Some plants are grown to enjoy beautiful flowers, others because of their beneficial properties, and still others because of their pleasant aroma. Among the latter is matiola. This flower is also called Levka.
Matiola, judging by the photos, looks rather modest. An ordinary stem of an erect type, lanceolate leaves of green color, flowers collected in a brush. They can be white, pink, blue, purple and dark purple. This herbaceous plant belongs to annuals in the cabbage family. Matiola, growing from seeds of which is not difficult, has many types. There are more than ten species, but the bicorn and gray-haired matiola managed to gain the most popularity.
The two-horned variety is popularly called night violet, this is due to the peculiarities of color. Its buds are opened only in the evening, closer to night. In addition, night insects actively flock on it, which pollinate the plant with great pleasure. Flowering lasts from July to August.
The second type of matiola is gray-haired, which is also called levka or terry, pink. The flower is not only a pleasant aroma, but also beauty. Judging by many years of practice, matiola, growing from seeds of which brings simple and double flowers, forms seeds only in flowers of a simple type.
As a stimulus, not only for insects, but also for humans, a marvelous aroma spreading in the evenings can act.
Matiola, cultivation from seeds for which is the only way of reproduction, has some features. As seedlings, it is not recommended to choose a bicorn. This is due to the root system. It has a pivotal appearance, so it can be damaged during transplantation. Direct planting in the ground is considered more productive. In two weeks, the first shoots usually appear, and after two months the matiola begins to bloom. For good development, the sprouts must be planted and thinned, keeping a distance of 15-20 centimeters. In order to increase the duration of flowering, planting must be carried out two to three times in the spring-summer period. This will ensure the flowering sequence, which, accordingly, will affect its duration. Matiola, the cultivation of which can be fraught with certain difficulties, is generally not a very capricious plant. According to the rules and tips for care, it is best for her to find a place where there will be full sunlight. The soil should be chosen light, sandy, calcareous.
Do not forget about drainage, as this representative of the flora has problems with waterlogging. It must be emphasized that matiola is frost-resistant. Overwintering in open ground without shelter is not a problem for her. Balcony is suitable for matiola the bicorn, especially if peat pots are provided to her. Care will have a significant impact on the manifestations of diseases. Due to excessive moisture, rotting may occur in the soil, in addition, a moist environment is especially loved by pests such as
earthen fleas.Many pleasant moments can give matiola. Growing from seeds is not difficult, and the result is beyond praise.