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Growing a lumbago flower from seeds is the most commonly practiced method of propagation. Theoretically, it is possible to cut and divide the bush, but in fact, the root system of an adult plant does not tolerate damage and transplantation very well.
It is not difficult to get sleep-grass seedlings at home. To do this, it is advisable to take fresh seeds, properly prepare them and sow them in a suitable soil. If you keep them warm and in the light, having arranged a "mini-greenhouse" on the windowsill or in the greenhouse, do not forget to carefully water and regularly ventilate the seedlings, and at the right time to dive them into individual pots, by the end of summer the lumbago can be planted on the site. Flowering, however, will have to wait: the first buds of sleep-grass seedlings usually appear only for 2-3 years. But then unpretentious elegant bushes, generously strewn with large, bright, fluffy cups or bells, with the arrival of early spring will be the best decoration of the garden for 8-10 years.
Features of growing lumbago from seeds
To successfully grow common lumbago from seeds at home, you need to study the features of the seedling method of reproduction of this plant. It is also important to carefully consider the timing and rules of sowing.
What the seeds of a lumbago look like will help to present a photo:
Seeds of lumbago are oblong, enclosed in a dense shell and have pubescence in order to be carried by the wind
They are formed after the end of the flowering of the sleep-grass inside its fruits - boxes, resembling nuts in shape. The seeds themselves are long, in a dense shell, with pubescent hairy awns that help them fly far in the wind. Getting on the surface of the soil, the seed undergoes natural stratification, periodically getting wet and dry. The hygroscopic awn is gradually "screwed" into the ground, pulling the seed into it. Its hard integumentary skin gradually softens and makes it possible for the germ to break through.
Here's what to keep in mind when planning to acquire this beautiful and healing primrose on your own plot:
- Shoot seeds should be harvested when they have time to fully ripen, but have not yet scattered. This usually happens at the end of June-July. Mature seeds will easily separate from the receptacle.
- The seed of the lumbago remains germinating for 2-3 years. Freshly harvested seeds can be germinated without prior preparation. Those that are 1 year old or more should be hardened in the cold and kept in a growth stimulator.
- Seeds of high-mountainous lumbago necessarily require stratification. This does not depend on the timing of their collection.
- If different varieties of lumbago grow in the same area in the immediate vicinity, then as a result of cross-pollination, interesting hybrids can be obtained.
- Dream-grass grown from seeds does not always retain the color of flowers inherent in the mother plant.
When to sow lumbago for seedlings
It is necessary to plant lumbago seeds for seedlings from mid-February to the end of March. This will allow the seedlings to grow sufficiently during the spring and summer so that they can be successfully moved outdoors in August.
How to plant lumbago seeds
Before you start growing lumbago on seedlings from seeds, you should prepare. It is advisable to stratify them in advance, and stock up on convenient containers and a suitable soil mixture by the planned planting date.
Selection of containers and soil preparation
It is most convenient to use a wide, shallow container (wooden box, plastic container) for sowing seeds. A prerequisite is the presence of a sufficient number of holes in the bottom of the container to drain excess moisture.
It is most convenient to sow lumbago seeds in a wide, shallow container with holes in the bottom for drainage
The soil for lumbago seeds should be light and loose. You can mix in equal proportions sheet soil or purchased substrate and fine river sand. The day before the intended sowing, the soil must be well moistened.
Preparation and stratification of shot seeds
Inoculum stratification simulates exposure to a specific temperature and humidity in natural conditions. This process stimulates the awakening of seeds and their transition from the dormant phase to the growth phase.
1-2 months before sowing, a container with seeds mixed with wet sand should be placed in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for stratification
For germination of sleep-grass, the so-called "cold" stratification is performed. 1 part by volume of the seed is mixed with 3 parts of wet sand, peat or sawdust, put in a plastic bag and placed in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for 1-2 months.
Immediately before sowing, it is recommended to soak the seeds for a couple of hours in a stimulant solution (Epin, succinic acid). This will enhance their ability to germinate.
How to sow lumbago seeds
It is necessary to properly plant the lumbago with seeds as follows:
- The prepared seed is evenly distributed over the soil surface. It is most convenient to carefully spread them out at a distance of a couple of centimeters from each other using tweezers.
- The crops are slightly pressed into the soil, but not buried. It is permissible to lightly sprinkle them on top with fine sand.
- The seeds of the shot are sprayed with warm, settled water from a spray bottle.
- Cover the container with glass or plastic wrap, forming a "greenhouse", and put it in a bright warm place.
Sleep grass seeds should be evenly distributed over the surface of the soil, slightly pressing into it, but not deepening
How to grow lumbago from seeds at home
Growing lumbago from seeds at home requires proper care. In the optimal case, the first shoots can be seen as early as 2 weeks after planting. However, it happens that germination is delayed for a longer period, up to 6 weeks.
Microclimate
For a successful "awakening" the seeds of the shoot require warmth and an abundance of light.
It is advisable to keep the "little house" with them on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse, protecting it from drafts and maintaining a constant temperature at + 22-25 ° С.
If natural lighting is not enough, you can organize additional illumination of crops with a phytolamp.
Watering and feeding schedule
Growing sleep-grass from seeds for seedlings involves moderate watering with settled water at room temperature. It is best to spray it from a spray bottle over the soil surface, being careful not to overmoisten. The frequency of watering should be such that the substrate does not have time to dry out, otherwise the shoot shoots will die.
The presence of a "greenhouse" helps maintain a high level of humidity. It is necessary to ventilate the seedlings daily, removing the shelter for a few minutes and removing the condensate that has accumulated on its inner side. After the sprouts appear, the time they spend in the fresh air is gradually increased. In the future, the film is removed completely.
After the sprouts begin to appear, you need to check so that they can successfully shed the seed coat. If some of them fail, you need to help them by sprinkling the dense skin with warm water several times a day to soften it.
In order for small plants to take root better, you can carefully make a small hole in the ground next to the germinated seed. It is most convenient to use a toothpick for this. A thin root of the sprout should be directed into the hole, and then carefully sprinkle it.
You should be aware that lumbago seedlings do not need feeding before picking into separate pots.
Picking
Planting sleep-grass in individual containers is carried out at the stage when 2-3 true leaves appear in seedlings. It is best to choose deep pots or cups with a diameter of 60-80 mm. The potting mix is the same as for sowing seeds.
At the stage of appearance of 2-3 true leaves, the seedlings are ready for picking
This procedure is performed as follows:
- a hole is prepared in each glass - deep enough so that the root of the seedling can be placed in it without bends;
- carefully transfer the shoot sprout there;
- sprinkle with soil a little, without deepening the root collar;
- slightly compact the soil and water it.
Further care
Caring for a lumbago sown with seeds, after picking seedlings before planting them in the ground, implies the following actions:
- systematic watering and maintaining sufficient soil moisture;
- providing plants with enough light;
- application of a balanced mineral fertilizer, diluted in water, once every 2 weeks.
Transfer to the ground
The lumbago grown from seeds by the seedling method can usually be planted in the ground as early as August or early September. The place should be lit, but with light shade, optimally - on a small hill, excluding stagnation of water at the roots, with light and loose fertile soil. Lumbago seedlings are planted in holes at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other, without deepening the root necks.
In late autumn, the sleep-grass should be covered with coniferous spruce branches, straw or agrofibre to protect it from freezing in winter.
Conclusion
Growing a flower lumbago from seeds in a seedling way does not involve much trouble, but it allows you to get strong and healthy young plants that will successfully take root in the garden. It is optimal to take fresh seed, pre-stratify it and sow under a film in light, loose soil. Plants will need a sufficient amount of light and heat, timely accurate watering, and as they grow a little - picking in individual pots. If the seeds were sown in late winter or early spring, they can be transferred to a permanent place in the open field with the onset of August. Sleep-grass bushes look very beautiful during the flowering period, are unpretentious, resistant to diseases and pests, and will certainly be able to add their own notes to the symphony of the beauty of any garden.
