What do gardeners-lovers like so little and nondescript gypsophila flowers? Each individually is of no interest. But out of many small flowers, a magnificent, like a weightless ball is formed, invariably arousing admiration. This is gypsophila. Growing from the seeds of this plant is possible both at home and in the open ground.
Gypsophila grows well in sunny areas with carbonate soils (acidic does not tolerate), where there is a slight slope, and with groundwater at a depth of more than 60 cm.This plant is quite frost-resistant, tolerates winter without shelter even in the northern regions, but does not tolerate dampness in winter.
Gypsophila creeping, popular among gardeners, has a large root, thick and rod, which goes deep into the ground. This plant does not tolerate transplantation and cannot multiply by division.
Seed propagation
According to the experience of those in whose gardens a gypsophila has long settled, growing from seeds is possible only in simple varieties. Terry species are propagated by cuttings, their inflorescences have male sterility.
Gypsophila, growing from seedlings of which is carried out in April-May, gives seedlings 10-14 days after sowing. They can be transplanted to a permanent place in June or July.
A very popular and favorite variety of gardeners is a perennial gypsophila. Growing from the seeds of this plant gives strong seedlings that bloom in the second year. He loves moderate watering, top dressing with mineral fertilizers or mullein with an interval of once every two weeks. It responds well to the alternation of organics and mineral water.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings are possible only when young shoots appear. This usually happens in April or May. In August, after cutting, you can also start cuttings. In the spring, cuttings are cut off when the internodes have not yet lengthened.
Shoots on which inflorescences have already formed are not suitable for cutting and planting.
Cuttings are cut from the top of the plant, the shoot should be about 5 cm long. They are planted in greenhouses. The substrates use a variety of different ones.
It is important that they are sufficiently loose, retaining moisture. In addition, the soil must be decontaminated from pathogens and pests. It’s good to add some chalk or slaked lime to the ground . It is better not to use the substrate again, and if necessary, it is necessary to disinfect.
Cuttings are planted to a depth of 2 cm. During the period of root formation, you need to monitor the humidity of the substrate. It should not dry out or be too wet. Suitable temperature for cuttings is 20 °.
The duration of daylight hours is at least 12 hours. Shanks should be shaded from the scorching sun. During this period, it is better to maintain high air humidity near rooting shoots. When the roots appear, then it needs to be slightly reduced. In such climatic conditions, the root formation process will end in 30 days.
Gypsophila cuttings that are already rooted, after 2 weeks need to be transplanted to their permanent place. It is advisable that before the onset of cold weather plants have taken root.
After planting, the seedlings are abundantly watered, in the future - in moderation. Long-term gypsophila with an excess of moisture can undergo various diseases, with drought it develops less.
Adult plants are watered abundantly before flowering, and during flowering, watering is slightly reduced and watered only under the root. Gypsophila can tolerate long-term drought, but in this case, its beauty suffers.
In conclusion - advice. Before flowering, the gypsophila can be fed foliarly. When the shoots grow to a length of 5 cm, the bushes of the plant form, while leaving about 7 shoots on them.