Layering is a way to grow new plants from existing plants without having to take any cuttings. In a nutshell, bury part of a stem or branch in the soil and new roots and shoots will form. This method is often more successful than propagating from cuttings, because the new […]
Plants in Hawaii
This section holds an encyclopedia of plants that have come from or will be brought to the Hawaii Kai Plant Exchange. There are also anecdotes about permaculture: composting and aquaponics in particular.
We got these beauties in June of 2020, several months before the temporary farmer’s market shutdown. I have to say that I was never able to get the same rainbow of colors shown above. Mine were red, purple and green. I waited and waited, hoping to see some yellows and […]
I’ve tested these out for Hawaii’s climate. They’re fantastic. The Cherokee Purple tomato is classified as a medium sized variety and the one in the picture weighed a pound. The variety is indeterminate and will continue to grow until first frost, which in Hawaii, is never. After a yield of […]
Okra, a distant cousin of hibiscus, is grown for edible seed pods and is popular in US southern and even Japanese cuisine. The variety we have is Jambalaya Okra, which produces prolifically and can be harvested quickly. Well suited to Hawaii’s climate, after its large yellow and red flower blooms […]
Edible fennel, belonging to the carrot and parsnip family, has the texture of celery with a faint flavor of anise. Used extensively in Italian cooking, the vegetable can be eaten raw or sauteed. Both the bulb and fronds can be used. Fennel grows easily and also produces many seeds which […]
Perfect for anyone who has the room and loves tomatoes. These are approximately 1″ long.
This came to us recently as a donation and has done exceptionally well. Wandering Jew comes in many varieties and colors. This variety is known as Purple Heart or Purple Queen. The plant is in the spiderwort family. The plant grows easily through cuttings and division and thrives in partial […]
Marungay is an excellent growing choice if you have lots of room and are very hungry. The tree grows prolifically; the bean pods and the leaves are edible and highly nutritious. Seriously though, the plant is really a true miracle. Popular in India, the Philippines and Indonesia, it has been […]
The Asia Ip and Britton varieties come from Johnny’s Seeds. The green shiso is grown from the seed stock of shiso originally purchased locally at Leilani’s Nursery in Waimanalo. Green is a staple, the type you get in sushi. Britton is pretty, but a little less tender. Asia Ip is […]
Mad Hatter is a member of the Capsicum baccatum pepper species from South America commonly used in Bolivian and Peruvian cuisine. It is sweet and mild along with being attractive and novel in its shape. We received a few seedlings in December 2019. They will likely be available in February […]
