Question
Hello,

Is there any trick to growing the queen victoria?  I put it in my garden this year and it appears to want to grow up but the weight of it brings it down.  I am just now starting to get some of the red flowers from it but only on one stalk.  do i need to support it better with something?  Also, it appears almost like something is chewing on the lower stems.  Thanks for any help you can provide!

Answer
Hi Jim,
thanx for your question. You may need to stake the plant if it is top heavy.  I don't know that this is a common problem.  They get about 24-36 inches tall and I suppose if you have a lot of wind it will wreak havoc upon them so I would stake them.  It's possible that slugs or grasshoppers or some other insect is chewing on the lower stems.  If it becomes a problem you can buy a pesticide from your local nursery.  I am hesitant to recommend pesticides so you're on your own on that one.  Your nursery should be able to help you pick one out.  I hope this helps.
Tom