Identity, strike rates, keeping things green and pleasant – our core values absolutely converge with those of 24 (Irish) Battery Royal Artillery. So who better for us to help with a little growing conundrum!
The gunners were in need of a fresh crop of ceremonial shamrocks to decorate personnel for their annual St Patrick’s Day Parade. Thus the Regiment put in a call to us via Keith Hine, committee member of the National Vegetable Society, Surrey DA. Given the amount of firepower at their disposal (the Artillery, not the National Vegetable Society), we were more than happy to assist/comply.
As you might imagine, shamrocks are synonymous with Irish units in the British Armed forces for traditional, symbolic reasons. First presented by Queen Victoria to honour the gallantry of her Irish soldiers, fresh shamrocks have since become a St Patrick’s Day Parade fixture. But these leafy little lookers are not just the preserve of military insignia.
Shamrocks actually make for really nice indoor plants. A bit more unassuming and ‘cultured’ than your average pots-worth. Such varieties are wonderfully reminiscent of verdant woodlands. Exquisite! So we thought, ‘why not let our dear readers in on how the magic happens?’
Whilst not overly complex to grow, shamrocks do have a quirk or two of which you’ll want to be aware. Because indoor conditions can be ‘heightened’ (compared to the traditional shamrock’s natural outdoor habitat) an exotic variety can be a great choice for a beginner. Dug up plants from the wild are unlikely to thrive.
In terms of propagating you can grow from tiny wee shamrock bulbs or divide up the roots of an existing plant and repot the rooted sprigs individually. Such plants as these really enjoy a free-draining grow media. Perlite, vermiculite, or coco are all great bedfellows to a base media of soil.
Bright but indirect lighting is a definite prerequisite for strong growth, as is moderate humidity. Imagine a woodland or semi-tropical setting – aim to imitate that. If you need to generate extra humidity you can always try a seed tray lid or propagation dome.
Be aware that the plants can and will close up their leaves in excessive light – an easy guide to if / when you might consider relocating. If you’re really honing your shamrock skills aim for target temps of 15 to 21°C (60-70°F) and an absolute minimum of 10ºC (50ºF). Finally in terms of behaviour, shamrocks do like a nap!
Many a novice shamrock grower has expressed dismay in the sudden shutdown of their plants. It’s all too easy to assume they’ve died off, especially during summer months. In reality the shamrocks are, in all likelihood, simply snoozing. It’s a fact that shamrocks have periods of dormancy – even when other plants will be in their pomp, the important thing is not to react with heavy feeding or watering.
We weren’t growing our shamrocks long-term so a summer season wasn’t really in the offing. But if we had pressed on with them the automatic plant waiting system in which they were raised wouldn’t have responded aversely to any dormancy. Because it relies on the natural rhythm of a plant’s water consumption in order to function, the Tray2Grow system we chose for this project would have simply matched any reduction in uptake with a reduction in flow rate.
The shamrocks for the 24 (Irish) Battery Royal Artillery were grown in trays from seed in Biobizz Light Mix. Placed in the Tray2Grow system the seed trays were supplied with an extra dilute solution of AutoPot Plant Food via the reservoir and pipework, at an EC of around 1.4. Germination was achieved by days 3-4 and full growth within three weeks.
Whilst not terribly precious in their irrigation requirements, shamrocks do enjoy uniform, regular moisture, though not to excess. The Tray2Grow performed admirably, supplying irrigation at a measured, responsive, plant-controlled rate that produced quick, full, natural progress.
From the nation’s woodlands to the symbol of a nation, from the hands of Queen Victoria to the uniforms of the British Armed Forces, from the AutoPot R&D room to the back of Keith Hines car, from the back of Keith Hines car to the parade ground once more, and now onwards, to your living room – shamrocks!
Our thanks and best wishes to Keith and the 24 (Irish) Battery Royal Artillery for thinking of us, for the info received, and for giving us the opportunity to try something a little different!
