The new is the well-forgotten old. This can be said about matthiola or night violet. How can you not be mesmerized by an extraordinary aroma in the evening.
Therefore, it is increasingly possible to find cultivars in the garden and on the balcony. The breeders have contributed to the development of new varieties of matthiola, which are not only fragrant, but also with new double buds that delight the eye.
Description and features of matthiola
In gardening, two types of annual and perennial are most common matthiola: two-horned and levkoy (gray-haired). Both species grow in the form of dwarf shrubs and herbaceous plants. Combines two types of extraordinary aroma flowers mattiolathat you can smell in the evening. In the daytime, the buds close.
Mattiola two-horned
Mattiola bicorno is inconspicuous and very small. Gardeners develop varieties of this species exclusively for aromatherapy. They are planted near the paths, near the benches, so that you can enjoy the fragrance.
The breeding method is only seed. They retain their germination capacity for up to 3 years. frost-resistant - a strong cold snap to minus 5 degrees C will not be able to destroy the plant. Therefore, it perfectly takes root in northern regions.
Mattiola levkoy differs from the previous type in flowers. They not only have a scent, but also look beautiful on flower beds, forcing. Although in smell they are much inferior to the two-horned species. Buds compensate for this deficiency.
Flower petals can be double or simple. Reach up to 8 cm in diameter. The bushes can have a length ranging from 20 cm to 80 cm. Therefore, they can be conditionally divided into some groups according to their height. When the growth is up to 20 cm, they are classified as dwarf varieties, medium-sized - 45 cm, high - 80.
Shoots are single-stemmed or branched. The color, depending on the variety, can be different: white, golden, lilac, reddish, lavender.
You can grow seed and seedling method... Moreover, only varieties with simple petals can produce seeds. Terry varieties are grown for decorative purposes.
Levkoy can bloom, depending on the variety, in three different periods... In the garden, bushes are grown that bloom only in summer. love open sunny places, but do not tolerate fresh organic matter as a top dressing. It is used six months before planting, then, only mineral.
Planting and breeding matthiola
Predecessors at planting mattiola there should not be cruciferous representatives: horseradish, mustard,. This is considered the main condition growing matthiola... Otherwise, they are doomed to disease.
The landing site is sunny, although it can grow in partial shade. The land is acceptable, non-acidic, loamy, fertile and well moistened.
Mattiola bicorno is grown by seeds in spring:
Before how to plant matthiola prepare the soil in the fall. For this, soil is being dug with the addition of organic matter.
April is the time when sowing mattiolain open ground.
Wells are prepared with a step of 20 cm.In each hole, 5 are sown matthiola seed.
Planting material mixed with sand, sprinkled with a layer of soil on top. After one week, one and a half, shoots can be expected.
Discharge the seedlings, leaving the strongest ones.
Flowering is expected in 30 days.
Experienced floriststo renew aroma of mattiola in the garden, the seeds are planted in several steps, with a gap of 10-14 days.
Seedling propagation is not used for this species, since root system suffers when diving. As a result, it does not take root well, but for matthiola, gray-haired reproduction in this way is acceptable:
In February, the planting of seeds in peat-melted cups begins.
The planting material is kept for several hours in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
The composition of the substrate - sod land, substrate (3: 1).
Boxes with cups are kept in a cool place with an ambient temperature of 13-15 degrees C.
As soon as shoots appear, the temperature of the environment is reduced to 8-10 degrees C and taken out to a bright place. A drop in temperature will have a positive effect on flowering, which will happen one month earlier.
A pick is carried out in the presence of two real leaves. The roots are slightly trimmed during transplantation. Then they will bush better.
Landing in open ground occurs in May. The root system of flowers will not be affected if the seedlings are planted with the cups.
The seedling method will allow you to see flowering much earlier than with the seed method.
Levkoy is planted at home for distillation. In the summertime, flowerpots are taken out with mattiola to the balcony, terrace.
Inflorescences of this species are double and simple. An interesting detail is that you can distinguish them when the leaves appear. Terry varieties have large leaves of rich green, simple - small leaves dark green hue. What makes it possible to grow decorative varieties with double leaves, purposefully.
Matthiola care
The plant is considered unpretentious, so even a beginner can grow it. Fulfilling small requirements, the bushes will bloom and smell:
Mattiola is a winter-hardy plant, but does not tolerate heat. Therefore, flowers should be watered abundantly. The procedure is carried out in the morning in two steps (10 minutes break) to allow the flowers to get saturated with moisture. Evening watering is undesirable, as it provokes diseases. Drip irrigation is well suited for bushes, just do not forget about an overabundance.
IN care for matthiola use - this will protect the bushes from weeds, retain moisture in dry weather.
Seeds are obtained only from mattiola levka with simple inflorescences. Therefore, terry faded buds are immediately cut off for greater decorativeness.
Flowers are suitable for cutting and creating various compositions. For these purposes, plants are pulled out of the soil with roots. Free from the ground under running water. Then, the bouquet will last 30 days.
The shrub responds very well to feeding. The flower loves organics only before planting. It is brought in in the fall, and the plant is planted in the spring. Fertile soil needs mineral up to 5 times a season. Then, as poor soils are fed even more often - 8.
Loosen the soil, but be very careful not to injure the stems.
Remove weeds in time, do not leave on the field.
Types and varieties of mattiola
IN wildlife there are 50 types of matthiola. The most popular in floriculture are two types: mattiola two-horned, mattiola levkoy (gray-haired). Each species is the ancestor of many varieties.
Dwarf varieties of mattiola Levka grows in height only up to 20 cm. Flowers are small, as well as leaves up to 2.5 cm in girth. They are used for planting along curbs, planted in pots on terraces and balconies, have different colors.
Among dwarf varieties there are large-flowered specimens, 8 cm in diameter. Inflorescences with double petals and a divine scent.
Mattiola snowflake
In the photo mattiola "Snowflake" with incredible white buds.
Mattiola Thumbelina
"Thumbelina". Crimson buds will delight not only the garden, but also the balcony, terrace.
Mattiola Ruby
"Ruby". The name speaks of the beauty of the "precious" reddish flower, sitting in the form of a panicle on the tops of the shoots.
Matthiola sapphire
"Sapphire". Peduncles clearly hold a spike-shaped panicle with pale blue petals.
Mattiola is pure gold
"Pure gold". The buds are in the form of candles of yellow-orange hue.
Mattiola Rita Blosei
Rita Blosey. Includes a variety of blue and yellowish white buds.Semi-high grades of mattiola levkoy stretch up to 34-40 cm. They have double buds. Shoots are collected in a compact pyramidal bush.
Mattiola north
"Northern". Pink-white buds
Mattiola standard
"Stamp". Erect stems, at the end of which lilac buds flaunt.
Mattiola gigantic
"Gigantic". The variety captivates with a variety of colors
Mattiola repairing
"Remontant". Flowers are collected in an ear with lilac, pink, white shades.
Summer mattiola
"Summer". As if a bride in a white dress smells sweet on a peduncle.
Mattiola grandiflorum
"Large-flowered". The unusually large buds look great in bouquets.Varieties of Mattiola bicorno are distinguished by small and inconspicuous flowers of various colors. Florists grow them exclusively for aroma in the evening. Bushes up to 50 cm high.
Mattiola Star Color
"Star Light". The colors of the buds are played with different colors.
Mattiola evening fragrance
"Mattiola evening fragrance - mattiola lilac."A pleasant and strong aroma does not leave indifferent people passing by a flower garden with modest miniature flowers.
Mattiola night violet
"Night violet mattiola ".Compact bush small size, will look great in live compositions.
Mattiola lilac
"Mattiola Lilac". Delicate buds of light lilac color are in perfect harmony with bright neighbors in the flower bed. Annual plant... Belongs to the category of cold-resistant varieties.
Diseases and pests of matthiola
Root or keel disease is a disease. A favorable environment for infection is a warm, humid environment, soil acidification. Symptoms: the color of the leaves takes on a light shade, wilting in hot weather.
Plants are infected through the root hairs. It is possible to exclude keel infection if the predecessors are not representatives of the sacral family. Pathogenic microorganisms can be in the soil for up to 15 years. Struggle: pull out, burn. Till the soil chemical preparations, add lime.
Fleas. Insects attack in dry weather. The leaves are covered with holes. Struggle: water and sprinkle with ash, tobacco dust, soil. You can also spray flowers:
Ash tincture. It is necessary to prepare the remedy in the evening, and in the morning to spray the bushes.
Tincture of horse sorrel root.
Dry tops from tomatoes.
Shampoo for dogs (for fleas).
Use insecticides as a last resort. Since they are harmful to human health, the microclimate of the garden.
Cabbage White. There is no harm from a butterfly to a flower, but its caterpillars are very harmful. In spring, butterflies lay their eggs on the back of the leaf. If you look at the appearance, they have a yellowish tint.
Symptoms: Caterpillars overeat leaves at the edges. Why they lose their decorative effect. Struggle: before planting flowers, it should landing area free from weeds.
If you have caterpillars, you can collect them mechanically from the leaves. If there are too many of them to treat infected bushes with insecticides, for example, Kinmins, Fury.
Evening on summer cottage, a cup of aromatic tea on open veranda, silence and an amazing aroma that cannot be confused with anything ... All this is about mattiola " Evening scent”, It is she who creates a special evening atmosphere in the country, at least in mine.
A flower garden without this plant, in my opinion, cannot be called complete - even if it looks inconspicuous during the day, but at night, Mattiola truly becomes the queen of flowers. I love this culture not only for its flavor, but also for its simplicity. Let's take a closer look at how to care for this flower.
The progenitors of mattiola grow on the territory of Greece and Asia Minor, mentions of this plant are known already in the 16th century. This annual is distinguished by its eccentricity, in the daytime the flowers are covered, but with the onset of evening they open and begin to exude a pleasant aroma.
The plant, depending on the variety, can be erect or spreading, with proper care it can reach 60 cm in height. The stems and leaves are strongly pubescent, the foliage is bright green, bordered by teeth.
The inflorescences are collected in a cluster of rather pale tones, the flowers are small, simple, sometimes double. Flowering begins in July and lasts until the first cold snap. After flowering, pod-like fruits with very small seeds are formed, the germination of which lasts for three years.
In nature, there are over 50 species of matthiola, it is also a fragrant violet, however, flower growers are engaged in breeding only two of them:
- Mattiola is two-horned;
- Levkoy or mattiola gray.
Now breeders have created dozens of different varieties of violets, each of them is different appearance, color and aroma. Today we will deal with one of the two-horned matthiola varieties, namely, the "Evening aroma". This variety is distinguished by abundant branching.
The height of erect shoots reaches half a meter. The flowers are incredibly fragrant, medium-sized, pale lilac shades.
Scented violet seedlings
Most often matthiola is not grown seedling method, it is much easier to do this by simply sowing seeds into the soil. This is due to the fact that this plant has an extremely weak root system and most of the individuals often die during transplantation. However, if you need to speed up the flowering period, then you will have to take the risk and resort to just this method.
- Before planting seeds, prepare the substrate and containers for planting. The soil should be loose and fertile, well water and air permeable. Sowing boxes are disinfected with a hot solution of potassium permanganate.
- They begin to sow seeds from the beginning of February, if you plant them at intervals of a month, then flowering will last longer;
- Due to the fact that the seeds are very small, they are simply scattered over the soil surface with a distance of at least 4 cm, slightly sprinkled on top. They cannot be buried in the ground, otherwise you will not wait for seedlings. Crops are carefully sprayed warm water, cover with plastic or glass and put away in a warm, well-lit place. Before the first shoots appear, the seedlings are no longer watered.
- After the violet rises, it needs bright light and cold, it is better if the temperature does not rise above 12 degrees, then the seedlings will not stretch.
- If you originally planted matthiola seeds in a common container, then after two weeks you will have to dive. However, even with a very careful attitude during seating, some of the specimens will die. Therefore, it is easier and more reliable to plant seeds immediately in separate containers. In this case, 2-3 seeds are thrown into each pot, and then one of the strongest is left.
- If you still can't do without picking, water the seedlings well before that, so you will minimize the damage to the roots. Then carefully pull out one seedling at a time, being careful not to injure the delicate roots. In new containers, make small holes, place the plants there and sprinkle them with soil until the cotyledonous leaves. For better contact with the soil, press down gently. Water the violet gently.
- Matthiola is planted in a permanent place in late May-early June after the establishment of warm weather. They are planted, trying not to destroy the earthen lump with roots, at a distance of 15-30 cm from each other. To speed up engraftment, the violet is shaded for the first time.
Sowing with seeds in the ground
- First you need to find a suitable site for Matthiola "Evening aroma". It should be sunny so that the plants do not stretch out, protected from gusts of wind so that the bushes do not break.
- The soil at the planting site should be soft, loose and rich in nutrients. However, you should not bring humus under the culture, as this can cause infection of the violet with late blight. Matthiola grows well on loamy and sandy loam soils with neutral acidity.
- Cultures preceding planting are no less important; areas where representatives of cruciferous plants were previously grown are not at all suitable. This can lead to damage to flowers by fungal diseases and keel.
- It is good if you prepare the soil on the site in the fall. Careful digging will rid the soil of fungi and black leg spores that are going to winter in it. It is necessary to dig it to a depth of 40 cm; simultaneous composting will give a good result.
- Matthiola "Evening aroma" does not have to be planted on a separate ridge, it will look much more interesting with other crops with large, bright inflorescences... It can be planted both in spring and autumn.
- The soil prepared for planting is spilled well with a strong solution of potassium permanganate, well loosened and shallow grooves are made. Their depth should not be more than half a centimeter, otherwise weak shoots will not be able to break through a thick layer of soil.
- For uniform distribution of achenes over the surface of the earth, they are mixed with sand and poured into the grooves.
- Next, the crops are carefully sprinkled with earth, its layer should not be more than 0.5 cm. In no case do not compact the planting, carefully water the ridge.
- Mattiola seedlings will appear by the end of May.
How to care for emerging seedlings
After the appearance of two or three real leaves on the "Evening Aroma" planting needs to be thinned out. A distance of at least 15-30 cm should be maintained between the bushes, this is taking into account their growth. A planting that is too thickened due to difficulty in airing can be the cause of the development of fungal diseases.
Mattiola loves moisture, but does not tolerate stagnant water, its root system can simply rot. Likewise, it does not tolerate drought. Remove weeds regularly from the very moment of planting, they, competing with flowers for space, food and water, weaken them, and can also spread dangerous diseases.
Immediately after rain or watering, the soil under the violets must be carefully loosened, helping oxygen to penetrate to the roots.
Remove wilted brushes in a timely manner, otherwise they will take some of the nutrients from the plant, and the decorativeness of the plantings suffers in the presence of dried inflorescences.
You can't do without dressing, special formulations for home flowering plants are well suited. They need to be diluted in accordance with the directions on the package. In total, during the growing season, five additional dressings are needed, if the soil is not fertile, the number of feedings can be increased to eight.
The first time is fertilized three weeks after planting matthiola, then the flowers are watered several times during the formation of buds. It is strictly forbidden to use fresh organic matter to feed the Evening Aroma.
Pests and diseases of the "Evening aroma", their prevention
This is not to say that matthiola is highly susceptible to attacks by harmful insects or diseases, but as with any other crop, you should always be on the lookout. The most common diseases are fusarium and keela, both of which are spore-propagating fungi. Unfortunately, spores easily overwinter in open ground.
Of dangerous insects you can distinguish cabbage, whitewater and cruciferous flea. The latter, along with caterpillars, can completely destroy crops of matthiola. To prevent this from happening, you must constantly carefully examine the plants. You can cope with all the problems with the help of special preparations from the flower shop.
Don't wait for insects and diseases to seriously damage your flowers, it is much easier to prevent any problem than to eliminate its consequences.
To do this, pay attention to several useful tips from experienced florists:
- As a preventive measure for the disease with a keel or black leg, spill the earth with a saturated solution of potassium permanganate, wood ash or special fungicides;
- At the slightest sign of Fusarium infection, the bushes should be treated with preparations intended for this, having previously plucked and destroyed all damaged foliage;
- Two-horned Matthiola belongs to the cruciferous family, and just like its relatives, it is attacked by cabbage and white butterflies. You can save yourself from them by spraying flowers with valerian tincture, since they cannot stand its smell. To prepare a magic solution, stir a small spoonful of valerian in a liter of liquid;
- You can scare off a cruciferous flea with ordinary wood ash. After watering and rain, simply dust the bushes with ash.
If you have ever cultivated such garden flower, like mattiola two-horned, it is annual and, then we must remember that it is very easy to grow it, while the plant has a very delicate appearance and long lush bloom... Before starting the cultivation of such a plant, it is necessary to study exactly how matthiola can be grown from seeds, when to plant, and also how to care for it.
On garden plots most often this plant is grown in two different types:
- gray-haired, which is also called levkoy;
- two-horned, which bears another name, namely: night violet.
The nocturnal one has a very strong pleasant smell, which is better than the aroma of Levkoy. However, it is levkoy that has a very decorative appearance.
How should the seeds be prepared?
The seeds of such a flower fully ripen only in late autumn. After this happens, you will need to cut the pods, which contain the seeds, and hang them in a warm place with low humidity in order for them to dry thoroughly. Experts advise removing the seeds from the pods only after they become completely dry. Before sowing, the seeds will need disinfection. To do this, they must be kept in a solution of potassium manganese for half an hour. This will provide young plants good protection from diseases. Is matthiola grown through seedlings?
Experts do not advise growing two-horned matthiola through seedlings, the fact is that diving for it can become disastrous. But gray-haired matthiola it is recommended to grow in seedlings.
What is the seeding time?
Sowing seeds of night violets in open soil is recommended in April. It should be borne in mind that frost is not at all terrible for the flower, but the temperature should not drop less than minus 5 degrees. In the southern regions, you can sow the seeds of such a plant before winter and do it in November. In this case, sowing seeds of levkoy on seedlings should be done in the last days February or the first - March. Sowing, if desired, can be done in open soil. In order for this plant to bloom in your flower bed continuously, experts advise not sowing its seeds all at once, but in parts at intervals of 1.5-2 weeks.
How to grow seedlings?
Levkoy is sown in individual cups, while the composition of the substrate includes sand and turf soil (1: 3). They are placed in a place with a temperature of about 15 degrees. After the seedlings appear, it is necessary to lower the temperature to 10 degrees. This will prevent the seedlings from stretching. Planting in open soil can be done in the last days of April, but there should be no severe frosts. The distance between the bushes is from 15 to 20 centimeters.
Features of sowing seeds in open soil?
For ease of sowing, the seeds must be combined with sand. Seedlings will appear in 7 days. Such plants will begin to bloom after 4-8 weeks. After the appearance of three true leaf plates, it is necessary to thin out the seedlings, while the distance between the bushes should be from 15 to 20 centimeters.
What is the correct care?
A flower needs light and reacts negatively to stagnant water. If the planting is in the spring, then it is necessary to dig and fertilize the soil in the fall. The area on which a representative of the cruciferous family previously grew is not suitable for matthiola. Water systematically and in moderation, remove weeds, loosen the soil and feed, nothing else is needed for the flower.
Some call it mattiola, others call it levkoy, with a chrome flower with an unusually strong aroma. Both names are correct, but are more related to the genus Matthiola, to which the plant belongs, so sometimes this introduces confusion when determining a specific species. And there are about fifty of them. And only two of them - the species Matthiola two-horned (aka long-petal levkoy, or Matthiola long-petal, Matthiola longipetala, or Matthiola bicornis) and the Matthiola incana species, used in floriculture, often raise questions about the name of the plant. For convenience, it is customary to call levkoy long-petaled, or matthiola long-petaled, matthiola two-horned. Its main difference is small flowers and the strongest aroma. Gray-haired Mattiola, or gray-haired levkoy, is called levkoy. In Levkoy, the flowers are larger, but the aroma is much inferior to the nondescript relative. Botanically, both plants can safely bear the name mattiola, or levkoy. What are the features of this flower, and why does it have two equivalent names.
Photo: Mattiola two-horned (aka long-petal levkoy, or long-petal mattiola). The Latin name is Matthiola longipetala, or Matthiola bicornis.
History of Mattiola Levkoy
A beautiful flower, from the smell of which the head is spinning and the soul sings, originally from Greece. There the name levkoy is translated simply and unpretentiously - "white", less often "light", because in Greek "λευκό" (levko) means "white", "white". Since mattiola two-horned mainly grew there, in which the leaves and stem are covered with the finest hairs, giving them a whitish tint, and the flower petals are also painted in pale tones, the plant was called levkoy.
The flower got its second name "mattiola" in the first half of the 18th century. The English scientist Robert Brown, whom the whole world knows for his Brownian movement, christened Levkoy Mattiola in honor of the remarkable Italian botanist who also worked as a doctor, Pietro Andrea Gregorio Mattioli. He was born on the threshold of the 16th century and for his time was a very educated person. How botanist Mattioli did detailed descriptions many plants, published several books, and as a physician he served as court physician for members of the Habsburg dynasty and King Maximilian II.
This modest fragrant flower also has a third name, folk. For its wonderful smell at night, people call him "night violet".
Mattiola two-horned in the Middle Ages and now
About 400 years ago, this flower was extremely popular. In Greece, they were used to decorate rooms, cups and bowls of wine. Later, mattiola (species of mattiola two-horned and levkoy) moved a little further north, where they began to grow it with pleasure in flower beds and use it to flavor houses. In 1568, the Dutch bred matthiola with double flowers, which further increased its popularity. In pre-revolutionary Russia, mattiola two-horned and levkoy also occupied an honorable place in flower beds, mainly due to their intoxicating smell. For some time, this plant undeservedly receded into the shade, giving way to brighter and more catchy flowers, but gradually interest in its charm increased again - few other plants can boast such a magical aroma with such easy care... IN last years Mattiola two-horned gradually regains its former popularity. It is planted under windows or around gazebos in order to enjoy an extraordinary aroma while relaxing in the garden.
Habitat and use
Mattiola bicorn is found widely throughout South and Atlantic Europe. It grows in the Mediterranean, Central Asia and the Caucasus. You can see it in the steppes, forest-steppes, on rocky slopes and chalk deposits. In Russia, Mattiola Bicornus is grown in gardens and flower beds. Its extraordinary scent cheers up and cheers the soul. It is planted in gardens and balconies. Successful solution - nondescript matthiola two-horned in the company bright colors... Modest and unobtrusive during the day, she will turn into the queen of the flower bed at night. After all, during the day the flowers are closed and open only in the evening and in cloudy weather. This must be taken into account when arranging flower beds. Matthiola is planted on mauritanian lawns
, in mixed discounts
and as a curb along the walking paths. Some people even use Matthiola in their potato beds because there is evidence that Matthiola is scary with its smell. colorado potato beetle
.
Photo: Mattiola two-horned (long-petal levkoy, or long-petal mattiola) - Matthiola longipetala, or Matthiola bicornis.
Biological description
Mattiola, or Levkoy, is a relative of the well-known cabbage
and belongs to the Brassicaceae family. As a typical representative of cabbage (cruciferous flower shape), Matthiola two-horned has all their properties. The root of all representatives of the species is taproot, slightly branching and not very long. The stem is erect, 15 to 50 centimeters high. In some species it is naked, while in others it is covered with very fine hairs that have a stellate or glandular shape. Mattiola's leaves are alternate, that is, they grow on the stem one by one. In the species Mattiola, the stem is strongly branched, and the flowers are collected in loose brushes.
Mattiola two-horned is valued not so much for its appearance as for its aroma, which intensifies in the late afternoon and at night. And although the flower can pollinate on its own, in this way it tries to attract nocturnal insects to itself that cannot be seen in the dark bright colors petals and are guided by the smell. Therefore, the flowers of Mattiola bicorn are mostly inconspicuous, 15-25 mm in diameter. They have four symmetrical petals, four sepals, one pistil, and six small stamens. The color range of Matthiola is bicorn, from white to pale purple. Its fruit is a dry pod in which yellow or greenish seeds are hidden. During ripeness, they acquire a grayish brown color. They are so small that they can fit up to 1000 pieces in 1 gram. Seed germination lasts for 3 years.
Mattiola two-horned, growing from seedling seedlings
Many growers do not recommend growing Matthiola with two-horned seedlings. It is believed that she does not tolerate a transplant. However, some of them grow matthiola by seedlings as early as possible to obtain flowering plants. For this, the seeds are sown in March in greenhouses or in boxes on the windowsill. The soil should consist of two pieces of turf soil, two pieces of ground with rotten foliage and one piece of sand.
Photo: Mattiola gray-haired, or levkoy, (Matthiola incana)
Although matthiola two-horned is completely unpretentious in a flower bed, growing from seeds requires some skill and attention. The main condition that must be observed is temperature regime... The fact is that all matthiols are cold-resistant plants that can withstand even frosts down to -5 degrees C. Therefore, the temperature in the room where the seeds are sown must be maintained no higher than +15 degrees, and when shoots appear, it should be further reduced to +8 - +10 degrees. Otherwise, flowering will come with a delay of up to a month. The second important condition is to observe moderate watering so that young shoots do not get sick with a black leg. Seedlings should appear in 7, sometimes 10 days. When the sprouts throw out two real leaves, they need to be transplanted into pots (dive), and when the fifth leaf appears, plant the plants in open ground. Depending on the region, this happens from the second half of April, then in late May - early June you can get flowering plants.
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Sowing seeds of Matthiola bicorno in open ground
If it is not so important, when Matthiola two-horned blooms, cultivation from seeds is carried out in a seedless way, sowing seeds directly on a flower bed. The right time for this - the end of April - the beginning of May, depending on the weather conditions in the region. With this method, the plant will bloom 30-70 days after germination. For planting in the ground, shallow holes are made, where 3-5 seeds are placed. Sprinkle them on top with a small layer of sand. You can sow seeds differently. Some growers mix them with sand and simply sprinkle them on top of moistened soil, and then sprinkle them with earth a little. The distance between holes and between shoots should be at least 20 centimeters. If the seedlings turned out to be denser, they must be thinned out.
Care features
Mattiola two-horned feels great in sunny areas. But a light partial shade will suit her. The soil for it requires sod-sandy or sod-loamy. It grows poorly on acidic soils. Watering is very important for matthiola, which should be abundant, but without stagnant water, otherwise the plant will begin to ache and the roots will rot. Watering Matthiola is best in the morning, preferably in two doses to ensure better penetration moisture into the soil. Once or twice a month (depending on soil fertility) it is advisable to feed Matthiola mineral fertilizers... It is not recommended to use manure. With proper agricultural technology, Matthiola two-horned is quite resistant to disease, so it will not cause much trouble. The flowering period of common matthiola is short, only a few days. Only terry varieties Levkoy bloom up to three weeks. So that the tender beauty Mattiola two-horned will delight all summer with colors and aroma, cultivation from seeds is carried out regularly, sowing them at intervals of 15 days.
Variety of varieties of Matthiola bicorn
There are several varieties of Matthiola bicorn in our gardens. For example, the agrofirm "Aelita" offers mattiola two-horned with the most delicate aroma "Lilak", variety "Night violet" with blue and delicate purple flowers, "Summer evening"; agrofirm "Gavrish" - varieties "Evening aroma" with lilac strongly smelling flowers, "Darling", "Summer song", "Lilovaya", "Aromatic"; agrofirm "Poisk" - grade "Mattiola lilac-pink". In the online store "First Seeds" you can buy the English variety of Mattiola two-horned "Sensation of the Starry Sky", "Fragrant Midnight", the French variety "Mattiola two-horned Pink-lavender", as well as the variety "Starlight" with unusual pink flowers brand "Russian Garden".
Mattiola is a genus of herbaceous plants known among gardeners, belonging to the Cabbage family. It has about 50 species, among which there are annuals and perennials. Not all varieties of matthiola, or levkoy, in the same degree decorative. The culture has gained particular popularity for the magnificent aroma of flowers, which intensifies with the approach of night.
The main breeding method for matthiola is growing from seed... When to plant different kinds culture and how to do it right, you will learn from this article. We want to help gardeners not only to manage the farm correctly, but also to enjoy life. Growing Levkoy is one of the ways to enrich gray everyday life with pleasant emotions.
Varieties of matthiola and planting dates
Of the 50 types of matthiola in our latitudes, two are most often grown:
- Matthiola incana - gray-haired or levkoy gray-haired or gray-haired. The leaves of the varieties of this group are predominantly whitish pubescence. Pink, purple or white flowers can be very different in structure. The flowering period of summer varieties is unusually long - from early summer to winter. Height varies from 15 to 70 cm.
Mattiola gray - Matthiola longipetala (bicornis) - long-petal matthiola (bicorn). A variety with nondescript flowers that close for the day. In the evening, the flowers open and exude a charming scent. The people called the gray levkoy night violet... Summer varieties bloom from early to late summer. The height of the bushes is 50-60 cm.
Mattiola two-horned Planting mattiola: timing depending on the variety
There are varieties of matthiola according to flowering periods. Depending on this feature, the variety determines when to plant the seeds.
- Summer mattiola - sow seeds in spring and get flowering plants in two months.
- Winter mattiola - sowing seeds is carried out in the middle of summer, expecting flowering only next spring.
- Autumn mattiola - planting is carried out in early spring, and flowering occurs in early autumn.
Low-growing varieties of Levkoy are grown as greenhouse and pot crops. To do this, most often choose a variety of gray-haired levkoy.
Stages of growing levkoy from seeds
Growing by seeds - the only way reproduction of matthiola. Summer varieties, characterized by rapid development, can be sown directly into the ground with the onset of warmth. Autumn and winter are most often grown through seedlings.
Seed preparation
Many gardeners and florists sow Matthiola without any treatment. But to maximize the potential of each seed, it is better to complete a two-step preparation:
1. Soaking in water at room temperature for a day. The water needs to be changed several times.
2. Placing in the refrigerator for several days, after wrapping damp cloth.
Planting Levkoy seeds Planting seeds for seedlings
To grow gray-haired or two-horned levkoy through seedlings, it is necessary to prepare the correct substrate. A mixture of turf and sand will be suitable (3 times less). First, planting is carried out in a common container, and with the appearance of two leaves, plants are seated in separate cups or briquettes.
Features of planting seeds mattiola:
The seeds are placed in a previously disinfected and moistened substrate to a depth of 0.5 cm.
For the convenience of further seating levkoy, small gaps are left between the seeds.
The seedling container is covered with glass or plastic and placed in a dark and warm place. The sprouts should appear in 5 days, maximum two weeks.
Seedling care
As soon as soft green sprouts break through to the surface, the shelter should be removed, and the container should be rearranged on a sun-drenched window. The temperature must be lowered, for which a heated balcony is well suited. Seedlings should be watered as the top layer of the soil dries slightly.
With the appearance of two leaves, the seedlings are transplanted into cups or open ground. This should be done very carefully. Usually, flower growers feed Matthiola shortly before transplanting using multicomponent micronutrient fertilizers. Before planting in the air, the seedlings are tempered by exposing them to the street or opening the window wide.
Planting matthiola in open ground
For growing levkoy in the garden, they choose a solar valve of the earth with a good outflow of water. Lowlands and shadows are categorically unsuitable, as are acidified soil. Additional fertilization of the soil can be omitted. Matthiola should not be planted in areas where crops from the Cabbage family grew in the past.
Levka is planted in the garden at a distance of 15-20 cm - undersized varieties, 25-30 cm - tall varieties. The wells are poured abundantly with water, the roots are straightened and the soil is tamped. It is better to mulch the land around each bush right away, since it will dry out quickly in the sun.
Growing matthiola outdoors When to plant Matthiola in your garden? The second half of May is suitable for this. Levkoy will calmly survive small frosts, but flowering in this case may be slightly delayed.
Mattiola - what you need to know about leaving?
Cultivation of Levkoy is not associated with special difficulties, but there are some nuances:
Water the plant regularly to prevent the soil from drying out. Water stagnation should also be avoided.
It is best to use a ready-made mineral mixture as fertilizer. You can periodically sprinkle the ground with ash.
Double flowers are obtained from the seeds of underdeveloped bushes with normal flowers. Mulching the soil will have a positive effect on the development of levkoy.
To collect the seeds, you must wait until the pods turn brown and pull the plants up by the roots. After complete drying, you need to shake out the seeds.
Perennial matthiola in cold regions is completely disposed of before winter, in warm zones it is cut to the root. Some of the flowers can be dug up and transferred to the house.
