seedlings.- one of the most memorable flowering annuals, pleasing the view from the first half of summer to frost. If the nasturtium got accustomed to the plot, planting and leaving in the open field do not take much of the time from the summer resident. The plant is unpretentious, responsive to care, willingly and abundantly blooms. Experienced gardeners use nasturtiums to protect the beds from pests, and gourmets know how to turn immature seeds, young leaves and delicate corolla flowers into an exquisite dish.
For several decades, the nasturtiums have disappeared from flowerbeds and front gardens, but today they are gaining admirers and deserving places in summer cottages, in parks, on terraces and loggias.
Terms of planting nasturtium in the ground in spring
In nature, there are almost 90 species of nasturtium, which in the native conditions of the subtropics of the American continent are shaped not only annuals, but also perennials.
In the middle lane, even the most frost-resistant species are not warm enough for wintering, so nasturtium is grown as an ornamental summer plant, planting seeds or seedlings in the garden.
How to organize the planting of nasturtiums in open ground, when to plant flowers in different regions?
Nasturtium seeds begin to germinate when air and soil warms to 18–20 ° C.If the seedlings fall under frosts, there is a danger of their freezing, so they plan to plant nasturtium in the ground in spring, paying attention to the weather conditions in the region. The farther south, the sooner the right moment comes.
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In the middle zone, seed placement in open ground is done in the middle or at the end of May. In Siberia, where planting and caring for nasturtium in open ground is delayed for 7–10 days, for early flowering, it is better to use not planting on flowerbeds, but planting grown seedlings.
Planting seeds in open ground and caring for nasturtium
Sunny, quiet areas with drained light ground are preferred for nasturtiums. On poor soils, the plant looks depressed, its leaves shrink and brighten, the flowers appear later and not as massively as on well-fertilized wetted soils. At the same time, culture negatively relates to the introduction of fresh organic matter.
They dig up the area for sowing, carefully breaking up the clods. The change is buried in the soil to a depth of about 2 cm, and on lighter substrates, the wells are made somewhat deeper.
If planting nasturtiums and care in the open field is complicated by the high density of the soil, it is better to add peat and sand in advance.
Furrows or wells under large seeds are made at a distance of 25 cm for bush varieties and with an interval of up to 40 cm for climbing, strongly growing species. Experienced gardeners are advised to sow 2-4 seeds in one well. Curling nasturtium this method will help to quickly form a lush green crown for vertical gardening.
Rapidly growing and luxuriantly flowering plants help, in the shortest possible time, to separate farm buildings from the yard, plant a garden house, or create a comfortable shady corner on a sunny plot.
When planting nasturtium and caring in open ground, a trellis made of stretched string or mesh helps to give the plant a vertical position, to monitor the condition of the lashes.
After embedding the ridges, the soil is slightly compacted and watered. Shoots nasturtium appear in 7-10 days. They are quite friendly and strong. So that the sprouts are not affected by the return cold, they can be covered with a nonwoven fabric at night.
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Care for the nasturtium after planting in the open ground
Throughout the warm season, the nasturtiums are watered, making sure that the land under the plants is clean, weedy and loose. From a lack of moisture, especially in hot weather, casting nasturtiums turn yellow, buds fall off, the already flowing rims fade faster. For irrigation use sun warmed separated water.
Spray nasturtiums bloom 25-30 days after sowing. Climbing varieties, regardless of the timing of planting and caring for nasturtium in the open field, open the buds for another 10-15 days later. To bloom was lush and lasted until the first frost, the plants are fed monthly, using complex mixtures. At the beginning of growth, fertilizers for nasturtiums may have an increased concentration of nitrogen and potassium. But then an excess of nitrogen causes a rapid increase in green mass and a delay in the appearance of buds. Therefore, from June fertilizing should contain more phosphorus and potassium.
By autumn, the nasturtium bloom gradually subsides, but does not stop. Therefore, green plants to the cold remain on the site.
Then the stems are removed, the area is dug up and shed with phytosporin or other means to improve the quality of the soil.
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Planting seedlings of nasturtium for seedlings and caring for
seedlings Those who don’t want to wait for a month to see yellow, orange, white and red flowers of nasturtium can be inApril sow the seeds and grow seedlings of this unpretentious flower at home.
Sowing is carried out in peat pots to a depth of about 1 cm. This is important because the nasturtium does not tolerate the transplant and during planting it is necessary to keep the earthen room and all the formed roots.
The surface after planting is compacted and watered. In the future, the soil should be moistened regularly, preventing the entire volume of the pot from drying out. When the seeds are filled, seedlings provide good light and a temperature of about 18–20 ° C.This will allow the nasturtium to form a strong plant with several true leaves. Transferring seedlings to a flower bed or in a balcony drawer is planned for May.
And sowing seeds, and planting nasturtiums in open ground, and caring for an ornamental plant throughout the summer - will not be able to impede summer residents with even the most modest experience. The flower is as unpretentious as it is decorative and useful. Bright nasturtium curtains near cabbage beds will help distract aphids and cabbage moths. Potatoes and eggplants are less subject to attacks by the Colorado potato beetle.
Unusual plant is used not only as a decorative and phytosanitary culture. Green irregularly shaped nasturtium seed boxes in the marinade acquire a piquant taste and are served on the table as a snack. And flowers and leaves - vitamin crunchy supplement for early low-calorie salads.
Video about landing nasturtium