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Chrysanthemum Baltika leaves no one indifferent. This is a type of bush chrysanthemum from the Asteraceae family. Flower lovers grow it in the garden or on the windowsill. In any case, this amazingly beautiful plant looks luxurious. Photo of Baltika chrysanthemum:
It is recommended to make bouquets from different types of Baltic
Features of growing bush chrysanthemum Baltika
The variety is easy to grow. It also reproduces well. Baltika has one caveat - it loses its decorative effect when grown in a permanent place for more than 5 years. This must be taken into account when planning a plot or flower bed. The plant grows well outdoors and on the windowsill. Differences in external conditions affect the size of the flower. The outdoor Baltika chrysanthemum produces buds of 10-25 cm, and the indoor chrysanthemum is about 12 cm. It is also grown indoors as an annual. The remaining parameters do not differ significantly:
- The plant is a bush plant, its mature height is about 90 cm outdoors and 30 cm indoors.
- The flowering period begins in September. This is an early flowering variety of bush chrysanthemum.
- The roots are branched and thickened. They are located quite close to the surface of the earth.
- The inflorescences resemble a ball in shape, the flowers are large, with reed petals. The rosettes are tight, the aroma is very delicate with notes of honey. The buds have a different color than the Baltika variety and attract gardeners. Belongs to large-flowered chrysanthemums.
- The leaves are dark green, divided, pinnate. The upper part of the leaf plate is slightly fleecy, and the lower part is completely smooth. The edges are serrated.
Some parameters may vary depending on the growing region
The variety loves light, but requires protection from midday heat. It has many advantages over other varieties of bush chrysanthemums:
- frost resistance and ability to bloom before frost;
- endurance and unpretentiousness;
- great variability of color;
- stability after cutting;
- Possibility of growing outdoors and indoors.
Gardeners claim that Baltika has no drawbacks. Therefore, the variety is very popular.
Types of colors of Baltika chrysanthemum
The different colors of the buds of the bush variety allow you to choose a plant with the desired characteristics. The growing algorithm is identical for any species. Therefore, you can plant several varieties of Baltika at the same time.
Among the most popular are:
- White Baltica or White (Baltica White). Snow-white large inflorescences, unpretentiousness to growing conditions, suitability for cutting are important parameters of the variety. The height of the Baltika White chrysanthemum bush is from 60 to 70 cm. There are greenish inclusions in the middle of the petals. Chrysanthemum Baltika white is considered a royal species.
White chrysanthemum is best used as the dominant flower in a bouquet.
- Pink Baltika or Pink (Baltica Pink). The colors of the petals are pink and mint, the height of the bush is 85 cm. The flowers are very delicate and look great when cut. Chrysanthemum Baltika Pink goes well with chrysanthemums of other tones.
Pink inflorescences add tenderness to any composition; this must be taken into account when planting the variety.
- Yellow Baltica or Yellow (Baltica Yellow). The color of the spherical inflorescences is bright yellow. Sometimes lemon yellow. Chrysanthemum Baltika Yellow is considered the largest and most popular variety. The height of an adult stem is about 65 cm.
It is preferable to plant fiery colors near coniferous crops
- Lemon Baltica or Lime. The very unusual color of the flowers immediately attracts attention. The petals are painted white-light green with lemon-green edges. The large size of the spherical inflorescences gives the chrysanthemum additional charm.
A variety of this color looks good in combination with other perennials of rich colors
- Baltic VIP. This is a hybrid that differs in the number of inflorescences. On one bush there are much more of them formed than in a regular variety. The color of the petals is extraordinary - light pink, with streaks of lilac or violet.
The unique shade of the hybrid is more appropriate to use as a cut flower than in a regular flower bed.
- Lilac Baltic or Lilac (Baltic Lilac). The petals of this variety are very wide and the diameter of the flower is medium. However, the delicate lilac color gives the Lilac chrysanthemum a unique charm.
The width of the chrysanthemum petal allows you to combine the look with roses
- Baltic Purple. This is a chrysanthemum with a more saturated purple color of the petals. The buds are large, the inflorescences are spherical. It takes a long time to cut.
Chrysanthemum of rich color looks advantageous even without a frame of other varieties
- Baltic Cream. In chrysanthemum Baltika cream, the color of the petals is closer to yellow. It personifies the soft rays of the sun and lifts your spirits well. Very suitable for making bright bouquets of chrysanthemums alone or in combination with other plants. Chrysanthemum Baltika with yellow flowers can be mixed with greenery or roses.
Another variety that, due to its color, is one of the leaders among Baltic species
- Baltica Salmon. The Dutch variety is new to the flower market. They first learned about it in Moscow at the Flowers Expo 2017 exhibition. Up to 10-12 flowers are formed on one stem of the Baltika Salmon chrysanthemum. The color of the petals is peach, the foliage is dark green. Together they create an amazing duet, all complemented by a delicate aroma.
One bush of this variety is enough to create a full bouquet
Sometimes gardeners add dyes when watering to get an even more unusual color of the petals of the Baltika chrysanthemum.
Landing
Before planting bush chrysanthemums, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of the procedure. Gardeners should maintain optimal timing, choose the right location, and find suitable soil. Attention must be paid to:
- Landing time. It is preferable to plant Baltika at the beginning of the season - in the spring. In this case, the heating of the soil at a depth of 15-20 cm should be at least 12-14 °C. In the southern regions, the Baltika bush chrysanthemum has been planted since the beginning of April. Gardeners in the Moscow region, Siberia and Central regions are shifting the date to the beginning of June. Autumn planting is carried out throughout September, until the temperature drops to + 12 °C.If for some reason you had to miss the deadline in the fall, then the plant can be cut into a pot. In spring, transplant into open ground.Important! The timing of spring planting depends on the end of return frosts.
- A place for chrysanthemums. Baltika prefers a well-warmed space, protected from wind and drafts. Partial shade will not work. With a lack of lighting, flowers lose their decorative effect and become small.
- Soil. Bush chrysanthemum grows well in fertile, slightly acidic or neutral soil. It is ideal if the site has light sandy loam, which needs to be filled with humus or vermicompost. There is no need to be zealous so as not to end up with a lush green bush without inflorescences.
- The occurrence of groundwater. The Baltic does not tolerate stagnant water. This leads to rotting of the root system. Chrysanthemums should only be planted in flowerbeds with drainage. You can arrange a garden bed and add coarse river sand.
The algorithm for planting bush Baltika is almost no different from other varieties. The gardener simply needs to perform a series of steps in a specific order. The main thing is not to plant the variety after other asteraceae or nightshades. Baltika can be returned to its original place no earlier than in 2-3 years.
Process steps:
- Preliminary site preparation in the fall. It includes digging the soil and applying fertilizers. For 1 sq. m area, it is enough to add 30 g of potassium salt, 50 g of superphosphate. If necessary, carry out measures to structure and reduce acidity. In the spring, dig up the bed again.
- Digging planting holes. The volume of each depends on the size of the seedling. The optimal depth is 25-40 cm. It is convenient to dig a trench and evenly place Baltika seedlings in it.
- Planting chrysanthemums.The day should be cloudy. Place the seedling in the hole, sprinkle the roots with soil. The root collar should be buried no more than 2 cm. If the chrysanthemum overwintered in a pot, then the base of the stem should be left at the same height.
- Watering and mulching. You can add 1 g of Kornevin per liter to the water and water the chrysanthemums. This will allow the plant to quickly form a root system. During the first days, the tree trunk circle of the seedling must be covered with non-woven material to protect it from the sun. Place pegs and tie up the stems.
- Topping. It should be done immediately after planting the bush chrysanthemum, and then repeated after 20 days.
When planting in groups, it is recommended to arrange the bushes in a checkerboard pattern.
It is necessary to plant chrysanthemum seedlings, strictly adhering to the scheme
Caring for the Baltika chrysanthemum
The variety does not require any special techniques; a standard set is enough for it:
- watering;
- feeding;
- loosening;
- bush formation;
- prevention or control of diseases.
Bush Baltic is demanding on fertility and soil condition. Therefore, watering and nutrition are considered the main points of care.
Optimal growing conditions
In order for the Baltic to enjoy lush flowering and good health, it needs to be provided with appropriate conditions.
The plant's greatest need for moisture is at the beginning of summer. During flowering – minimal. If the bush is grown indoors, then you need to add foliar sprays on hot days. It is necessary to maintain an average humidity level in the room to avoid extreme conditions for chrysanthemums.
Maintain the temperature within + 20-24 °C. When grown outdoors, bush chrysanthemum can withstand frost well down to -5 °C, even when flowering.Baltika shoots grow at + 6 °C, and buds form at + 13 °C. Upper temperature limit + 30 °C. When the autumn frosts end, the bush chrysanthemum is able to thaw and bloom again. Sub-zero temperatures pose a danger to yellow and white varieties intended for cutting. After frost they turn black.
Lighting is very important to the view. Without sunlight, Baltika weakens and begins to hurt. The inflorescences lose their doubleness and overall decorative effect.
This period falls on August-October. To receive a bouquet even earlier, you need to artificially shade the chrysanthemum.
Lush inflorescences can only be obtained if the basic growing conditions are met.
Baltika chrysanthemum watering regime
The variety must be moistened abundantly. If the stems do not have enough moisture, they become woody and the flowers become dull and unattractive. You can only use settled, spring or rain water. It is important that water does not fall on the leaves; chrysanthemum should be watered at the root. Regularity – 2-3 times every 7 days. On hot summer days, you can increase the frequency to 4 times a week and slightly shade the chrysanthemum. Do not over-water the bush. In this case, the root system is susceptible to putrefactive processes. The main criterion is the condition of the surface layer of soil. Ideally, it should not be too dry or flooded. After irrigation, loosen and weed the surrounding area, and mulch the irrigated area.
Fertilizing
Nutrition for bush Baltika must be applied at least 3 times during the growing season. Be sure to alternate mineral and organic fertilizers.At the beginning of growth, a mineral nitrogen fertilizer, such as ammonia nitrogen, is recommended. This is necessary to stimulate the growth of green mass. The intensity of flowering is increased by adding phosphorus-potassium compounds at the time of budding. For better absorption of nutritional components, fertilizing should be combined with moisturizing. Apply the solution under the root the day after rain or watering. It is recommended to feed Baltika for the first time 1.5-2 months after planting.
Of the organic compounds, chrysanthemum tolerates manure infusion well, re-diluted with water 1:10.
Trimming and shaping
These events are very important for the proper development of the Baltika bush. They help to increase the splendor and branching of the plant, respectively, the number of inflorescences.
After planting in open ground, the bush must be pinched immediately. Then repeat the procedure when the chrysanthemum produces the eighth leaf. The second time you will need to remove the young side shoots. This technique is used for large-flowered varieties, which include Baltika. Tall species should be tied to pegs or use nets and frames. Be sure to remove unnecessary shoots, old foliage, and diseased stems. To increase the size of the inflorescences, remove the first bud. If you need to speed up the growth of the bush, you should trim part of the chrysanthemum stem. The last pinching can be done 2 months before flowering begins.
Timely pinching of the stem is the key to lush flowering
Preparing for winter
Large-flowered Baltica can freeze in winter. To preserve the bush, you need to dig it up and, together with the lump, transplant it into a container or pot.Store at 0-5 °C until spring. Humidity 80%. A basement or cellar is suitable. Care - rare watering to prevent the coma from drying out. If the plant is planted in the south, you can cut off the shoots, hill up the bush well and cover it. However, it is better not to experiment with Baltika and move the chrysanthemum to the basement for wintering. Plant in spring.
Diseases and pests
Compliance with the requirements of agricultural technology guarantees the absence of diseases and pests on the bushes. The main requirement is to avoid thickening of the chrysanthemum. Otherwise, fungal infections such as verticillium wilt, powdery mildew, rust, and gray rot may appear.
It is necessary to carry out preventive spraying and treat with copper-containing products.
If affected by viral infections, the chrysanthemum should be destroyed.
The main pest of the Baltic is the nematode. Prevention - treating the bush with Phosfamide in early spring.
Aphids can be found on the undersides of leaves. Folk compositions or Aktara (Aktellik) will help.
Reproduction
You can propagate Baltika:
- By cuttings. This method is also suitable for hybrid varieties. It retains the parent's characteristics. Chrysanthemums need to be cut in the fall and planted in the spring.
- Dividing the bush. Choose a healthy, powerful bush, carefully dig it up and divide it. Transplant the delenki to a new place. Can be divided in spring (late April or May).
- Seeds. Sowing from early March to mid-April. Transplant the formed seedlings into the ground.
The latter option does not guarantee the preservation of all plant characteristics. Especially when planting seeds collected with your own hands.
Conclusion
Chrysanthemum Baltika will decorate any area. Gardeners need to follow growing rules and carefully monitor their plants.This will allow you to grow powerful, healthy bush chrysanthemums, both for cutting and for decorating compositions.
