Content
Pyrethrum, popularly known as Dalmatian chamomile, can often be seen in garden plots. The plant is a perennial, therefore, when planted in the garden, it pleases the eye with bright colors for a long time. It is important to choose the right time when to plant pyrethrum seedlings and follow a simple algorithm.
Pyrethrum is native to subtropics with mild climates - the Caucasus, Mediterranean, Central Asia
When to plant pyrethrum seedlings
Pyrethrum can be grown from seeds collected independently, but the flowers that emerge from them do not retain the desired varietal characteristics. In this regard, agricultural technicians recommend purchasing planting material in specialized stores. This is a guarantee of obtaining flowers of a certain color and shape. Planting pyrethrum seeds for seedlings should take into account the climate of the region:
- in the southern regions - in the first weeks of spring;
- in the middle zone - in the second half of March;
- in more northern and eastern regions - in early April.
Timely organized sowing allows the formation of strong bushes. When the threat of frost has passed, healthy flower seedlings are transferred to open ground.
Sowing pyrethrum seeds for seedlings at home
Even novice gardeners can grow pyrethrum from seeds at home. This beautiful ornamental plant is quite unpretentious and undemanding to care for.
Soil preparation
To plant pyrethrum seedlings, you need to prepare the soil. The culture adapts well to the composition of the soil. But it needs good drainage. Due to this feature, pyrethrum needs a loose soil mixture. Black soil, sandy loam and loam best meet the requirement. Pyrethrum seedlings should be planted in soil that has the following qualities:
- quite fertile;
- loose;
- relatively dry;
- with an alkaline or neutral pH level.
On acidified soils with poor composition, Dalmatian chamomile seedlings develop poorly. The formation of seedlings is delayed, the bushes grow frail.
Any soil intended for flowering plants is suitable for planting pyrethrum seedlings.
Pre-sowing seed treatment
Planting pyrethrum seeds for seedlings at home is organized in early spring. For better germination, the seed is pre-soaked in water at room temperature for 3-5 hours. You can add a few drops of Epin or another biostimulant to it.In order to protect developing plants from infections, several grains of potassium permanganate are dissolved in water or a fungicidal agent, for example Fitosporin-M, is added.
Selection of capacity
You can sow pyrethrum for seedlings at home in various containers. So, the following are suitable for growing Dalmatian chamomile:
- wooden boxes;
- mini-greenhouses made of plastic;
- peat pots (tablets, washers).
Many gardeners prefer the latter sowing method. There is no need to feed seedlings in peat containers. In addition, pots made from natural material can be transferred to open ground along with young bushes, excluding damage to the fragile roots.
Peat pots contain a large amount of carbon, which plays an important role in the formation of plants
Rules for planting pyrethrum seeds
To ensure uniform germination of seeds, agricultural technicians recommend competently organizing the planting process. When sowing it is important:
- moisten the soil well;
- distribute small seeds evenly and not too thickly, deepening them 2 cm into the ground;
- lightly spray the soil with a spray bottle.
Containers with seedlings should be covered with glass or film. They are placed in a warm, bright room.
The trick when sowing pyrethrum seeds for seedlings is that you should not choose an overly fertile soil mixture. Excessive weight gain becomes the reason why few flowers are formed on the bushes when planted in the ground.
How many days does it take for pyrethrum seeds to germinate?
At a comfortable temperature, pyrethrum shoots appear, as a rule, on days 12-14. After pecking the sprouts, it is recommended to remove the film from the containers.
Seedling care
Caring for Dalmatian chamomile seedlings is simple and includes several basic operations. By devoting just 15 minutes a day to agricultural procedures, you can get strong and healthy bushes.
To harden, containers with seedlings are taken out into the air, gradually increasing the residence time
Temperature and lighting
The optimal temperature for keeping pyrethrum seedlings is +18-21 0C. It is advisable to keep containers with seedlings in a bright room, but at the same time avoid direct sunlight on the developing flower bushes.
Watering
Dalmatian chamomile loves good watering. At the same time, the soil in containers where seedlings are grown should not be over-moistened.
Picking pyrethrum seedlings
In the case of planting pyrethrum with seeds, when carrying out care, it is necessary to take into account the mandatory thinning procedure. Thickened young bushes will not receive enough light and nutrients.
When 2-3 leaves appear on the seedlings, they plan to pick pyrethrum seedlings
Planting seedlings in open ground
Dalmatian chamomile seedlings are planted in open ground as soon as the threat of frost has passed. Transfer to a personal plot is planned depending on the region:
- in the subtropical natural zone, seedlings are transplanted at the end of April;
- in the central regions of Russia - in mid-May;
- in areas with a pronounced continental climate - in the last days of spring or early summer.
For planting Dalmatian chamomile, choose a well-lit area. In a shaded place, the plant will feel discomfort, stretch upward, and bloom weakly. It is also important to choose a site with loose soil and good drainage.
When deciding on a planting location, experienced gardeners, in addition to the decorative qualities of flowers, take into account one more useful property of the plant. Pyrethrum is a powerful natural insecticide. The substance contained in plant tissues is toxic to most types of insects. Dalmatian chamomile planted close to cabbage beds helps get rid of caterpillars. Pyrethrum placed next to fruit trees protects the crop from codling moths and aphids.
You can transplant flower seedlings immediately to a permanent place. It is permissible to place bushes in a temporary area. Subsequently, the strengthened pyrethrum can be easily transferred to the area where the flower garden will be.
Before planting seedlings, the soil in the designated area is cleaned, thoroughly dug up and moistened. The landing process includes a number of sequential operations.
- Digging shallow holes for bushes at a distance of 30 cm from each other.
- Transferring flower seedlings into prepared holes along with a ball of earth so that the plants take root better. When growing bushes in peat containers, the pots are placed directly into the holes.
- Shading of planted plants from bright sunlight.
Beginning gardeners should know that, like most perennial crops, Dalmatian chamomile flowers appear only in the second year. During the first growing season, the plant only gains green mass.
Agrotechnicians advise weeding only young pyrethrum bushes; the adult crop itself is capable of suppressing the growth of weeds
Conclusion
It is imperative to plant pyrethrum seedlings when cultivating the plant only in areas with a temperate climate.In the southern regions, Dalmatian chamomile seeds can be sown directly in open ground. Compliance with basic agrotechnical rules during care largely determines the condition of the plant after transfer to the garden plot. In this case, pyrethrum exhibits the best varietal qualities: it forms lush bushes and blooms profusely.
