EDITOR'S NOTE: A University of Florida faculty member and Nassau County Extension Horticultural Agent,  Rebecca Jordi addresses some of the questions she receives about landscaping and gardening in northeast Florida, in GARDEN TALK.

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QUESTION: I am thinking about growing basil. Will it grow well here? CJ

Sweet Basil

JORDI: Sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum, will grow very well here. It should be planted in the early spring but I have started it later in the season (early summer) and have still been successful. Some forms of basil are used in cooking but other varieties, such as Ocimum auranascen, are grown for their ornamental qualities. Use soil with high organic content -- compost would be perfect.

Basil can be propagated from seed or small plantings. It can be grown in garden plots or patio containers in full sun. Basil does not tolerate drought conditions but prefers consistently moist soil. Although, I trained my basil to receive water only once and week and it grew beautifully. However, too much water will easily cause disease issues.

Basil is especially rewarding as the aroma can be detected even when walking past the plant. It can be added to sauces, vinegars, breads or soups. Nothing can compare to the improved flavor of adding fresh basil to pasta or sauce dishes. Although, I must admit, I love it sprinkled on top of sliced tomatoes from my garden – yum. For more information on growing herbs in Florida see the  University of Florida publication, “Herbs in the Florida Garden”: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH020 or go to the Nassau County Extension website: http://nassau.ifas.ufl.edu

QUESTION: What are the white spots on the leaves of my camellia? DH

JORDI: I am glad you brought this into the office during our Plant Clinics as it is difficult to diagnose over the phone. Algal leaf spot, caused by the alga Cephaleuros virescens, may appear on a wide variety of plant species but Southern magnolia and camellia trees are the most common targets. Weather is an important contributing factor – mostly rainfall or overhead irrigation. Cephaleuros virescens can survive until the appropriate weather conditions provide the perfect environment.

The best defense is to keep trees healthy by providing proper irrigation, fertilizer and air circulation. Clean up any leaf or twig debris as these can provide places for the algae to incubate. Light pruning on some of the leaves or twigs might be beneficial. When possible, avoid the leaves being wet for extended periods of time.

Nassau County Extension conducts plant clinics to the general public for help with landscape questions. Drop by the Yulee satellite office with a clipping of your tree, shrub or grass problems for a free diagnosis. Additional plant clinics are scheduled for the fall are September 8 & 22, 2008; October 6 & 20, 2008.

QUESTION: I am growing Anna apples and I found these tiny insects on the underside of the leaf. Can you tell me what they are? BW

JORDI: The insects on the ‘Anna’ apple leaves are aphids. They are feeding on the plant juices in the leaf and causing the leaf to curl. There are dozens of them under one tiny leaf. Aphids do not require a male to reproduce and the young are born live, skipping the normal insect egg stage.

Aphids can be controlled by applying horticulture oil on undersides of new leaf growth. More than one application may be necessary. Notice the aphids are attracted to new leaves as these leaves are most tender. Horticulture oil should be applied during the morning or early evening hours. Avoid applying oil in the heat of the day as this could damage the leaves. Remember to read and follow the directions on the pesticide label.

‘Anna’ is a good apple choice for Florida as are ‘Dorsett Golden’ and ‘Tropic Sweet’. Apples grown in Florida require a pollinator so use ‘Dorsett Golden’ to cross with ‘Anna’ or ‘Tropic Sweet’ to produce mature fruit. Fertilize in January and June. Irrigate 4-5 inches under the tree canopy once a week if sufficient rainfall does not occur.

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Rebecca Jordi

Rebecca Jordi, UF/IFAS Nassau County Horticultural Extension Agent is a University of Florida faculty member. Extension locations: satellite office at Yulee County Bldg. and the main Extension Office in Callahan.  The UF/IFAS Nassau County Demonstration Garden is located at the Nassau County Governmental Complex and demonstrates Best Management Practices for NE Florida.  Mail questions to Garden Talk, c/o Rebecca Jordi, Nassau County Extension, 543350 US Hwy #1, Callahan, FL 32011, or e-mail rljordi@ufl.edu.  Website: http://nassau.ifas.ufl.edu/