear pink), 'Petite Plum' (deep purple), 'Petite Red Imp' (deep crimson), 'Petite Snow' (white), 'Pocomoke' (dark rosy pink).

Melons

Not too late to plant most melons. Hot-summer zones (8, 9, 14) ideal; 'Ambrosia' cantaloupe a favorite. Cooler zones (15–17): short-season 'Earligold' (65–75 days; Territorial Seed Co., 541/942-9547). Plant through black plastic, cover with fabric row covers for heat.

Summer Annuals

Sun: cosmos, garden verbena, globe amaranth, Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus), marigolds, portulaca, gentian sage, 'Victoria' mealycup sage, scarlet sage, sunflower, zinnias. Shade: semperflorens begonias, browallia, coleus, impatiens.

Unusual Plants by Mail

Forestfarm (541/846-7269): Scotch rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia) with maroon-black hips. Heronswood Nursery (360/297-4172): 'Abendglut' bergenia (red flowers, crinkled maroon leaves). Both sell $5 catalogs and list inventories online.

Maintenance

Feed Roses

Use complete fertilizer (N-P-K). If leaves yellow with green veins (chlorosis), add iron. Water thoroughly before and after fertilizing (especially granular).

Protect Fruit Crops

Cover trees with plastic bird netting or fabric row covers to keep birds off cherries and other fruit. Secure covers to trunk and branches with wire or twine.