Grow snapdragon flowers. How to grow snapdragons from seeds
In this article you will find detailed information about the snapdragon flower. Planting, care, growing for seedlings, planting in open ground, popular varieties.
Snapdragon, Antirrinum (Antirrhinum) - a plant from the Plantain family.
This is a perennial herbaceous plant, we grow it mainly as an annual. Distributed in North America.
In Russia, it is grown in gardens and flower beds.
The plant is considered one of the most popular, its decorative qualities attract experienced gardeners and flower lovers.
Snapdragon - planting and care
plant description
The advantages include unusual shape flowers, unpretentious care, a wide variety of colors and colorful, long flowering in the summer.
Height ranges from 15 to 130 cm. Snapdragon forms a pyramidal branched bush.
Green branched stems with oval-shaped leaves have a color from light green to dark Green colour.
The flowers are large, collected in inflorescences, 2-4 cm in size.
The shape of the flower represents, as it were, two lips, if you squeeze the bottom of the flower, you get something like a lion's mouth. Hence the name snapdragon.The color of the flowers is varied: yellow, pink, burgundy, red, white with various shades of these flowers.
There are varieties where two colors are combined on one flower at once.
The fruit is a small capsule with many small seeds.
Snapdragon - popular varieties
In nature, there are more than 45 species of this plant and up to 1000 varieties.
In snapdragon, varieties are distinguished depending on the height of the plant.
Plant groups:
- Gigantic. Plant height is from 90 to 130 cm. The central shoot of these plants grows up to 130 cm tall and is characterized by the absence of lower shoots. The flowers of this variety are the largest.
- High. Plant height is from 60 to 90 cm. Lateral shoots are lower than the central one. Grown mainly for cutting. Most fragrant varieties yellow, cut plants can last longer than a week. Grows best in a sunny position.
- Medium height. Height from 40 to 60 cm. This group includes universal types, are grown in flower beds and also go for cutting. There are fewer flowers in the inflorescence than in other groups. Flowers are medium in size. The group is distinguished by strong branching of shoots.
- Undersized. Height from 25 to 40 cm. The main shoot is lower than the lateral ones in height. Grown in flower beds and borders. They have early flowering periods, but do not bloom as profusely as other groups. This group is the most popular among amateur gardeners. Beautiful, decorative flowers are grown on flowerbeds, flower beds, outdoor flowerpots together with other flowers, creating a garden decor.
- Dwarf. Group height from 15 to 25 cm. It has a strong branching of shoots, blooms profusely all summer. Mostly grown as annuals for decoration and garden design. In summer it looks like a colored carpet on the ground. Suitable for growing in pots, even indoors. The flowers are very small, the stems are short.
Plant height, cm | flowering period |
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University of California | mixture of colors | from july to october |
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bright purple | June July |
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bright red, lower lip pink | June July |
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dark red, tube dark purple | |||
bright red | June July |
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red-pink, tube pink | |||
Tzartlila | July |
Snapdragon for seedlings - growing features
The plants are propagated by seeds and cuttings.
- How to grow snapdragon seedlings?
The most common planting method is seedling.
You can sow the seeds directly in open ground, they will withstand a slight cold snap and sprout in three weeks.
Sowing of seeds begins in early March in seedling boxes.
Since snapdragon seeds are very small, they are sown in boxes without soil.
The earth can be sprayed from a spray bottle so that the seeds penetrate a little into its thickness.
Then you need to close the pots with film or glass to create a microclimate.
Every day, the glass or film is removed, the condensate is wiped off, it is necessary to moisten only as needed.
Under the film, the microclimate and high humidity are preserved, and there is no particular need to water every day.
Antirrinum seeds germinate at a temperature of 22 degrees and moderate soil moisture.
Shoots appear in 8-10 days, grow very slowly.
As soon as the seeds have sprouted, the pots are placed in a bright place, without the sun, and periodically opening the film is left open.
Light is necessary for plants so that they do not become weak and frail and do not stretch.
Seedlings of the plant grow slowly, they need to be watered a little, better in the morning.
When watering, avoid excess moisture, from which a black leg develops and the plant dies. The soil between shoots can be sprinkled with sand or charcoal.
After the development of 2-3 true leaves, the seedlings dive into separate pots or thin out in the same box where they were originally planted.
Snapdragon picks tolerate well.
Plants should be left in a bright place, avoiding direct sunlight.
Seedlings should be hardened periodically by opening the window and ventilating the room to prepare the plant for planting in the garden.
After hardening, a plant transplanted to a site can survive light frosts.
- When the seedling grows up to 8 cm in height, it must be pinched over 5 pairs of leaves.
- After pinching appear side shoots, which are growing rapidly. These shoots will also need to be pinched off later in order for the plant to have a lush appearance. It is desirable to do this with each new shoot, to form a flower bush.
- Planting seedlings on the site takes place in late May or early June. high grades be sure to tie up, otherwise they will break from the wind.
- Further, the snapdragon begins to grow actively and rapidly, and in June it will please with its flowering.
Where can snapdragons be planted?
Tall hybrids of snapdragons with large flowers go for cutting, inflorescences stand in water for up to 10-14 days, low plants are used for planting in flower beds, rabatki - to create flower beds.
Dwarf plants are good for low curbs, balconies, look good on the alpine hills.
Snapdragon flower mixes make great flowerbed or flower bed mats.
How to care for flowers?
The plant blooms from June until the first frost. With the timely removal of flowering inflorescences, it blooms continuously.
Grows well on light soils rich in organic fertilizers and micronutrients.
Antirrinum unpretentious plant, does not like too wet ground.
Care consists in weeding, moderate watering and rare loosening of the soil.
The plant is light-loving and cold-resistant, tolerates frosts down to -5 °C.
What to plant?
The best neighbors are sage, sea lobularia, kosmeya. Thanks to its bright colors, it becomes the main flower in the flower bed; non-flowering flowers with beautiful leaves can be planted around.
Diseases: rust, septoria, root rot.
Treated with the drug "Hom". The first treatment is carried out in seedlings or simply for prevention: 1 teaspoon is diluted per 1 liter of water. During the growth period, the plants are treated again before flowering: 40 g of the Hom preparation is diluted with 10 liters of water and sprayed at the rate of 1 liter of solution per 8–10 square meters. m.
Snapdragon prefers open areas, a sunny place, but also grows in partial shade, although it stretches a little and blooms less plentifully.
It is very useful to mulch between plants peat, humus - flowering is noticeably enhanced.
In hot, dry weather, snapdragons require watering, but waterlogging the soil is harmful.
- How and when to feed snapdragons?
When the plants take root, they are fed:
- The first top dressing is carried out 12–15 days after planting seedlings in a permanent place: 1 tablespoon of nitrophoska and organic fertilizer “Flower” are diluted per 10 liters of water, spending 2 liters per 1 sq. m.
- The second top dressing is carried out when the first buds appear: 1 tablespoon of urea, potassium sulfate and superphosphate is diluted per 10 liters of water, spending a solution of 3–4 liters per 1 sq. m.
Every year new varieties of snapdragon appear.
Ease of cultivation and care attracts gardeners. Until frost, snapdragon pleases the eye with its diverse flowering.
The flower fascinates with its beauty and grace.
It will create comfort and improve the landscape design of any garden or cottage.
Have a beautiful garden!
Snapdragon needs no introduction as it is one of the most famous ornamental plants. Moreover, he has such pronounced decorative properties that any place can radically transform, regardless of whether it is planted in a flower bed in the garden or on an ordinary suburban area. This flower is not only very beautiful, but also does not create problems in care. This can be noted with regard to planting a snapdragon, so even a novice grower can handle this task.
Snapdragon is one of the brightest representatives of perennial plants, which by its presence is able to decorate a flower bed in the garden, making it even more expressive. First flowers formed in the first month of summer, subsequently they will give aesthetic pleasure to the summer resident until the first frost. At the same time, the owner does not have to spend a lot of time and effort on caring for this plant.
plant varieties
Snapdragon is different in that it provides for many types. The work of breeding new varieties of this crop is the goal of many breeders. In view of such an increased interest in snapdragon, today a large number of its species and hybrids have been bred, which differ in their color.
Just look at the seed packs to see just how versatile these colorful flowers can be. And in each case, we will talk about the snapdragon. Unfortunately, the varieties currently available have not been able to cover full color palette, in which there are no blue and blue shades.
Snapdragon, which is also known as "dogs", is one of the famous herbaceous plants that form many straight branching stems in the process of development. Varieties of this plant differ in stem height. The leaves of snapdragons usually have an elongated shape, green color, and are also necessarily decorated with a thin fleecy cover. If we turn to the name of the plant, then it is associated with the shape of flowers, which are very similar to the open mouth of a lion.
How it breeds and options for planting snapdragons
Landing and care- the main events that determine how the flowers will turn out. One of the available methods of plant propagation is sowing seeds. Moreover, there are two ways to get new seedlings:
- with the help of seedlings;
- by planting in open ground.
In very rare cases, summer residents resort to the latter method. The reason for this is due to the fact that in early spring, when it is time to sow seeds in open ground, the earth does not have time to warm up, as a result, it becomes very difficult to grow snapdragons in this way. Therefore, many flower growers most often use the seedling propagation method: subject to all the recommendations for growing at home, you can get quite strong seedlings colors.
However, you can save yourself from time-consuming work and buy ready-made seedlings of snapdragon flowers. But in this case, it is necessary to carefully inspect the purchased planting material . It must be of very high quality. Then you will have confidence that beautiful and healthy flowers will grow from it.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the leaves and the root system. The roots should not show signs of disease, and they themselves should be well developed. Assessing the condition of the stems, you need to consider that they should not be thin and weak. The leaves decorating them should have juicy colors. Much can be learned from the condition of the soil - if it is dry, then, most likely, the seedlings were poorly cared for.
If you are full of desire to get strong and healthy snapdragon seedlings, then you need to consider the following recommendations that will help you avoid many mistakes. So you will know what conditions are favorable for growing flowers and you will be able to get the seedlings you are counting on after sowing.
How is seed sown?
To get strong snapdragon seedlings at home, you need not only correctly determine the appropriate sowing time, but also to carry out certain preparations for planting material.
The fact that this plant has such a quality as unpretentiousness saves the grower from many problems. Therefore, he does not have to prepare a highly fertile soil mixture, as well as create optimal conditions for development. However, this does not mean that you can not pay any attention to them. It is imperative to take into account the characteristics of plants and, in accordance with them, create the necessary microclimate. In this case, you will be satisfied with the result.
You can plan sowing seeds for seedlings in early April or May. But first you have to prepare everything you need:
- planting material (selected variety of snapdragon seeds);
- landing containers;
- soil and shovel;
- sieve.
Agrotechnics of cultivation
It is possible to sow seeds of snapdragon seedlings in wooden boxes, as well as individual flower pots. Having decided on the container for seedlings, you need to pour soil into them and level the surface. As a mixture, you can use a light, loose substrate, which is available in any flower shop.
When sowing seeds should be thick enough. However, you need to be very careful and make sure that the seedlings are not too dense. Then the seeds need to be slightly pressed into the soil, and a layer of earth should be poured on top. The easiest way to do this is with a sieve. Then the layer of earth covering the seeds will turn out to be light, and this will help speed up the process of seed germination. When all actions are completed, plantings must be watered not big amount water using a spray bottle. Finally, over the containers with landings, they pull polyethylene film or lay a piece of glass.
For quick germination of antirrinum seedlings, it is recommended to place the boxes in a warm place.
The most favorable for spitting sprouts is temperature from + 20 to + 23 degrees. They also need to create soft, diffused lighting. Usually after 14 days you will notice the first sprouts: from this moment you can start airing the seed boxes. Gradually, the duration of such hardening can be increased, then soon you can remove the film altogether.
While the seedlings are still small, they need regular watering. The main thing is to avoid long breaks between soil moistening, since snapdragons are very responsive to moisture. Usually after a month the first two true leaves are formed. When this happens, know that it is time to pick the seedlings into individual containers. Young seedlings should be transplanted very carefully, making sure that the roots do not get damaged.
In addition to picking, you can spend pinching the top of the sprouts. However, this can be done at the stage when they grow to 10 cm. Such an operation will speed up the formation of side shoots, and this will help you get lush flowers.
When and how to plant antirrinum in the garden?
The most favorable for transplanting snapdragon seedlings to a permanent place is the moment when the last wave of frosts passes and warm weather sets in. At this stage of development, the seedlings will reach a state in which they will look like small bushes. For planting on a permanent place of snapdragon seedlings, it is recommended to choose sunny places. At the same time, the plant will grow well in those areas where there is partial shading.
When transplanting seedlings, adhere to the following scheme:
- for undersized plants - 15 x 15 cm;
- for tall varieties - at least 40 cm.
How to care for young plantings and flowers?
After transplanting seedlings to a permanent place, the owner will need to conduct regular watering, fertilizing and loosen the soil from time to time. The first time you need to fertilize already after 2-2.5 weeks after transplanting seedlings into open ground. It is best to start feeding the plants with organic fertilizers. It can be, for example, nitrophoska. Subsequently, top dressing is made no more than once every two weeks until autumn.
Conclusion
Most flower growers are well acquainted with a plant such as snapdragons. Therefore, among the plants that they plant in the flower beds, it is the antirrinum that becomes one of the first. It attracts many by the fact that it does not create problems both during planting and in care. Therefore, many summer residents are engaged in the cultivation of this plant.
Despite the fact that snapdragons can be grown both through seedlings and by sowing in open ground, the first method is most often chosen, since favorable conditions for sowing in cold ground are not always created in spring. However, growing snapdragons through seedlings is not very difficult, since care will be reduced only to regular watering. In the future, caring for him in a flower bed will require regular top dressing and loosening.
Growing snapdragon flower
Snapdragon- This is a very popular plant, loved by many flower growers. Long flowering and bright color of flowers provide him place of honor in flower beds and balconies.
Growing snapdragons from seeds is not at all difficult - even a beginner can handle it.
Magnificent Antirrinum
Antirrinum, otherwise Antirrinum or Snapdragon- This perennial belonging to the Norichnikov family. It comes from the warm countries of the Mediterranean, where about 50 of its species grow. Antirrinum has been known in culture for at least 500 years.
Efforts of breeders bred over 800 varieties snapdragons, which are grown in gardens around the world. The flower gained such immense popularity due to its endurance and abundant colorful flowering from June to the first frost.
It is interesting that all plant varieties come from only one species - antirrinum large or Antirrhinum majus.
Palette fragrant flowers snapdragon is so diverse that among its varieties you can find shades from white to purple and from light yellow to orange. Spike-shaped inflorescences of antirrinum are monophonic, two-color and even tricolor.
snapdragon blooms and produces seeds in the first year after planting, so it is most often grown as an annual. However, the flower has a well developed root system, forms a powerful bush and is quite capable of withstanding warm winter and bloom again the following year.
Antirrinums actively used V garden design. They look bright and festive in a flower bed, being planted by a separate group or in the company of other flowers.
Also popular and ampelous forms of snapdragons, which are grown in hanging baskets, decorating balconies, terraces and galleries.
Admire the beauty of antirrinum or snapdragon in the video below:
Seed selection
When choosing seeds, it should be borne in mind that antirrinums are divided into three groups: undersized- from 15 to 25 cm tall, medium- from 40 to 60 cm, high- from 80 to 90 cm. Undersized varieties begin to bloom in early July, and higher - at the end.
Antirrinum seeds you can prepare yourself or purchase in flower centers that offer big choice varieties with a wide variety of colors and shapes of flowers.
Wherein important to choose seeds produced by time-tested producers. Big role the freshness of the seeds also plays - the date of their collection should not be very old.
The most common variety that is easy to grow from seed is the hybrid antirrinum terry Twinny.
Sowing seeds
Living in warm climates flower growers prefer sow antirrinum directly into the ground. Shoots appear after 2.5 or 3 weeks and normally tolerate a slight cold snap at night.
In a place where spring comes into its own very slowly, it is recommended to apply seedling method cultivation, which does not carry any difficulties and is accessible even to a beginner in floriculture.
Seedlings are grown with the following procedure performed at the beginning of March:
- For easier seed distribution need to mix with coarse sand.
- Necessary prepare bowls, whose diameter is at least 10 cm, having made drainage holes in the bottom.
- We pour on the bottom a small layer of expanded clay or crushed foam.
- Further fall asleep in bowls coarse sand, and on top of it - compost soil mixed with sand.
- Necessary as it should compact the soil, level it, lightly sprinkle with water from a spray bottle and distribute the seeds on it.
- Sprinkle the seeds with the same mixture of earth and sand, spray with a fine spray.
- Then you need cover the bowls with glass or place them in transparent bags.
- Very important Every day, ventilate the bowls and remove accumulated condensate.
- Moisten the earth from the sprayer you need regularly, but in moderation, making sure that the soil is always moist.
- Keeping temperature approx. 23 - 25 °C Seedlings can be expected in a couple of weeks.
- After the first shoots, the bowls are placed in a bright, but not very sunny place, and after 3 or 4 days the glass is completely removed.
Watch the video for a master class on growing antirrinum or snapdragon from seeds:
seedling care
At first, the seedlings will grow rather slowly. For their proper development it is very important to follow all the rules of care:
- Optimum hydration- recipe for success. It is necessary to water the seedlings in the morning, making sure that the ground is moist, but not wet. If you allow the occurrence of a "swamp", mold will develop. On the other hand, drought is also unacceptable.
- If any seedling ill with black leg, it is necessary to remove it with tweezers, and sprinkle the place where it grew with coal powder or pre-calcined, but already cooled river sand.
- When plants got not only cotyledons, but also two real leaves, you can dive them into a box or other suitable container, placing them quite freely. It is permissible to plant seedlings in pots one at a time or in larger containers in threes.
- The grown seedlings should settle in a bright place without direct sunlight. To temper them, you should briefly open the window, protecting the sprouts from drafts.
- After the appearance of 4 or 5 leaves, the central shoot is pinched, which provokes the best tillering. In the case of very active growth of side shoots, they also need to be pinched.
By the end of May or beginning of June young "lion cubs" can move to open ground or balcony boxes equipped with holes in the bottom and drainage.
This the plant is not afraid last night temperature changes and is able to feel great both in a sunny area and in light shade. It is much more important to provide seedlings with good soil drainage and protection from gusts of wind.
soil snapdragon prefers nutritious, but light enough. The best option - a mixture of their equal parts of compost, sand and peat. Ideally, the pH should be in the region of 6 to 8. The soil must be well moistened.
When planting a snapdragon important to remember that tall varieties require a distance of 40 or even 50 cm from each other, medium-sized ones - about 30 cm, and undersized and dwarf ones - 20 and 15 cm, respectively.
After rooting snapdragon indulges in a very fast growth actively growing and blooming. If the climate allows, the antirrinum successfully winters and blooms even more magnificently the next year.
Features of snapdragon care
Being very unpretentious flower, snapdragon needs only in standard plant care procedures.
Proper watering, loosening the soil, fertilizing and removing weeds - here is the key to the successful flowering of antirrinum. In addition, tall plant forms require tying to a support.
Watering and feeding
Water the plants in the garden only during dry times. It is best to do this in the morning, and in the evening or the next day it is advisable to weed out the weeds and loosen the soil. The snapdragon growing on the balcony should be watered sparingly.
Immediately after rooting antirrinum in the ground it is desirable to feed its organic or complex mineral fertilizer.
The next feeding is done when forming buds. In this case, you should use a solution consisting of a tablespoon of potassium sulfate, urea and superphosphate per 10 liters of water.
Bloom
withered inflorescences should be deleted so that the antirrinum does not waste its strength on them.
For longer flowering, it is advisable not to let the "lion cubs" set seeds and remove flower buds after the last flower has withered.
If you cut the arrow under the lowest flower, the plant will let new peduncles.
In the case when antirrinum is grown as a perennial, plants should be cut without waiting for the first frost, leaving "hemp" from 5 to 8 cm long rise above the ground.
When annual cultivation you need to cut wilted flower stalks as low as possible, so that the seeds do not ripen and not sown in the ground. After that, it does not hurt to dig up the site and burn the dried remains of flowers in order to destroy the insects that live on them.
reproduction
snapdragon seeds ripen within 40 days after the start of flowering. The mature seed pod becomes brown in color. Unlike most garden flowers, snapdragons need to collect seeds before they are fully ripe.
It is necessary to collect seeds when the fruits have already ripened at the bottom of the peduncles. Upper part with green fruits cut off and thrown away, and the bottom one is placed in a paper bag, which is tied with a thread just below the fruit.
Peduncle need to turn over and hang in a warm and dry room, where the seeds will ripen and spill out into the bag. Further, the package is stored in a dry cardboard box at a temperature of 3 to 5 ° C. Germination of seeds is maintained for several years.
Diseases and pests
Antirrinum is affected by many:
- rust;
- blackleg;
- root rot;
- septoria;
- gray rot.
In case of infection diseased specimens are removed and burned, and the place where they grew is treated with a fungicide.
Can harm the antirrinum:
- butterflies that lay eggs;
- fly larvae;
- caterpillars.
Proper care, removal of infected plants, sufficient space between flowers, moderate watering under the root, and not on the leaves - that's the best prevention pests and diseases snapdragon.
As you can see, it is not at all difficult to grow magnificent snapdragon thickets on a balcony or in a garden. It only takes a little effort and from time to time to pay attention to the plant - and enchanting scattering of magical beauty of flowers will please you for a long time.
Wonderful "lion cubs" are the traditional inhabitants of the flower bed. They are unpretentious, the variety of varieties offered is amazing. Snapdragon planting and care in the open field is the topic of an article for those who want to decorate a garden or summer cottage with easy-to-care plants.
Snapdragon flower description, photo
The perennial got its name for its resemblance to the open mouth of a bloodthirsty predator. The legend of the victory of Hercules over the Nemean lion tells about the salvation of mankind from a terrible monster. According to legend, in honor of the great feat, the goddess Flora created this wonderful plant.
Its botanical name is antirrinum. Belongs to the Norichnikov family. Since the flower produces seeds in the first year, it is often planted as an annual crop. Very unpretentious - even a novice gardener can handle the care. Herbaceous plant or shrub. Its height is from 15 centimeters to a meter. Straight stems form a bush in the shape of a pyramid.
Leaves oblong-oval, may be various shades green (from light to dark), with reddish veins. Flowers have pleasant aroma. They are large and by the number of petals can be simple or double. It depends on the variety. The color of the petals can be the most diverse - pink, yellow, white, red.
The fruit is a box with a large number of seeds (up to eight thousand in one). The decorative period begins in June and ends in late autumn, with the onset of cold weather.
Origin
The homeland and permanent habitat of wild species are the territories of North America and the southern regions of Europe. It is not known exactly when the plant began to be grown as a cultivated plant. Pliny also recommended the use of a green healer to relieve inflammation of the eyeball.
Now there are more than 300 varieties of plants. Botanists from Germany were among the first to select a flower. This happened already in the nineteenth century.
Snapdragon species, varieties
One popular division of varieties is based on such a characteristic as the height of the bush. According to this feature, all types of antirrinum are divided into five groups:
- Gigantic. The length of their stem varies from 90 to 130 centimeters. At the same time, the main shoot significantly exceeds the others in height. Varieties - Arthur - petals of rich cherry color, up to 95 cm in height. F1 red, F1 pink - flowers of the corresponding shades, the length of the plant is 110 centimeters.
- Tall. Such specimens are ideal for bouquets - they retain a beautiful appearance in a vase for more than seven days. The varieties with yellow flowers have the strongest and most attractive aroma. The height of the shoots reaches ninety centimeters, the minimum is sixty. Madama Butterfly - has terry petals, various tones. Canary - bright, yellow flowers. Anna German - with light pink petals.
- Medium height. Universal purpose - suitable not only for cutting, but also look great in a flower bed. They are characterized by excessive branching. All shoots are almost on the same level. Their height can be from 40 to 60 centimeters. Lipstick silver - light, pinkish tone of the petals. Apple Blossom - two-tone, with terry petals, on which white is gradually replaced by delicate pink tint. Golden Monarch - yellow flowers. Ruby is a deep pink color.
Bronze - the color palette of the petals is complex and at the same time spectacular. It consists of a combination of various nuances of yellow, pink and even orange. - Low. For flower beds or borders. They form many flowering shoots. In this case, the main one may even be somewhat lower than the others. The plant reaches 40 cm in height. The minimum value is 25 centimeters. Crimson Velvet - with large inflorescences of a dark, rich red color. Schneeflocke - small white flowers are collected in delicate, light inflorescences.
- Dwarf. Grown to decorate rabatok, borders, flower beds, rock gardens, to create the effect of a flower "carpet". The central shoot of this variety is the same length as the rest of the branches. Sometimes it is a little lower. Plant height - 15-20 centimeters. Suitable for cultivation as a pot culture. Candy Showers is an ampel variety. The color of Sakura is white-pink, with a speck.
Growing snapdragons from seeds
In regions with a mild, warm climate, you can sow directly into the ground in the spring. In two weeks they will give young shoots. Seeds remain viable for several years. But in areas with harsh climatic conditions, it is preferable to grow antirrinum through seedlings.
Attention! To carry out the sowing procedure for seedlings, it is necessary to prepare a container for future seedlings, soil, a spatula, two strainers with large and small cells.
When to sow seeds
Must be held at the end of February or at the very beginning of March. IN climatic conditions central Russia - at the end of April or the first decade of May. The plant is not grown in the north.
substrate
Can be purchased suitable type soil in the store or prepare the soil mixture yourself. The main requirement is that it should be loose and airy. You will need to take equal parts of peat, sand, turf, ash, mature humus. The mixture must be carefully sifted through two types of sieves. The part with large inclusions is laid in a layer on top of the drainage elements. The finely dispersed substrate becomes the top layer.
Important! The soil must be disinfected. It is shed with a solution of potassium permanganate and left for two days. When sowing, it is required that the soil is sufficiently, but not excessively moist.
Seeding tanks
A regular baby crate or container will do. The height of the container should be approximately ten centimeters. Be sure to have holes for the outflow of moisture. At the bottom of the container form drainage layer. It can be created from expanded clay balls, gravel, pebbles.
How to sow seeds
Since the grains are very small, they are mixed with sand for uniform sowing. The distance between rows is two centimeters. You can pour the seed into a paper bag and cut off a corner from it - this will make it easier to sow. The resulting "paths" are slightly crushed by hand and a little earth is sown on top. Irrigation of the soil with a spray gun completes the procedure.
To create the effect of a mini-greenhouse, plantings are covered with glass or polyethylene. The room temperature must be at least 18⁰C. Crops need to be aired daily. To do this, the shelter is temporarily removed. If necessary, the substrate is moistened with a spray bottle. Young shoots appear in about ten days.
Seedling care
The young are growing slowly. At this point, it is important to maintain the balance of substrate moisture. Seedlings should have plenty of water for development. But excess moisture can lead to a massive defeat of the bushes with a "black leg".
Important! Affected specimens are carefully removed with tweezers. The vacated space must be sprinkled with coal powder or calcined river sand.
Growing seedlings
Seedlings go through a dive procedure. This must be done when the first true leaves appear. You can place the "kids" one by one in personal pots or three in large flowerpots.
The container is placed in a bright place, but protected from direct sunlight. Gradually they are accustomed to the conditions in which the bushes will grow in the future. To do this, during the daytime it is necessary to ventilate the room, but in no case allow a draft.
After the appearance of four or five leaves, the seedlings are pinched. This is necessary for the formation lush bush. If the side branches grow very actively, you can do a similar manipulation with them.
Snapdragon planting in open ground
The grown hardened seedlings are moved to a permanent place of residence in the garden. At the same time, it is important to transplant on time, choose the right place and prepare the substrate that is optimal in composition.
When to plant snapdragons in spring
At the very end of the last spring month, the young are planted in a flower bed. Do not be afraid of possible cold nights - the seedlings will withstand such temperature fluctuations.
Location selection
In the garden, choose a place well protected from the wind. Good drainage is a must. Antirrinum will feel best in a sunny area. But you can plant it in a somewhat shaded area.
Attention! Only in a place fully lit by the sun, on clear days, you can enjoy all color nuances each variety.
The soil
Light and nutritious substrate - the best choice. Compost, peat, sand, taken in equal proportions - the basis for soil mixture. The indicator of acid-base balance should vary within the range of pH 6-8.
Landing technology
The layout of the bushes in the flower bed is approximately as follows:
- between tall varieties leave a gap of half a meter;
- varieties with a stem of medium height are planted at a distance of 30 centimeters from each other;
- for undersized species, a distance of 20 cm is sufficient;
- gap between instances dwarf varieties is only 15 centimeters.
After the young growth takes root in a new place, the bushes quickly become lush.
Attention! Transplant only in well-moistened soil.
Snapdragon care
The traditional set of measures to care for the plant will achieve amazing results - enough watering, weeding, loosening the earth and timely fertilization.
To achieve the effect of continuous, long flowering throughout the growing season, wilted flowers must be removed. The same goes for the flower arrow. It is cut off after the end of flowering. This avoids the appearance of a seed box, which gives the opportunity and strength to extend the decorative period.
Watering
Irrigate only during drought, if there is no precipitation at all. Do not water in the evening. The next day, the ground around the antirrinum must be loosened, weeds are removed. Tall varieties tying is recommended.
top dressing
After the seedlings have passed the adaptation period after moving to the flower bed, they make the first top dressing with organic fertilizers and nitrophoska. During the period of tying the buds, a mixture consisting of superphosphate, potassium sulfate and urea is used. You will need a large spoonful of each component in a bucket of water.
Do I need to pinch and how to pinch
To form "fluffy" lush bush pruning procedure. As soon as the seedling grows ten centimeters tall, its top should be pinched.
Important! Do not neglect the advice to remove inflorescences that have lost their decorative effect, this will allow the antirrinum to delight the gardener with long flowering.
Snapdragon breeding methods
Antirrinum is usually grown from seeds. In warmer climates, they can be sown directly outdoors. In the conditions of the middle lane, the seedling method is preferable. Watch the video clip: how to sow the seeds and care for the seedlings.
Cutting is one of possible ways. But it is usually used by breeders to obtain a new variety with terry petals. Powerful healthy bushes are selected. They overwinter indoors. Cuttings are planted in the sand until the roots appear.
Snapdragon after flowering
During the final arrival of the autumn cold, the bushes are cut as short as possible. Only a stump 6-7 centimeters high should remain. Sprinkle with sawdust and peat on top. This mulch cover will allow the antirrinum to survive the frosty winter.
These measures are relevant when growing a flower crop as a perennial. With an annual version, it is important to avoid self-sowing. To do this, wilted flowers and peduncles that have fulfilled their decorative function are removed.
Important! Before the first frosts, in late autumn, they dig up the ground and burn plant residues to destroy pests that could remain there.
How and when to collect snapdragon seeds
Usually, ripe seeds are collected from any plant. But it is better to harvest antirrinum grains unripe and then ripen at home in a dry, ventilated room.
It is better to collect in a long and narrow bag, similar to those in which a baguette is sold. When the fruits ripen on the lower part of the peduncle, the upper green boxes are cut off. Then they put a bag on the peduncle, tie it with a thread and cut off the twig. Hang in a warm room and wait for the seeds to ripen and sprinkle themselves into a bag of boxes.
After that, they can be packaged in boxes and stored in the refrigerator. The optimal temperature regime for them will be a range of 3 to 5 degrees. It is important to protect the seeds from moisture.
Pests and diseases of snapdragon (treatment)
Antirrinum can suffer from some common plant ailments. Among them:
- Rust. outer side the leaves are covered with light depressed spots, and on the back they form first yellow, and then turning brown pads. Leaves wither. The fungus is spread by spores through the air.
The affected foliage is immediately disposed of and the cubs are treated with Topaz, Bordeaux mixture or Abiga-Peak. - False powdery mildew. Outside, the leaves are covered with a white bloom, and on the reverse side - the same light or with a brown tint. When grown as a pot crop under conditions winter garden, it is required to reduce the level of humidity in the room as soon as possible. Stop spraying. Ensure good air circulation. Get rid of affected specimens. On early stages manifestations of the disease can be treated with planting "Previkur" or "Ridomil Gold". Spraying with copper oxychloride will also help.
- Root rot. Foliage becomes matte and brightens. Over time, it withers and fades. The roots soften - the shell easily peels off from the middle. The spores of the fungus spread only in conditions of good moisture. Reduced soil acidity also contributes to their reproduction. Irrigation needs to be stopped. In such a situation, it is rarely carried out. But watering should be plentiful. Preparations of biological origin - Fitosporin-M, Gliocladin, Alirin-B - will help solve the problem.
- True powdery mildew. On both sides of the leaves white coating similar in appearance to flour. The disease does not spare the flowers either. Under the plaque - the affected area Brown. It is best to initially select and sow varieties that are resistant to this disease. With minor manifestations of the disease - treated with fungicides of biological origin. In the case of a clear progress of the disease - "Soon", "Topaz", "Strobe", "Pure Flower".
- Brown rot. This problem usually affects only seedlings. The base of the stem becomes brown and gradually thins out. Under the fallen leaves, you can see the threads of the mycelium. Seedlings are immediately treated prophylactically with Rovral. Do not follow too deep "kids" in the substrate. You can also irrigate with biofungicides.
- Fusarium. The bush turns yellow and dries very quickly. Sometimes it doesn't even bloom. Rotting stem base. They quickly get rid of specimens affected by the disease and disinfect the soil with the help of foundationol. The same preparation can be used to treat the rest of the bushes for prevention.
- Blackleg. Main enemy young. The main cause of the disease is excessive soil moisture. The stalk turns black, becomes thin - as a result, the seedling dies. You can not overly thicken the landing. "Kids" should be well ventilated. Pre-sowing disinfection of seeds and moderation in watering are important. Affected specimens are subject to immediate destruction.
- Mosaic. The flowers become small, variegated spots appear on the leaves. There is no cure for this disease. effective means fight. Sick bushes are removed and burned.
- One of dangerous pests are stem cutworms. Caterpillars make moves in the stems. This causes the death of garden pets. As preventive measure timely weeding is recommended. To destroy existing caterpillars, a two-time treatment with a solution of chlorophos is carried out.
Snapdragon in landscape design, combination with other plants
In those periods when changes occur in the garden - the site has changed its owner and everything is being arranged in a new way, or you just want to change the permanent "tenants", you need to quickly decorate the garden. In this case, antirrinum will help out. All empty places can be safely filled with bright and unpretentious "lion cubs".
In the flower bed, consisting of annuals, there is also a place for them. You can experiment with the colors and height of the plants. It is possible to form a complex fantasy pattern on a flower bed solely with the help of an antirrinum. The variety of its color variations allows you to give free rein to the imagination.
Low and dwarf bushes can serve as a border or successfully complement rockeries. Naturally and beautifully, such “cubs” enliven the static appearance of stones. Ampel varieties look amazing in hanging planters or as a home pot culture. The use of antirrinum is universal - it is used in equally as a background or, on the contrary, do bright accent flower garden.
Know! Groups of "lion cubs" will become the color dominant on the green lawn.
Antirrinum is successfully combined with marigolds. Such a duet, planted in an elongated container and complemented by a periwinkle, can become a real decoration of a terrace, porch or balcony. An excellent result is obtained when combined with nasturtium, cosmea, chrysanthemums, alyssum. The flower garden looks elegant and harmonious. An excellent background for such a composition are low coniferous plants with a spherical crown.
Tall hybrids are ideal for cutting. Bouquets of these luxurious flowers look amazing and last quite a long time. You should not make the mistake of cutting off the top of the bush. In this way, you can only ruin the plant.
Conclusion
With knowledge of planting snapdragons outdoors and proper care behind him, you can achieve excellent results and become the owner of luxuriously flowering bushes.
There is a legend that this plant got its name from the ancient Greek myth, which says that unusual flower gave Hercules one of the goddesses after defeating a ferocious lion. The shape of the inflorescence resembled the mouth of a lion, and the flower was called so - snapdragon. Perennial species are found in warm countries and North America. In modern floriculture, there are about 1000 types of seeds. In height, the stems can grow from 20 centimeters to 80 - 90 centimeters.
Flowers with a pleasant aroma, are large, medium, double, different colors: white, yellow, red. When the flowering period ends, a box with a large number of seeds forms in place of the flowers. Experienced summer residents collect seeds and store until spring for growing seedlings or planting in the ground. In a warm climate, where there are no harsh winters, this plant has every chance of successfully wintering and blooming again next summer. A flower can grow alone in a garden or flower bed, or together with others. Snapdragon will look wonderful against the background of green sprouts. Today among the seeds there is ampel varieties. The flowering period of this variety of pharynx at certain conditions courtship and watering, too, from June to September. Landing ampelous seeds or seedlings produced in the soil of special designs or hanging pots.
Growing snapdragons in a summer cottage, in a city park is not such a difficult task as it seems. In the south, snapdragon seeds can be planted directly in open ground as soon as the soil is warm enough. Planting and care begin in March - April. We dig up the bed with mineral or organic fertilizers on a shovel bayonet, remove all weeds and clods of earth. We level the ground with the help of a rake and make grooves with a depth of 1 - 2 centimeters, water it. We start sowing. We take a container with snapdragon seeds, add dry fine river sand in a ratio of 1:10. This is done so that the small seeds of the plant are easier to sow. Sprinkle gently with earth. Seeding completed. Next - watering from a watering can. To reduce the time for germination of seeds, you can cover with a film or covering material. After the first shoots, remove the film. Then care will consist in thinning the plants. After the appearance of 3-4 leaves, we remove weak, thin stems, leaving the healthiest ones at a distance of at least 20 centimeters. It depends on the growth conditions of each of the varieties. At the same time, the top of each plant left must be pinched. Planting has been completed in the ground and care now consists in watering and timely loosening.
IN middle lane and northern regions, the cultivation of pharynx in open ground occurs only through seedlings. Planting and care begin in March. We fill wide bowls with earth. There must be drainage or holes at the bottom to drain excess moisture. Spray the soil with a spray bottle to keep it moist. Mix seeds with sand and sow evenly. Carefully sprinkle with earth, again we water from the sprayer. We cover the container with glass. Seed planting is complete.
Now care consists in daily airing and watering the soil. It should be noted that the soil cannot be poured, it must remain moist, not damp, otherwise there will be no germination from snapdragon seeds. Glass can be removed after the leaves appear. In time, it will be 12-16 days after landing. For good cultivation transfer the seedlings to a sunny warm place. Snapdragon grows very slowly. It must be taken care of daily. You should pay attention to the fact that there is enough lighting, water, the air should not be dry. After the appearance of 3-4 leaves, the flowers dive: they are seated one at a time in individual cups. The bottom of the glass should have a drain or drain hole. excess water. We fill the glass with earth, make a hole, water it. We also thoroughly water the bowl with seedlings so that a clod of earth remains on the root of each plant during transplantation.
We carefully lower one sprout with a clod of earth into the hole, press it, sprinkle it with earth, press it again.
If there is a glazed veranda or balcony, and the temperature at night there does not drop below + 13-15 degrees, after a couple of days the seedlings can be taken out. This is done to harden seedlings.After the appearance of 4-5 leaves, the stem must be pinched so that the plant gives side shoots. In the middle lane in early June, snapdragons are planted in open ground. Snapdragon is recommended to be planted on a sunny bed or slightly shaded. If the plants are strong, hardened, they will not be afraid of small night temperature drops.
Before planting, it is necessary to add humus, sand, peat to the soil, carefully dig, remove weeds and large clods of earth. We make holes, water them. Seedlings in cups also need to be watered, so that it is more convenient to remove the plant along with the ground. Plant snapdragons like this: low varieties after 20 centimeters, medium - after 35, high - no closer than 50. With proper care, if the snapdragon takes root, increased growth begins. Flowering period from June to September. Further care behind the flower lies in timely weeding, proper watering.
Watering snapdragons requires in the morning. It should be observed that the earth after watering does not turn into a crust, be sure to loosen it and remove weeds. High grades must be tied to a support. Withered flowers - remove, then new flowers will appear. If you have a goal to grow a perennial plant from a bush, after flowering, in the fall, you need to cut the plant, leaving no more than 10 centimeters of the stem.
Cover with mulch - sawdust, dry leaves, spruce branches - this will help you survive the winter.Before cutting the plant, snapdragon seeds should be collected. They are harvested unripe, put in a paper bag and stored in a dry, warm place until the pods are ripe and the seeds spill out. Then the seeds in paper bag stored in a dry place at a temperature not exceeding +5 degrees.
Landing and leaving will not be difficult if you follow certain rules.
