Does anyone know if anything can be done to induce fragrance on flowering plants ? Let's forget about the human subjective element. We know that certain weather conditions must prevail and the plant must reach a certain amount of maturity. So any ideas ? Soil conditions ? Special feeding ?
As far as I know, it is all related to genetics - a particular plant produces a particular amount of fragrance, and growing conditions won't alter that very much if at all. It also depends on human genetics, some people can't smell some fragrances, while other people can.
In some plants flowers seem to have more fragrance on warm days or cool evenings. Herbs grown in dry, sunny, hot climates have more aroma (I guess the compounds become more concentrated in the plants). Stronger healthier plants seem to produce stronger fragrance. So I think cultural conditions and climate have something to do with it, but I think Michael is right in that the major factor is the genetics. If the plant does not have genes that cause it to produce fragrant compounds it's not going to happen. Interesting topic. Also genetic engineering could probably make a marigold smell like a rose if research were put to the issue. Hard to say what the future of all that will one day be.
Hi Belinda, Nice to read you here. A very hard question about fragrance!! I wanted to look on a book but i have lended it to a friend. It's about fragrant plants. I shall have a look later and tell you. Thanks for Heleniums and Silphium!! JP
Yes, agreed with what's been said but my question pertains to plants that are supposed to be fragrant so assume they have the correct genetic makeup - they're just not fragrant. Some of my friends have Hamamelis x Diane, and Jalena, and neither has any scent. These would not be classified in the 'very fragrant' category anyway but they should still have some scent up close. I went down to the local nursery to check their plants and they were all scented, Diane more than Jalena or Arnold's Promise. In fact they had 1 very expensive specimen of Diane emitting most of the fragrance, surrounded by the others only mildly scented at best, but definitely scented. Hi JP Nice to read you here too. Glad you joined - I am enjoying being here and so will you. Be sure to check out all the photography, but I'm sure you will find your way around. I'm doubtful of finding the seed, but we'll see.
My "Diane" is not fragrant unfortunately!! But i have i nice photo of it. Is it possible to put it in a post? If yes how can i do ?
JP Under the 'Quick Reply' box you will see two boxes saying 'Post Quick Reply' and 'Go advanced' - pick the 'Go Advanced'. Under the Message Box you will find a box that says 'Additional Options' and there you will find 'Manage Attachments'. Post again if any problems.
Okay, that didn't work - maybe the link to photobucket is not allowed. Anyway, don't worry, Daniel will help you tomorrow. I know the above instructions will work if you upload the files from your computer so if you have the picture in your computer, try to upload from there.
You just need to post the URL to the pic, and that will work. I'll edit one of yours, and you can do the other.
