Content
Iberis is planted along the edges of lawns, in rocky and standard flower beds. Its delicate flowers often become participants in wedding bouquets. Fortunately, growing Iberis from seed is not difficult. Even a little experience in gardening will help to cope with its reproduction on a personal plot.
Features of growing Iberis from seeds
Although Iberis can be propagated by cuttings, the more popular method is seed growing. They give good germination. The sprouts are strong and resistant to external influences. Seed propagation of a plant is carried out in two ways:
- sowing in open ground;
- growing seedlings.
Iberis serves as a wonderful decor for a house, a plot, a flower bed, a lawn and an alpine slide.
When and how to sow Iberis directly into the ground
The appropriate time for seed placement in open ground is selected taking into account the region. Iberis does not withstand large frosts, so only residents of areas with warm winters can afford planting in autumn. In most cases, seeds are planted in open ground in mid-April. In order for flowering to continue uninterruptedly until the end of September, sowing in one place is carried out in two or three passes. Wait 2-3 weeks before the second and third stage.
Seeds are sown sparsely on the surface of the soil. Sprinkle on top with a thin layer of earth and gently watered. Two weeks after germination, the seedlings are thinned out, leaving 15 cm between neighboring plants.
Growing Iberis seedlings
If you correctly plant Iberis on seedlings and provide it with high-quality care in the future, the plants will be stronger and begin to bloom earlier. For this, it is important to choose the right containers and substrate, as well as follow the recommendations regarding light, watering and feeding. The sprouts need to be thinned out in time, and then properly planted in open ground.
When to plant Iberis seedlings
Planting seeds for seedlings in a greenhouse or at home is carried out in early March. To ensure continuous flowering throughout the summer, the same principle is used as in the open field - sowing in stages.
Approximate diagram:
- March 1-5;
- March 15-20;
- March 30 - April 5.
The transfer of seedlings to open ground is also carried out in three stages. The sprouts obtained from the second and third runs are placed in the intervals between the first ones. The result is a continuous flowering flower bed.
Preparation of containers and soil
Sowing Iberis for seedlings is carried out in shallow, but wide boxes, which will not complicate further care. They must have drainage holes, as the plant does not tolerate stagnant moisture. You need to think in advance where to place the containers with seedlings, because it will take a lot of light.
Iberia is not demanding on the soil, so the most common substrate for growing seedlings or flowers is suitable. Another option is to mix garden soil with peat and sand. As a result, you should get a light and loose mixture.
How to plant Iberis
Planting Iberis seeds for seedlings is extremely easy. To do this, you need to do only 4 steps:
- Spread the seeds over the surface of the substrate at intervals of about 2 cm.
- Sprinkle with a layer of river sand 1 mm thick.
- Thoroughly moisten the soil with a spray bottle.
- Cover with colorless film or glass.
The shelter helps to retain the moisture and heat required for seed germination. After planting, the film or glass is periodically removed for ventilation. The soil should always be moist.
How to grow Iberis seedlings
Iberis is an extremely unpretentious plant, even at the seedling stage. After emergence, the box is placed in a bright place. If the sun's rays are not enough, they resort to artificial lighting. Experienced flower growers advise to be careful about watering young sprouts: the dryness of the soil inhibits their development, and waterlogging can lead to rotting of the roots.
Iberis seedlings are grown without picking, since the roots do not tolerate transplanting well
When two real leaves appear on each sprout, you need to pay attention to the planting density. There should be a gap of 2-3 cm between neighboring plants, the extra ones are removed. This will be enough for the normal development of the root system. A pick for Iberis is highly undesirable.
Two or three weeks before planting on the site, young shoots are hardened. For this, the box is put out on the street. The duration of daily hardening is gradually increased. Immediately before planting, the seedlings are kept in the fresh air around the clock.
Planting and caring for perennial Iberis in the ground
Everyone who has seen the charming Iberis flowers in the photo involuntarily considers the process of planting and caring for a plant to be extremely difficult. However, as you can see, growing seedlings is quite simple. Moving sprouts into open ground and further agrotechnical measures are also not very labor-intensive.
Recommended timing
Iberis is not frost-resistant, so the date of planting seedlings must be carefully thought out. At the time of the event, the risk of recurrent frosts should be completely absent. This period will differ in different regions. In the middle lane, it usually falls at the end of May.
Site selection and preparation
A flowerbed with the participation of Iberis is always placed in a sunny place. In the shade, the plant looks weakened, its stems stretch out, the leaves become thinner, and the flowers become much smaller. Such a bush is not able to become a decoration of the site.
The soil for the plant is not of key importance, therefore, special preparation of the site is not required. Before planting, the earth must be dug up. If the soil is heavy or depleted, organic fertilizers are applied to it.
Landing rules
Iberis seedlings grown from seeds are planted as follows:
- Water the substrate abundantly.
- Dig up the shoots along with the soil near the roots.
- Holes are made in the ground at a distance of 15 cm from each other.
- Sprouts are placed in them and sprinkled with earth.
- Water each plant abundantly.
Watering and feeding schedule
Iberis calmly tolerates short periods of drought. However, a prolonged lack of moisture dramatically reduces the decorative effect of the bushes. Therefore, during the period without precipitation, at least one abundant watering per week is required.
Iberis supplements are optional. They should only be used on poor soils. It is enough to apply a solution of complex mineral fertilizer under the root of each bush 1 or 2 times during the summer. This will help increase the number of buds.
For lush flowering, the plant is fed several times a year.
Pruning
All Iberis buds at the wilting stage must be cut off immediately. This is necessary to achieve the following goals:
- prevention of self-seeding;
- stimulation of the formation of new buds;
- preservation of the aesthetics of the bush.
Pre-winter pruning of perennial varieties is carried out in the fall, after removing the last faded bud. A third of each branch is cut off. This reduces the likelihood of frostbite.
Wintering
The plant is able to endure a warm winter without shelter. Under the influence of severe frosts in the absence of a thick snow cover, the bushes are threatened with frostbite. This will not necessarily lead to the death of the plant, but it will significantly weaken its strength. To prevent the sad consequences, after pruning, Iberis bushes are covered with spruce branches, dry leaves or non-woven material.
Diseases and pests
Most often, the plant is affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and fusarium. The defeat becomes the result of waterlogging of the soil.
To prevent the problem, take the following measures:
- Treat the soil with fungicides before planting.
- Plants are sprayed with special preparations during the dry period.
- They increase the looseness of the soil, make drainage.
- Affected plants are immediately removed from the site.
- Moderate watering is carried out.
- During the period of heavy rainfall, the soil is constantly loosened.
Iberis is often attacked by an earthen flea, leaving round holes in the leaves. The fight against it comes down to regular soil moisture. Cabbage aphid - the trouble of all cruciferous plants, disappears after using a soap solution. But mealybugs can only be removed with insecticides. Moreover, one-time processing does not always work.
Signs of the presence of an earthen flea on Iberis are numerous holes in the leaves.
The need for a transplant
A permanent place for Iberis should be selected for 5 years. The taproot of the plant does not like transplants extremely, therefore it is often not recommended to transfer it to a new site. But after 5 years of life, Iberis blooms reluctantly and its overall decorative effect is sharply reduced. To prevent this, the bush is dug up and divided, and the “delenki” are planted in a new place.
How to collect Iberis seeds
To collect seeds, the largest flowers are left on the bushes. To avoid self-seeding, it is necessary to put gauze bags on them. After the buds are dry, they are cut and laid out in a dry ventilated room to dry thoroughly. Then the seeds are separated from the petals and put in paper envelopes. Storage requires a dark room with dry and cool air.
Conclusion
Growing Iberis from seeds is a rewarding work. In return for the minimum efforts of the grower, the culture pleases with lush flowering throughout the summer. Delicate buds of white, pink or purple color perfectly complement various flower beds. When cut, they can be used to create charming bouquets.
