Content
Ageratum Blue mink is an ornamental herb in the form of a low bush with pale blue flowers very similar to the color of the skin of a young mink. The shape of the flowers also resembles the fur of this animal with its soft petals-villi. The photo shows a typical representative of this ageratum variety. In our article, we will tell you in detail how to grow this flower from seeds.
From seed to flower
The ancestors of the ageratum are from southern countries, they love warmth and light, a moderately humid climate, they tolerate short periods of drought well and are very sensitive to the composition of the soil. Heavy and loamy soils or shaded blown areas are not about them. You can get abundantly flowering and healthy plants only by considering these nuances.
Description
Ageratum Blue mink belongs to the Astrovye family, it is cultivated in an annual form, the main indicators of varietal affiliation are:
- ageratum root - strongly growing rhizome, superficial, buried in the ground no more than 20 cm;
- stems - erect, pubescent with sparse hairs;
- leaves - light green, oval, pressed with jagged edges, small near the inflorescence, closer to the root part - larger, grow densely;
- on the brushes of the ageratum, many peduncles are formed, collected in a bunch, similar to a fluffy ball;
- flowers - on a flat core, many tubercles are formed, from which thin petals of a delicate blue hue, fragrant, with a diameter of up to 3 cm grow;
- ageratum fruits - seed capsule, which contains many very small seeds;
- the height of the bushes varies from 30 to 70 cm, it depends on many conditions: the quality of the seeds, weather conditions, compliance with agricultural technologies;
- flowering time - at Ageratum Blue mink they are very long, blooming of flowers begins 2 months after planting seedlings in the ground, and ends in October;
- Ageratum seeds are extremely small, sometimes it is difficult to sow them in containers or in open ground so that they are evenly distributed over the surface.
In the video at the end of the page, an experienced florist tells how this can be done in practice. Here you will also see all the stages of growing the Agearum Blue Mink from seeds.
Seed preparation
The annual ageratum blue mink is grown only from seeds, they can be purchased commercially, there will be no complications with this. Difficulties may arise when sowing them, since the seeds of ageratums are microscopic.
Florists sow ageratum in two ways: with preliminary soaking and further picking or dry seeds. Without soaking, that is, in the classical way, you need to sow them directly into the moistened substrate.
Soaking small seeds will allow you to determine at an early stage if ageratum seeds are suitable for subsequent planting in the ground. Low-quality, that is, non-germinated seeds, are removed after 3-7 days, they should not take up space in seedling containers.
Cooking the substrate
Ageratum Blue mink requires a loose and lightweight soil, on heavy soil this plant does not develop well, the roots get sick, flower ovaries are not formed. Earthen mixture is purchased in special stores for gardeners or prepared independently. The soil mixture should consist of the following components:
- Fertile land (black earth or ordinary garden land) - 1 part.
- Large river sand or other baking powder (fine sawdust, ash) - 1 part.
- Leaf humus or high-moor peat - 1 part.
All components are thoroughly mixed and disinfected by thermal or chemical methods. The hot method is roasting the substrate in an oven or over a fire directly in the garden. The chemical method provides for the treatment of the mixture with preparations specially designed for these purposes. They are on sale, find out the instructions for use and dosage by reading the attached recommendations.
The substrate must be checked for soil acidity (this also applies to open ground), Ageratum Blue mink prefers neutral or slightly alkaline substances. Litmus-coated strips of paper will help determine the value of the acidity of the earth. Nowadays, every gardener has these in stock, borrow from a neighbor or buy in a store.
Sowing
Sowing Ageratum Blue Mink begins in January or February. The vegetation of ageratums of all varieties is long, from sowing to the first flowers at least 100 days must pass, therefore, the earlier the seeds are sown, the sooner flower ovaries form. The seeding technology is as follows:
- pour dry seeds of ageratum into containers with prepared soil (always wet), before that you can mix them with sand for sowing convenience, if the seeds are already germinated, carefully distribute them on the surface;
- Sprinkle the entire surface with the sown seeds with a thin (1 cm) layer of the same substrate, lightly press down with your palm;
- water moderately, trying not to budge the seeds;
- cover the container with a paper towel to collect condensation, close the top with a lid or glass;
- the container must be placed in a warm place, since ageratums are thermophilic and will start to grow at a temperature not lower than + 25 ° C;
- within a week, the first sprouts of ageratum with cotyledon leaves should appear.
After 7-8 days, the first feeding of the seedlings is carried out, combining it with watering. It is not recommended to feed the plant abundantly. First, use a little bit of growth-promoting powder. Nitrogen fertilizers are not recommended at this stage of vegetation of ageratums.
Seedling care
Before the time comes for transplanting ageratum seedlings into open ground, greenhouses or greenhouses, you will have to carry out constant care for young shoots:
- water regularly with warm water heated to 25 degrees;
- maintain indoor humidity and temperature;
- remove withered leaves of ageratum;
- add lighting if the days are cloudy;
- feed ageratums 1-2 times a month;
- 2-3 weeks, or better a month, before planting ageratums in open ground, hardening is carried out: starting from 30 minutes and gradually increasing the time, containers with seedlings are taken out into the open air.
Compliance with the rules of care ensures that young ageratums will grow strong and healthy, ready to be planted in the ground in a permanent place.
Landing in the ground
In the top photo, we see that not all seeds have grown evenly. Do not rush to draw conclusions and throw out weak plants, many of them will still gain strength and catch up with their relatives. If the time has come for transplanting seedlings into the ground, proceed as follows:
- select the tallest and healthiest sprouts of ageratum with 3-4 true leaves and plant them in the ground at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other (see video);
- leave small, lagging seedlings in a container, spill them with a solution that stimulates plant growth, and add a little nitrogen fertilizer;
- this method effectively affects most of the seedlings, the sprouts will actively move into growth and quickly form new leaves;
- after 10 days all the seedlings of ageratum will "move" to fresh air, very weak shoots can be transplanted into separate pots and grown as indoor flowers.
Open areas
The site for planting ageratum Blue mink should be well lit by the sun, not blown by frequent winds. On the leeward side, tall perennials can be planted, which will perform a wind-protecting function. The soil in flower beds and beds is preferable to be light and fertilized. Ageratums do not tolerate loams and acidified soils poorly. Ageratum seedlings are planted in May or June, the timing directly depends on climatic conditions.
- Plants are carefully separated from each other, protecting the roots and leaves from breakage.
- They are planted in shallow holes with a lump of earth at a distance of 25 cm.
- Water in moderation.
The whole process is shown in more detail in the video posted at the end of the article. Watch it to the end and you will not regret the time spent.
Greenhouses
In closed, heated greenhouses, they grow mainly for sale, only seedlings of the Ageratum Blue mink. This happens in January-February. The conditions of the greenhouse make it possible to get seedlings by the very beginning of the spring-summer season, when gardeners open a sowing campaign in their summer cottages. Seedlings of different varieties of ageratum are grown here, the most popular of them are: Blue mink, White ball, Pink elephant and others. The sale of ready-made ageratum seedlings frees flower growers from work related to the cultivation of seedlings. There are situations when flower lovers simply do not have the opportunity to do this: there is no place, no time, or there are any contraindications.
Seedling care
In care, our ageratum variety is unpretentious as it is picky about soil and light, but gardeners should not leave this plant unattended. The most minimal maintenance contributes to the successful development of the culture, abundant flowering and the growth of bright green foliage. Ageratum bushes quickly and actively build up green mass, closing the living space for the germination of weeds, so even weeding is not required.
Application in design
Ageratum Blue mink is used to decorate gardens, parks, city alleys. Its flowers with delicate coloration are in harmony with many plants in flower arrangements. The compactness and short stature of the bushes allows the townspeople to grow it on their loggias and balconies. Landscape designers complement the decoration of picturesque flower beds with this small delicate and fragrant plant.
