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A flower bed, decorated with a modest but bright heliotrope, exuding an amazing aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, compares favorably with other flower beds. The flower fascinates with mystery and gives the site a special charm, constantly changing its position. An unusual feature of the plant and assigned to it the name “heliotrope” – turning behind the sun. Caring for him is not difficult. It does not create difficulties and the cultivation of heliotrope from seeds.
Features of growing heliotrope from seeds
The fragrant and lush flower is highly decorative. Bright green ovoid leaves with a velvety surface are surrounded on all sides by numerous small heliotrope flowers, collected in inflorescences. The decorative appearance is preserved even after flowering.
The traditional purple hue of the heliotrope as a result of selection was complemented by blue, pink and white colors.
It blooms all summer, until frost. It fits perfectly into group compositions, and low-growing varieties are good for growing in large flowerpots and planters.
The homeland of the plant is South America, therefore, in the climate of mid-latitudes, its cultivation as a perennial is impossible. The winter period is detrimental to the flower. Faded heliotrope is usually removed and the ground dug up to plant a new one in the spring. However, you can save it if you dig up a bush, transplant it into a pot and transfer it to a room with diffused light and a temperature of at least 16-18 ° C.
When growing heliotrope (pictured) with seeds, it is not recommended to sow them in the ground until frost has passed, according to gardeners, it is best to plant a flower with seedlings.
A feature of the culture is the movement of its petals after the sun, so it needs to be planted in sunny areas. The plant does not tolerate soil moisture well. On the selected site there should be no groundwater, reservoirs and lowlands where moisture will accumulate after rains.
Due to the propensity of heliotrope to fungal diseases, the soil should be steamed or disinfected with a solution of manganese before planting.
What do the seeds look like
After flowering, a seed box is formed, which, as it ripens, changes its color: from green to dark brown to black. Darkening indicates that the seeds are already ripe and the fruit will soon open and throw them away.
Heliotrope seeds (pictured) are black, irregularly shaped, small.
Heliotrope seeds are sorted out before use, sorting out too small and unsuitable specimens
The seed is thoroughly dried and removed until spring in a paper bag.
When to plant heliotrope for seedlings
In order to see the flowering of the heliotrope by the end of May – the beginning of June, seeds are sown in February-March. Growth rates depend on the availability of all conditions for its cultivation: air temperature and lighting.
Sowing heliotrope for seedlings
Heliotrope seeds do not need to be prepared for planting; neither soaking nor freezing is required. They are sown dry.
It is better to use seeds purchased from a specialized store for growing.
Tank preparation
In the selection of boxes is also not necessary. Any improvised container will do:
- zander;
- egg carton;
- flower pot;
- container.
Drainage holes should be made at the bottom to release excess moisture. Rinse the containers with soapy water and disinfect in a solution of baking soda. But the preparation of land for the cultivation of heliotrope should be taken seriously.
Soil Preparation
The soil should be loose and light, with an acidity of no more than 6Ph. An ideal option for growing it would be a mixture of peat and sand in a ratio of 4: 1. You can use a substrate designed for indoor plants. Before sowing, the prepared land must be disinfected by steaming in an oven or in a water bath. To protect the flower from possible diseases and pests, the soil is watered with a solution of manganese.
How to sow heliotrope for seedlings
Sowing several varieties of heliotrope at once, use stickers that indicate the name and date of sowing. Pay attention to the timing of sowing seeds, for different varieties they may differ.
Seeding algorithm:
- The planting container is 2/3 filled with soil mixture.
- The surface is leveled.
- They make grooves.
- Evenly distribute the seeds, sprinkle them on top with a layer of sand (2 mm).
- The soil is moistened with a spray bottle and the container is covered with a film to keep moisture longer.
The planting container should be placed in a room with diffused light and ventilated daily, periodically spraying the crops with warm water.
Growing heliotrope seedlings
From the moment of sowing seeds to the first shoots, it takes from 2 to 3 weeks. After the appearance of sprouts, the shelter is removed and the seedlings are rearranged in a lighted place. And the better the sunlight penetrates to it, the faster the heliotrope will grow.
Plants are periodically watered using planting trays, and after 2 weeks it is recommended to feed them. For this, any complex fertilizer is suitable.
When two true sheets appear, the heliotrope is dived into an individual container.
Picks
For picking, it is better to use deep containers – at least 10 cm, so as not to constrain the root system
You can dive both into small flower pots and into disposable cups, carefully removing the sprouts along with the ground. It is recommended to tie up high shoots of heliotrope by sticking a stick or plastic tube next to it.
1 week after picking, heliotrope seedlings need to be fed again.
In sprouts 10 cm high, pinch the tops to stimulate the growth of side shoots.
Watering and top dressing
In the homeland of a flower, air humidity is always consistently high, which means that when growing it in middle latitudes, it is necessary to create the most approximate conditions. The soil must always be moist, otherwise the culture will lose its decorative effect. During the hot period, the heliotrope must be watered daily, in addition, it is advisable to organize spraying, because. the flower is very fond of the shower. If the summer is rainy, then there is no need for watering. Excess moisture can lead to plant damage by fungal infections.
Top dressing after planting in the ground and before flowering is carried out every 2 weeks, alternating complex and organic fertilizers. Bring them in the evenings, immediately after watering.
The earth periodically needs to be loosened. It is more difficult for summer residents who visit the plots once a week to create the necessary conditions for growing heliotrope, but if the soil around the flowers is covered with a layer of mulch, then there will be no need for loosening and weeding.
A layer of mulch gives the flower garden a well-groomed appearance and inhibits the growth of weeds.
In addition, the mulch layer retains soil moisture longer, and on rainy days absorbs excess moisture, protecting flowers from direct contact with damp soil.
Transplant into the ground
Seedlings, previously hardened for 5-7 days, are planted in open ground in early June.
The site for growing heliotrope is chosen with loose and humus-rich soil. It is recommended to apply organic fertilizers to depleted soil before planting. Heavy soil can be lightened by adding river sand, and sandy soil can be weighted with clay.
Transplantation is done by transshipment from individual containers into pits prepared in advance.
After planting, the ground around the bushes should be firmly tamped with palms and watered well. The transplanted plant will begin to bloom in late summer.
Heliotrope can also be grown from seed as a houseplant, at home it becomes a perennial and blooms for several seasons in a row. The process of growing in a house is no different from cultivating a flower in a flower bed.
Conclusion
Growing heliotrope from seeds is not difficult and is accessible to any beginner. A bright flower will be a wonderful element of decor in the garden, while enveloping it with a warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.
