Contents
Gelenium is a herbaceous perennial that is planted for decorative purposes. Such a plant characterizes late flowering, it is considered one of the easiest to grow. Planting and caring for a perennial gelenium provides for a whole range of activities. Compliance with agricultural technology provides optimal conditions for the full development and regular flowering.
How gelenium reproduces
Planting material can be obtained in several ways. The method is determined based on the presence of the mother bush and the varietal affiliation of the plant.
Propagation of gelenium by cuttings
This method is considered the least effective. The cuttings are taken from the stem of a perennial gelenium. It is advisable to do this in the spring, during the active growing season of the flower.
The stalk is soaked in liquid for 1-2 weeks. During this period, small roots should appear on it. After that, the plant is placed in a container with a nutrient substrate, which is covered with a transparent film.
Reproduction of helenium by dividing the bush
This option is the most preferred. Mature bushes consist of a large number of shoots. They can be divided without damage to the perennial plant.
The bush is dug out of the soil, the roots are cleaned. Then it is disassembled into sockets, which are seated in a new place.
The procedure is carried out in late spring or summer. They allow division and planting in the fall, but then all surface shoots from the gelenium must be removed.
The nuances of seed propagation
This method is recommended in the absence of a mother perennial bush that can be divided. Helenium should also be planted with seeds when growing new varieties.
The seedling method is laborious. In addition, not all types of perennial gelenium can be grown from seeds. Some hybrid varieties wither immediately after flowering. Seed boxes are formed on them, so it is impossible to collect planting material. Such varieties are grown only by cuttings or division.
Gelenium seeds are characterized by low germination. However, it can be increased through proper stratification.
Dried seeds have the lowest germination
For planting, it is recommended to use fresh material. It is harvested in autumn and sown before winter.
Growing seedlings of perennial gelenium from seeds
First you need to prepare planting material, containers and nutrient soil mixture. Planting is carried out strictly according to the instructions in order to increase the germination of seeds.
When to plant gelenium for seedlings
The plant can be sown directly into the ground. This is done in the autumn season so that the seedlings adapt to the upcoming cold. Another option is to plant perennial gelenium seeds for seedlings. It is held in February or early March.
Preparation of containers and soil
Seedlings require fertile soil. Helenium seeds germinate best in well-moistened soil with neutral acidity.
Landing is carried out in suitable containers:
- seedling cassettes;
- peat glasses, tablets;
- small pots;
- food containers;
- cut plastic bottles.
The soil is recommended to be disinfected by heat treatment. Also for these purposes, you can use disinfecting tablets, for example, Glyokladin.
How to sow gelenium for seedlings
The general principles of sowing are not much different from planting other types of perennials. Before the procedure, the seeds should be soaked in water. Then they are placed in a growth stimulator.
Next steps:
- Fill the seedling container with soil.
- Make furrows or indentations 2-3 cm in it.
- Place the seeds inside at a distance of 4-5 cm from each other.
- Sprinkle with loose soil.
- Humidify with a spray bottle.
The container is covered with foil. It is left for 8-10 days before the first shoots appear. Then the shelter must be removed so that the seedlings do not experience a lack of oxygen.
Care of seedlings
Seedlings should be grown in the cold. The optimum temperature is 6-8 degrees. It can be kept in the refrigerator, on the bottom shelf. The container with seedlings should be placed in a spacious plastic bag. Periodically, seedlings are taken out of the refrigerator, aired in a place lit by the sun.
Regular watering is required. The soil is moistened with a spray gun 1 time in 8-10 days. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the earth. If it dries quickly, the frequency of watering should be increased.
The pick is carried out when 3 leaves appear
When the seedlings grow up, they are seated in separate containers. After picking, they should be kept in a room in a lit place.
How to plant gelenium outdoors
In order for a perennial plant to fully develop and bloom, it requires certain conditions. Proper planting in open ground is of paramount importance.
Deadlines
When growing gelenium from seeds, planting on the site is carried out in the spring. This is usually done in mid-late April, when the risk of frost is excluded. In the Urals and Siberia, landing can be postponed to the beginning of May.
Site selection and soil preparation
Perennial helenium needs a site protected from strong winds. The place should not be located in lowlands where it is possible to wash away the roots with groundwater.
The soil for a perennial flower needs nutritious, loose and breathable. Acidity neutral – 6-7 pH. A mandatory requirement is the presence of full drainage.
Before planting a plant on the site, weeds must be removed. After that, the soil is dug up, at the same time compost is introduced.
Landing algorithm
Seedlings grown from gelenium seeds at home must be prepared for transfer to open ground. The plant is thoroughly moistened to facilitate extraction from the soil. Some gardeners recommend soaking the roots in water for 20-30 minutes and then drying them outdoors. The procedure is carried out immediately before landing.
How to plant perennial gelenium:
- Dig a planting hole 3 times the length of the roots.
- Place a drainage layer of crushed stone, expanded clay or pebbles on the bottom.
- Fill the hole halfway with soil.
- Place the seedling, straighten the roots.
- Sprinkle with loose earth.
- Produce abundant watering.
For abundant flowering, when planting, mineral fertilizer with nitrogen is immediately applied.
Top dressing will help the perennial flower to quickly adapt to a new place.
When and how to transplant gelenium
The plant can be in one place up to 20 years. Usually, a perennial gelenium transplant is required if the site is chosen incorrectly or if the bush needs to be divided for propagation.
The procedure can be carried out in spring and summer, until August. The plant must be dug to a depth of 1.5-2 bayonets of a shovel, removed from the soil and placed in a new planting hole.
Is it possible to transplant blooming gelenium
Gardeners do not recommend digging up a perennial plant in the fall. When the gelenium blooms, it is more sensitive to adverse factors. Damage to the roots will lead to early wilting. If it is planned to transplant the gelenium in the fall to another place, the surface shoots with buds must be removed. Then the plant will have time to take root before the onset of winter.
Rules for growing perennial gelenium
The described decorative culture is considered unpretentious. It is enough to know the basic rules for planting and caring for geleniums and photos of flowers in order to grow them on your site.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
Perennial varieties of gelenium do not tolerate drought well. The flower needs regular watering. For each bush you need 15-20 liters of water.
So that the gelenium does not dry out in the summer, it is watered every 2-3 days
With abundant watering, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the soil. If it has become dense, loosening is carried out.
During the season, the plant is fed three times:
- In May, urea and potassium sulfate are added, 1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water. The mixture is injected under the root.
- When flowering. Mullein and complex mineral fertilizer are mixed in 20 liters of water.
- In October. After flowering, add superphosphate 1 spoon per 1 bucket of liquid.
The abuse of mineral dressings harms the perennial gelenium. Therefore, fertilizers must be applied in strict accordance with the schedule.
Weeding and mulching
Weeds in the area around the gelenium are removed as they appear. This procedure is especially important in August, when most types of harmful plants shed their seeds.
Mulching is done to retain moisture in the soil. This procedure protects the roots from overheating in the summer.
Used as mulch:
- dry manure;
- compost;
- straw;
- peat;
- sawdust;
- the bark
Mulch is applied to a depth of 8-10 cm, and also scattered on the surface of the soil around the roots. Such raw materials later become a source of nutrients.
Trimming, installation of supports
Haircut is carried out for preventive purposes, as well as for the formation of a bush. Withered and withered shoots are removed from the perennial. The procedure is carried out with secateurs or garden shears. Cut the bush in the spring at the beginning of the growing season and in the fall, in preparation for wintering.
Perennial gelenium has strong stems. The installation of supports is required only for tall varieties whose shoot length exceeds 120 cm. Frame structures or trellises are used.
Preparation for winter
In October, the perennial plant is pruned. Remove all surface shoots, leaving 5-6 cm. Cut stems are covered with moss, sawdust or dry foliage. In the south and in the middle lane, this is enough for reliable protection against frost. In the Urals and Siberia, the bush must be covered with a breathable film or burlap.
Diseases and pests
Perennial gelenium is resistant to infections. Fluid stagnation, excessive moisture can lead to the development of diseases.
The main diseases of gelenium:
- fusarium wilt;
- gray rot;
- powdery mildew.
In case of infection, diseased shoots must be removed and burned. The bush is treated with copper sulphate or a fungicide.
Wilting and darkening of the flower indicates damage by nematodes
The most dangerous pest of perennial gelenium are root worms. They interfere with the normal movement of juices through the plant, which leads to its death. For treatment and prevention, insecticidal solutions and disinfecting tablets must be applied to the soil.
Conclusion
Planting and caring for a perennial gelenium are procedures that are feasible even for novice gardeners. The flower tolerates adverse environmental conditions well, unpretentious. It is enough to observe agrotechnical standards and timely water and feed the plant.