Lavertera

Representatives of the family malvovyh loved gardeners for simplicity and neat appearance, allowing them to fit into almost any suburban area. They are especially valuable for those who not so long ago are engaged in the cultivation of flowers, because working with them is easy. You can try to grow from the seeds of such a plant, such as laureate.

Cultivation from seeds of laureates: photos and features of varieties

This representative malvovye not able to boast an abundance of varieties and species. In total, there are no more than 25 of them, and even less are taking root in the middle lane. The most common here is a three-month laureate. Her lush bushes with bright gramophone colors make it easy to fill the space. But the main thing is that in this case you will not have to worry too much about watering, feeding, sheltering, pruning, etc. - the culture is surprisingly unpretentious.

The three-month maker is an annual, and its name indicates the period of development of the bush. This is how much time passes from the moment of planting to the day when the buds open. The height of the plant is quite large - 1.2 m is an average. With such dimensions, the bush has very strong, powerful roots. The leaves have a heart-shaped form. The diameter of the flowers reaches 10 cm, and they themselves are either in the leaf axils, or on the top of the bush.

The hue will depend on the particular variety. For example, the Silver Cup is sometimes dissolved in bright pink flowers. Although the main shade for him - lilac with silver tint. MontBlanc, so beloved by Russian gardeners, has white petals. And Pretty Woman is almost a multi-colored variety: deep carmine and neon pink and soft white specimens are found here.

Any kind of laureate loves sunny places, light and nutritious soil. Heavy clay soil is not suitable for the plant, especially if it is also often flooded. It is desirable that in this part there is no active blowing by the wind, although a high-quality air exchange is necessary for the laver. Low grades (up to 60 cm) perfectly take root in the flowerbeds, and the high ones will become wonderful living fences. Especially since the flowering of laureates continues until the end of October. After that, the bushes are removed, leaving only perennial varieties.

Lavater: growing seedlings from seeds

Lavateru, like many other bushes, most often planted immediately in open ground. However, the conditions of the middle band do not always allow to do this, especially if the spring is late. In this case, the risk increases greatly tighten the time of onset of flowering. In this situation, the best option - growing laureate seedlings.

1. The technique of working with it is the same as for some annuals. First, the sowing itself will be carried out in March, you can plan it on the beginning of the month. Day will be required for the preparation of seeds. They are selected by immersing them in saline (viable - will settle on the bottom). After that, the seed is washed with clean water, then treated with a solution of potassium permanganate of weak concentration. This contributes to better growth.
2. Capacity and soil are now selected. For this it is best to use a combination of peat, turf and humus. However, it is possible to collect the substrate from the site where the bushes will later be planted. The laureate is sown not in separate containers, but in total. The most logical choice is a long box in which grooves are created on the soil surface. Then they are filled with seeds and covered with a new layer of earth. After this, the soil is necessarily moistened by abundant spraying. Direct jet watering is not allowed.
3. An important point in the sowing of laurels for seedlings is the covering of the box with glass or film. This will retain moisture and heat, and, consequently, will increase the chances of fast healthy shoots. The deadline for this is the week, after which sprouts begin to hatch, if the temperature is maintained at 15 degrees. In May, transplantation is usually carried out. It is worth noting that in late spring the saplings must be covered for the night. If the frosts have stopped, the plant will survive without such measures.

Lavater: growing from seeds in open ground

• In open ground laureate is sown not earlier than the beginning of May. In the southern regions it is allowed to move the deadline to mid-April. With similar dates of sowing, the bushes will bloom as early as July, unless otherwise indicated on a particular variety.
• First, a place is selected for landing. It must be dry and sunny. Watering the plant loves, but it does not tolerate excess moisture. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that rainwater or any other water does not accumulate here.
• The plot is dug and compacted with compost, which can be replaced with humus. Dosage - on 1 sq.m. no more than 5 kg. Additionally, urea, superphosphate and potassium sulfate must be introduced into the substrate. After the fertilizer, the bed is leveled. On its surface there are long furrows with a small depth, which are spilled with warm water. As soon as it is absorbed a little, lavender seeds wake up there with a thick layer (up to 1 cm). On top of them enough to sprinkle with earth without additional tamping.
• The emergence of seedlings should be expected no earlier than on the 10th day. As soon as they gain strength and release the first leaves, you can transplant flowers. If there is no need, then it is enough just to thin out the seedlings by giving them a free zone of 20 cm, which will be sufficient even with further growth of the bushes.

Lavatera: planting and care in the open field

If the laureate is transplanted from home seedlings to open ground, then the same manipulations are made with the soil as before the initial sowing. There is a sunny and not too wet area. It loosens, shallow holes are made in the ground, in which seedlings are dipped. As already mentioned, in the case of cold weather, a covering material should be put on the plant.

What deserves a separate mention is feeding and watering. Lavater loves both. The first introduction of fertilizers after planting is carried out until flowering. In 10 l of water is diluted nitrophoska with urea. Each takes 1 tbsp. This amount of money is enough for a small group. Therefore, if there are a lot of laurels, 50-70 liters may be required. And after flowering, bushes should be fed with any fertilizer for flowers and additionally with potassium sulphate.

Drought tolerates the plant well and, as already mentioned, will die from excess moisture. However, it is not recommended to allow the soil to dry out. With a normal summer, with a typical rain schedule and without temperature drops, almost no need to take care of watering. If the weather is hot, you will have to do it 2 times a week. You can even hose a scattered stream, grabbing and leaves with stems.

Tall varieties laurels require another action - garters. Despite its strong roots and branching, the stems are not strong enough. Therefore, the bushes often begin to roll to the side, falling to the ground. Simple wooden stakes are considered a classic support for them; their height can reach 80 cm. This will be enough to strengthen the lower part of the flower, allowing the upper to hold on independently.

Lavater's diseases and pests are practically not amenable, but perennial varieties may be subject to rust. In this case, the bush is either completely eliminated (if the damage was significant), or only the diseased branches are removed. With minor attacks of pests, it is rather simple to treat lavente with chemical fertilizers. But, as practice has shown, often such actions are not required.

Growing laureates and caring for her are very simple. That is why such a plant can be advised for novice gardeners. In the open field it can be grown from seed or saplings. The flower does not require frequent watering and fertilizing. The only thing he needs for healthy growth is a fairly dry and sunny area.