Gardening: Brian Kidd answers your questions (March 29)

Q: I found a lovely large fir cone and have been using it as a weather-watcher. It has now opened up and the seeds are falling out. I want to grow these and plant them on a piece of waste land. How do I sow the seeds please? HD, Cosham.

A: Cut the wings off each seed to prevent rotting. Sow the seeds in any potting compost in mid-April. They will germinate in about six weeks. Once they are an inch high, pot each one into a 3in diameter pot and plant them out in the autumn once the pots are full of roots.

Q: My magnolia stellata rosea is in full bloom, can I take some cuttings? VP, Waterlooville.

A: Sadly, no. This wonderful shrub will not be successful by taking cuttings. I have sent you, in the post, a diagram of how you could try getting new plants by aerial layering using moss and black polythene. I agree with you, this magnolia is gorgeous.

Q: I made a mistake by planting green-seeded broad beans straight into the ground. The frosts damaged them but the very cold winds burned the foliage and they are almost dead. Is there time to plant some more? I think I will sow them in cells as you so often recommend. GL, Emsworth.

A: I often remind you they are the best broad beans but they are not hardy. Sow some in the next two or three weeks. If you grow plants in cells it gives you a good chance to plant them when it is convenient for you and you can choose the right weather as they can stay in the cells for several weeks. If they begin to grow too tall, give them a feed of Maxicrop Complete liquid plant food.

Q: I had an amaryllis for Christmas but it only had green leaves, not a single flower. GG, PO6.

A: Feed it once a month with a tomato fertilser. Stop watering and feeding in August and allow the leaves to die off. Pot into new compost after taking off all the leaves in October and keep perfectly dry until you see a fat flower bud about next February

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