Snapdragon

The lion's pharynx got its name for a unique appearance, in which everyone will see the lion's mouth wide open. This is especially evident in plants with a yellow and orange color. Antirrinum, as this flower is actually called, is very much loved by gardeners for its appearance and unpretentiousness. For good flowering is to know how to plant it.

Snapdragon: photos and features

The climate of the southern regions allows sowing antirrinum immediately into the ground. With the middle band this can not be done. Therefore, you first have to deal with planting snapdragons for seedlings. Already after, when the sprouts appear and get stronger, transfer it to the dacha or any other open area.

Although the snapdragon is planted as an annual, it actually belongs to the group of perennial plants and is able to spend the winter under the snow. But for this it is necessary to cover the cut bushes before the frosts, for which the usual tops are quite suitable.

What the anti-rinum definitely doesn’t like, and what all gardeners need to take into account, is the drought. Moreover, the lack of moisture is undesirable not only in the soil, but also in the air. For this reason, special emphasis is placed on irrigation and spraying. In order to prevent possible diseases, the bulk of the water should only flow into the root zone, under the stem.

The snapdragon is a light-loving specimen. At the same time it transfers the direct sunshine badly. The soil under it is drained, loosened and fertile.

Reproduction of this plant occurs in 2 ways: cuttings and seeds. The latter is more affordable. Moreover, the seeds are suitable for use within 2-3 years.

Planting a lion's throat for seedlings: the choice of the right variety

Since this flower is quite unpretentious, it does not make much sense to select its specific species. Nevertheless, given the fact that the number of varieties of it is already begging for 1000, it should be a little easier for those who decided to buy and plant this plant. All existing species can be divided into 4 categories according to the height of the bush.

• In group 1, the height of the flower starts at 70 cm and is capable of reaching 1.2 m. The branching of such bushes is weak. Such plants are mainly grown for the purpose of their use in bouquets or gardening of plots. At the same time to distribute the bushes required at 0.5 m from each other. This category is distinguished by the presence of large and fairly dense inflorescences. Blooming period is late, often at the beginning or middle of July. Flowering continues in most cases until frost. Of particular varieties, attention was given to Alaska (white flowers), VelvetGiant (black and red) and Rocket (green and white).
• The height of group 2 is 40-60 cm. The branches in the bushes are good, the inflorescences are almost the same size, but the number of flowers is smaller. It is necessary to place the bushes at a closer distance: it is enough to keep a distance of 30 cm. Flowering can happen in any summer month. They, like tall species, need a garter. Preference is given to the varieties Wildrose (rich pink flowers), Libesglut (cherry), Coronette (wide palette).
• Group 3 is undersized. Bushes do not exceed 40 cm in height, and the lower border is 25 cm. Shoots and 1 and 2 orders of magnitude actively bloom, but the density of inflorescences is small. But they themselves may be as large as in group 1. Crimson Velvet (velvety-red), Shneefiocke (white) varieties bloom well.
• The last group is dwarf bushes. Their height is 15-20 cm. The branching is strong, there are many shoots of the 3rd and 4th order. Inflorescences, like the plant itself, are short, not too dense, small. The flowering period can last for the whole summer depending on the variety. This group is most often chosen for growth in pots, and not at the dacha. However, due to the peculiarities of the appearance and the lack of the required showiness, dwarf snapdragon is not for everyone. However, it does have one indisputable plus. Such a variety of shades found in any other group will not succeed. Popular variety is Floral, known precisely for its rich assortment.

Snapdragon: landing and care

For the cultivation of lion pharynx from seeds is required to adhere to the same method as with any thermophilic annuals. And all because it does not require adherence to any varietal standards. The landing period of the lion's pharynx for seedlings is from March to April. 1 decade of April in this case is preferable even for the earliest varieties. Any plastic containers, bowls, flower pots can serve as containers. The most important thing to take care of is the drainage holes.

By the choice of soil, the snapdragon is unpretentious, but unlike the scheme of work with other annuals, it is not possible to use peat with it. This material shifts the alkaline balance of the soil in the direction of acid. Garden land with a small amount of coarse sand is best suited. She filled the container, after which the substrate is moistened.

The seeds of antirrhinum are very small and light, they should be mixed with sand. Landing is not required. But it is necessary to sprinkle with water at room temperature from the sprayer. On top, it is mandatory to overlay either glass, which coincides with the capacity for seedlings in size, or a thin film. Such reception is carried out with the purpose of protection against possible drying.

Condensate that forms on the surface will have to be cleaned daily to give the seedlings aired. When the substrate begins to dry, it should be re-moistened with a spray bottle. The seedbed should be kept in a warm place, where the temperature will be between 20-22 ° C. Under direct sunlight, the container is rearranged only at the moment when the first sprouts are projected. A lion's mouth that did not receive light will delight with a much smaller number of buds. When absolutely all shoots appear, the glass is removed completely.

Transplanting seedlings in separate pots is carried out not earlier than the first leaves. Do not choose very spacious containers. It will be enough if their diameter is 10 cm. When moving grown seedlings, it is important to be careful. Cannot damage the root system. Therefore, gardeners recommend to carry the seedling with a large lump of earth. You need to put it on any surface. In the soil that filled the new pot, dig a well and plant a sprout in it.

Fertilizing of young plants is carried out not earlier than 7 days after transplantation. For this purpose, complex fertilizers are used for any flowering annual. Top dressing is repeated 2 times a month. And after the height of seedlings will be 8-10 cm, there comes a moment of preparing the flower for tillering. To do this, it is pinned on a mandatory basis over 5 sheets. This procedure is necessary for the lion's mouth of the first 2 groups - tall and medium.

The transfer of seedlings to open ground is due to weather conditions. If the frosts have passed, and the weather has become steadily warm, you can begin landing. You can ease the task if you do not moisten the soil the day before. Then problems with the extraction of seedlings will not arise.

Growing the lion's pharynx from seed begins with harvesting seedlings. It does not require special care. The main thing is to water the shoots in time and not to put them under strong sunshine. Proper care will allow you to create stunning flowerbeds on your summer cottage or on the balcony and simply decorate the flower beds according to the intended pattern.