Heliotrope flower - growing from seed
Content:
Heliotrope is beautiful in the flowering stage. Its appearance captivates, and the aroma does not leave you indifferent. Perfumers gave him the highest score and began to use it to compose perfume compositions. It is also popular with gardeners. The flower is used in both single and group plantings.
Heliotrope - perennial or annual
Heliotrope is a shrub from the borage family. His homeland is the southern part of the American continent. Under natural conditions, it is a perennial plant. It grows well in the same place for a long time. In the conditions of the Russian climate, it can only be grown as an annual flower, because it does not withstand low temperatures, being in open conditions.
Heliotrope in bloom
Useful properties of heliotrope and signs associated with it
Heliotrope flowers are used in alternative medicine as an antiparasitic agent, in the presence of kidney stones, to remove papillomas and warts.
The heliotrope plant has an unusual property to unfold inflorescences in the direction of sunlight during the day. It looks unusual. People have long attributed various magical qualities to him. For example, there is a belief that this is the best protection against evil spirits and thieves. And the flower is also a symbol of devotion, fidelity, love, trust. A heliotrope shrub planted in the yard can make family relationships better. Brings harmony, joy, good luck to the house.
Why is heliotrope recommended to grow from seeds
Growing from seed is an easier way than grafting. For novice florists, this is the best option. Germination and transformation into a healthy and strong shrub is ensured by observing simple conditions and rules of care.
How to collect seeds for future planting
The main condition for seed germination is full ripening. Therefore, the seeds are collected only at this stage. In some climatic zones, this is unattainable, so planting material should be purchased at the store.
A sign of ripe seeds is a rich black color. The seeds ripen in capsules that appear in place of flowers. The seeds are very small, about the size of a poppy seed. As a rule, one box contains 4 pcs. The seeds are carefully collected and dried.
Popular types and varieties of heliotrope
There are many varieties that determine the size of the plant, as well as the conditions in which healthy heliotrope can be grown. It can be planting in a group or singly in the open field, or in small containers. Looks great in pots that hang at the top of the wall. Below is a brief description of several of the more popular varieties.
Heliotrope Sea Breeze
Differs in rich purple petals, as well as persistent, graceful aroma. You can grow this species both outdoors and in a flowerpot on a windowsill. In the latter version, it is required to pinch from time to time so that the heliotrope shrub retains its decorative effect.
Sea breeze variety
Heliotrope Marine (Marina)
This tree-like heliotrope, planting and caring for which is almost the same as for other varieties, is distinguished by its tallness. An adult plant grows up to half a meter. The inflorescences correspond to the green mass and are quite large in size.
Heliotrope European
It is an annual herbaceous shrub. It has a straight, curly stem with a fringe. Height of an adult plant is 25-40 cm. The leaf is light green, egg-shaped, small in size. The flowers are grouped in spirals at the top of the shoots. Painted white. The seeds are small. They are located inside shriveled nuts, resembling an egg in shape.
Heliotrope Odysseus
Balconies and loggias are often decorated with this decorative variety. Grown in flowerpots. The dacha is a great place to create a beautiful floral carpet. Blooms for a long time. After one flower fades, another appears in its place. Flowering can continue until the first frost occurs.
Odyssey variety
Heliotrope: planting and care in the open field
When landing, it is worth deciding on a place. You need a well-lit area and protected from drafts. Nutritious soil containing humus, loose so that the water does not stagnate.
Watering is carried out when the topsoil is completely dry. When there is no rain for a long time, water more often. After moistening, the soil is loosened, removing unnecessary grass. Around shrubs, it is recommended to cover the soil with mulch to save time: the amount of weeding, loosening and watering will decrease.
The plant needs to be fed from the very beginning of the growth process until the moment when the heliotrope color is released. Fertilizing a couple of times a month is sufficient.
When to plant heliotrope for seedlings
The seedlings must be planted at the right time to germinate and develop into a healthy and flowering shrub.
Flowering after planting in a permanent place of seedling growth will begin after 4 months. Perhaps a little earlier. Therefore, the right time for sowing is late February or early March. For seedlings, it is better to use purchased seeds. Those that gather independently in Russian climatic conditions are unlikely to sprout, since they have little germination. Before planting, you can soak the seeds for 24 hours in warm water, to which you can add a growth stimulant.
Soil preparation and containers
The soil for seedlings should contain peat and some sand, which must be steamed in order to disinfect to eliminate potential pathogens. Prepared compacted soil is poured into a previously prepared container, then it is necessary to sow the seeds, sprinkle them with earth and cover them on top with simple glass or plastic wrap.
Planting seedlings
Seedlings appear in one or three weeks. After pecking them, the containers are placed on the windowsill so that the seedlings receive a sufficient amount of sunlight.
Reproduction of heliotrope by cuttings
Another way to propagate a plant is with cuttings.This is a more complicated method and is therefore recommended for experienced florists. In the autumn, the shrub is dug out of the soil, planted in separate pots and kept at home throughout the winter. Artificial light sources are often used as flowers require a lot of light during this period.
When early flowering is required, cuttings are carried out in mid-January. Cuttings are planted in cups of peat and placed under a film, creating the effect of a greenhouse.
Young plants should be looked after as if they were seedlings: water sparingly if necessary and ensure there is enough light. Gradually, with the growth of the root system, they are transplanted into larger containers. Pinching required for luxurious flowering.
Seedlings are planted in open ground in late spring and early summer. Frosts should completely stop at night, since low temperatures are detrimental to the plant.
Caring for heliotrope in a flower bed
Growing a heliotrope flower requires the right location. The ideal option is an area open to sunlight, protected from drafts.
Heliotrope in the flowerbed
Watering is carried out systematically and moderately when the soil surface dries. The ground should always be slightly damp. In drought, the frequency of watering is increased. Heat, as well as cold, negatively affects the culture and reduces its decorative effect.
How to feed heliotrope for lush flowering
It is necessary to fertilize already at the seedling stage, 7-14 days after planting in a permanent place of growth. The most effective are fertilizing with complex fertilizers. You can alternate the introduction of organic and mineral compounds with a break of 2 weeks. The right time is in the evening, after watering.
Heliotrope disease prevention and pest control
Heliotrope flower is a culture that is resistant to all sorts of diseases and pests, but with improper care, for example, excessive watering, it can be exposed to a number of diseases. For this culture, rust and gray rot are typical diseases.
When damaged by gray rot, brown spots form on the leaf plates. A gray fluff appears from above. Turns black over time. Such leaves and other affected parts of the shrub are burned so that the disease does not spread. Healthy parts are treated with copper oxychloride or copper sulfate.
Rust appears at the beginning of plant growth and development. If treatment is not started on time, the branches will break and grow incorrectly. The green mass will begin to fade. The treatment procedure consists in the treatment with Bordeaux liquid or colloidal sulfur solution.
How can heliotrope be treated for disease prevention?
For preventive purposes, the plant is treated with insecticides in early March. The best effect is achieved with autumn processing. For example, Aktellikom. Sometimes one procedure is enough. If necessary, do a second treatment after 7 days.
Another preventive measure is to thin out the plantings, if necessary, so that air can circulate freely among the branches.
The heliotrope color is so beautiful that it leaves no one indifferent. Any flower bed is transformed after planting this plant. In addition, the flowers have a delicate and delicate aroma.
