Thu, 10 Mar 2016
Род Петуния (Petunia) из семейства Паслёновых
(Solanaceae) includes 25 species of annual and perennial
plants, herbaceous or semi-shrub. Their homeland are
tropical regions of South America, mainly – Brazil, where
Petunia was found and described in 1767. Currently places
its growth under natural conditions is Paraguay, Bolivia,
Argentina and Uruguay. This plant can reach a height of up to 10 m,
its stems can be erect or prostrate.
Petunia seeds were introduced to Europe in 1820, and since then,
due to its unique adaptability to various conditions
cultivation, soil and climate, simple farming techniques, and most importantly –
the duration and extraordinary beauty of flowering, it has become one of
favorite crops in decorative gardening, and interest in it grows with
every year.
Petunias are attractive with their flowers – white, purple or
red, simple or terry. Today, their bright fragrant
cascades everywhere are decorated with flower beds, flower beds, rabatki, borders and
balconies, from the first summer days until frost.
Contents
Petunia – growing and care
Petunia is a light-loving and thermophilic plant, therefore for
it needs to be chosen open sunny areas with loamy or
sandy soils, although any suitable for this plant
fertile land. Humus or compost can be applied to the soil.
Fresh manure can not be made, as this can provoke
flower development of fungal diseases. Soil preparation for petunia
in areas with acidic soils should include the addition of lime
(from 200g. to 300 gr. per square meter). When spring digging
soil must be made in her complex fertilizer.
Large-flowered petunias are more thermophilic than
small-flowered, and in wet cold weather they can stop
bloom. All petunias easily tolerate drought due to their
root system that branches well and braids the surface
soil layers. And yet, the long absence of moisture suggests
watering plants. It is necessary to water a petunia plentifully, as she not
afraid of excess moisture, but this should be done carefully, pouring water
under the root, so as not to harm the flowers.
Very bad for the decorative properties of petunias affect the rain, so
as their drops, tearing the delicate petals, give the flowers a very
sloppy look. In addition, prolonged rains can lead to
stop flowering.
For abundant and prolonged flowering of petunias should
feed regularly. Start feeding in a week
after planting plants in the ground. Feed the plant once in
7-10 days of complex fertilizers, preferably with a large
potassium content. Very good on plant growth and flowering
fertilizing affects organic fertilizers, including infusion
mullein Regular feeding should continue until August.
Петуния – пересадка и breeding
Petunias multiply by seed, with the exception of varieties with terry
flowers, which are usually propagated by cuttings.
For good germination of petunia seeds is very important
is the abundance of light. As a rule, they are sown in March. In the presence of
backlight sowing of seeds produced in February. Another important
фактор, влияющий на успешное breeding петунии семенами – это
soil quality and moisture. Such seeds germinate well only
in friable easy and nutritious earth. Ideally, its top layer
about 1 cm should consist of sifted earth, it is necessary for
uniform occurrence of seeds. They should be mixed with dry sand,
pour on well-moistened soil, spray and cover with glass.
When the content of sowing at a temperature of from 20 ° C to 23 ° C approximately
in a week, tiny shoots will appear. They need every day
spray and turn to the light several times a day. In it
Time of particular importance is the humidity of sowing. From one
hand, seedlings need high humidity, but on the other hand, when it is
excess, they can die from the “black leg”.
After the emergence of the seedlings of the first sheet to remove the glass. If a
shoots start to hurt, they are powdered with dry sand, reduce watering
and dive. Landing in a permanent place of cultivation should
to be made after the spring has completely stopped
frosts. Transplant flowers tolerate well, but you need to remember about
that they have very fragile stems, so any actions with
petunias, whether transplanting, watering or feeding, you need
produce very carefully and carefully.
It is better to plant seedlings on cloudy days or in
evening time. Plants in planting should be located one by one.
friend at a distance of 15 cm to 20 cm for small-flowered varieties and
from 20 cm to 25 cm – for large-flowered. After planting seedlings
you need to water, and the soil around it to mulch with peat or
with humus, so that it retains moisture longer and can protect
plant from return frosts. Small petunias begin
bloom 70-75 days after sowing, large-flowered – for 2 weeks
later.
When breeding by cuttings of petunias with double flowers,
cuttings are cut from the queen cells and contain in winter with good
lighting and at a temperature of from 10 ° C to 12 ° C, ensuring them a moderate
humidity and intensive airing. After rooting them
transplanted into small pots (with a diameter of up to 9 cm).
Petunia – diseases and pests
Petunias are considered quite hardy plants, but with
violation of growing conditions they may be exposed
diseases and pests.
For example, too thick sowing, excess moisture, heavy soil
can lead to the defeat of plants fungal diseases,
especially root rot, the so-called “black leg”. Her
can be recognized by softening and darkening of the root part of the stem.
Having recognized the disease, remove the diseased plant immediately and
part of the adjacent land, and the remaining plants to process
fungicides.
Another fungal disease of petunias is powdery mildew, which
It appears as a white bloom on the leaves and flowers. It arises
due to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, especially in heat. AT
In this case, the affected parts of the plant must be removed and held.
processing the remaining plant sulfur.
Petunias can also be affected by pests. Most
common ones are spider mites, aphids, whiteflies. For
anti-spraying systems are sprayed with ready-made
insecticides.
