Snapdragon needs no introduction, as it is one of the most famous ornamental plants. Moreover, it has such pronounced decorative properties that any place can radically transform, regardless of whether it is planted in a flower bed in a garden or in an ordinary summer cottage. This flower is not only very beautiful, but also does not pose any problems in care. This can be noted in relation to planting a snapdragon, so even a novice florist can cope with this task.
Snapdragon is one of the brightest representatives of perennial plants, which by its presence can decorate a flower bed in the garden, making it even more expressive. First flowers formed in the first month of summer, subsequently they will give aesthetic pleasure to the summer resident until the first frost. At the same time, the owner does not have to spend a lot of time and effort caring for this plant.
Content
Plant varieties
Snapdragon differs in that it provides for many types. The work of developing new varieties of this crop is the goal of many breeders. In view of such an increased interest in snapdragon, to date, a large number of its species and hybrids, differing in their color, have been bred.
It is enough to look at the packages of seeds to understand how diverse these colorful flowers can be. Moreover, in each case it will be about the snapdragon. Unfortunately, the varieties available today have not been able to cover full color palette, in which there are no blue and blue shades.
Snapdragon, also known as doggies, is one of the well-known herbaceous plants that develop many straight, branched stems during development. The varieties of this plant differ in stem height. The leaves of the snapdragon are usually elongated, green in color, and also necessarily decorated with a thin fleecy cover. If we turn to the name of the plant, then it is associated with the shape of the flowers, which are very similar to the open mouth of a lion.
How does snapdragon plant propagate?
Planting and leaving - the main events on which the flowers will turn out depends. One of the available plant propagation methods is sowing seeds. Moreover, you can get new seedlings in two ways:
- with the help of seedlings;
- by planting in open ground.
In very rare cases, summer residents resort to the latter method. The reason for this is due to the fact that at the beginning of spring, when it is already time to sow seeds in open ground, the earth does not have time to warm up, as a result, it becomes very difficult to grow snapdragons in this way. Therefore, many growers most often use the seedling propagation method: provided that all recommendations for growing at home are followed, you can get quite strong seedlings of flowers.
However, you can save yourself the laborious work and buy ready-made seedlings of snapdragon flowers.But in this case it is necessary in the most careful way inspect the purchased planting material... It must be of very high quality. Then you will have confidence that beautiful and healthy flowers will grow from it.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the leaves and root system. The roots should not show signs of disease, and they themselves should be well developed. When assessing the condition of the stems, one must take into account that they should not be thin and weak. The leaves decorating them should have juicy colors. Much can be learned from the condition of the soil - if it is dry, then, most likely, the seedlings were poorly looked after.
If you are eager to get strong and healthy snapdragon seedlings, then you need to consider the following recommendations, which will help you avoid many mistakes. This way you will know what conditions are favorable for growing flowers and you can, after sowing, get the seedlings you expect.
How are seeds sown?
To get strong snapdragon seedlings at home, you need not only correctly determine the appropriate sowing dates, but also to carry out certain preparatory measures in relation to planting material.
The fact that this plant has such a quality as unpretentiousness saves the grower from many problems. Therefore, he does not have to prepare a highly fertile soil mixture, as well as create optimal conditions for development. However, this does not mean that you can ignore them. It is imperative to take into account the peculiarities of plants and, in accordance with them, create the necessary microclimate. In this case, you will be satisfied with the result.
You can plan sowing seeds for seedlings in early April or May. But first you have to prepare everything you need:
- planting material (selected variety of snapdragon seeds);
- containers for landing;
- soil and blade;
- sieve.
Agricultural technology of cultivation
Sowing seeds of snapdragon seedlings can be carried out in wooden boxes, as well as in individual flower pots. Having decided on a container for seedlings, you need to pour soil into them and level the surface. As a mixture, you can use a light, loose substrate that is available at any flower shop.
When sowing seeds should be placed densely enough... However, you need to be very careful and take care that the seedlings are not too densely packed. Then the seeds need to be lightly pressed into the soil, and a layer of earth should be poured on top. The easiest way to do this is with a sieve. Then the layer of earth covering the seeds will turn out to be light, and this will help speed up the process of seed germination. When all actions are completed, plantings must be watered with a small amount of water using a spray bottle. Finally, a plastic wrap or a piece of glass is placed over the containers with landings.
For rapid germination of antirrinum seedlings, it is recommended to install the boxes in a warm place.
The most favorable for sprouting is temperature from + 20 to + 23 degrees... Also for them it is necessary to create soft, diffused lighting. Usually after 14 days you will notice the first sprouts: from this moment you can start airing the boxes with seeds. Gradually, the duration of such hardening can be increased, then soon you can remove the film altogether.
While the seedlings are still small, they need to ensure regular watering. The main thing is to avoid long breaks between soil moistening, since snapdragons are very responsive to moisture. Usually, after a month, the first two true leaves are formed. When this happens, know that it is time to pick the seedlings in individual containers. Transplanting young seedlings should be extremely careful, making sure that the roots are not damaged.
In addition to a pick, you can pinching the top of the sprouts... However, this can be done at the stage when they grow up to 10 cm. Such an operation will speed up the process of forming side shoots, and this will help you get lush flowers.
When and how to plant antirrinum in the garden?
The most favorable moment for transplanting snapdragon seedlings to a permanent place is the moment when the last wave of frost passes and warm weather sets in. At this stage of development, the seedlings will reach a state in which they will look like small bushes. It is recommended to choose a sunny location for planting in a permanent snapdragon seedling site. At the same time, the plant will grow well in those areas where there is partial shading.
During transplanting seedlings, it is necessary adhere to the following scheme:
- for low-growing plants - 15 x 15 cm;
- for tall varieties - at least 40 cm.
How to care for young plantings and flowers?
After transplanting the seedlings to a permanent place, the owner will need to carry out regular watering, fertilizing and from time to time loosen the soil. The first time fertilizer must be applied already after 2-2.5 weeks after transplanting seedlings into open ground. It is best to start feeding the plants with organic fertilizers. This can be, for example, nitrophoska. Subsequently, top dressing is applied no more than once every two weeks until autumn.
Conclusion
Most growers are very familiar with a plant like snapdragons. Therefore, among the plants that they plant in flower beds, it is antirrinum that becomes one of the first. It attracts many because it does not create problems both during planting and in care. Therefore, many summer residents are engaged in the cultivation of this plant.
Despite the fact that it is possible to grow snapdragons both through seedlings and by sowing in open ground, the first method is most often chosen, since favorable conditions are not always created in spring for sowing in cold soil. However, it is not very difficult to grow snapdragons through seedlings, since care will only come down to regular watering. In the future, caring for him in the flower bed will require regular feeding and loosening.
Victoria
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