Mattiola: planting and care. To the entry Mattiola: planting and care Mattiola bicornuum, growing from seeds, when to plant

For the older generation, our parents and grandparents, summer has its own unforgettable aroma - the smell of night violet. The flower resembles a sleeping beauty who, waking up in the evening, bewitches with her beauty. So it, inconspicuous during the day, enchants in the evening, intoxicating with its magical aroma. Now we will tell you about the flower - matthiola, growing from seeds, when to plant for seedlings, in open ground, we will reveal the nuances of care, we will talk about preventing possible diseases, how to get rid of pests.

Mattiola flowers, description

Grown as an annual plant. The distribution area is extensive - the south, southeast of Europe, the Mediterranean countries, Asia, and Africa. The flowers are named after the Italian scientist of the 16th century. Pietro Mattioli.
The plant has been known for a long time; two common species are loved by flower growers - grey-headed leftflower and matthiola bicorne.

Mattiola gray

This is a real garden decoration. It is not as fragrant as Matthiola bicorna, but the color palette is so rich that it has become a priority.

Mattiola gray varies:

Stem shape: straight, branched.

Size (15 – 80 cm) of the bush:

• dwarf (20 – 30 cm);
• medium (from 45 cm);
• tall (60 – 80 cm).

Flowering period:

• summer (from July);
• autumn (mid-August – September);
• winter (blooms in the 2nd year after sowing, April - May).

Each variety has its own characteristic characteristics. Taking these features into account, landscape designers create real garden masterpieces.

Based on the flowering period (July - September), varieties differ:

• early;
• mid-early;
• average;
• late.

You definitely need to know what the inflorescence will be like: spike-shaped or racemose; its fullness, how many flowers (simple, double). Size – large, small (from 3 cm or more). Color: lavender, soft coral, burgundy, burgundy.

1. Dwarf. Only 20 cm, double color, dark shade turns into white.
2. Dwarf. Chic balcony decoration. Planted in garden containers, ridges, along borders.
3. Variety Sugar with spices, inflorescence fullness – 50%.
4. Brand Prestige, cold-resistant, long-flowering, fragrant, terry up to 60%.

Medium height

1. Kats (apricot, yellow). It blooms very early, height up to 64 cm, used for mixborders, compositions, bouquets.
2. Swing (Gavrish brand). The flower size is up to 5 cm, blooms from June to September, stands well in a bouquet.
3. Vintage, colors peach, lilac, pink, copper, burgundy. Height 50 cm, flower 5 cm, double size more than 50%, late flowering.

Tall left-handed

Reach 80 – 100 cm, beautiful in bouquets and flower arrangements.

1. Lucinda, blooms for a long time (June - October), flower diameter 7 cm, inflorescence raceme.
2. Opera Francesca. Very fragrant, blooms long and profusely.
3. Liverpool. Blooms late, single stem, loose cluster of inflorescences, snow-white flowers, grown in a greenhouse in autumn - winter.

Matthiola bicornuum

One-year-old. A modest flower has extraordinary magic. The stems, branching, grow up to 30 cm, are covered with thin linear leaves. The flowers are small, in various shades of lavender, lilac, reminiscent of lilac. In the evening they release a rich, bright aroma. They close during the day and bloom after sunset, in cloudy weather.

Flowering is short, lasting several days. The plants are fading and fruits are formed - a long pod filled with ripening seeds. When dry, it bursts, forming self-seeding. Loves the sun, in the shade the stems stretch out, lie on the ground, tolerates the first light frosts well.

Varieties without clear differences are usually mixed. The height of the stem is 30 – 50 cm. In sunny, fertile areas they form fluffy, branched plantings.

Mattiola sowing seeds for seedlings

In early spring, amateur gardeners begin to plan future plantings, purchase seeds, and determine the timing of sowing seedlings in open ground.

When to plant seedlings

To grow high-quality planting material, it is necessary to sow seeds for seedlings in late March - early April, then flowering will begin in June.

The necessary conditions

Levy seedlings are bought in a nursery, at a specialized market, or grown independently, enjoying the results of their labor.

By providing favorable conditions, grow healthy, strong plants. Necessary:

• prepare seeds for sowing;
• prepare a nutritious soil mixture;
• do not violate sowing technology;
• adhere to the basic rules of caring for seedlings;
• observe temperature and light conditions;
• Harden off young plants before planting in open ground.
• By observing these conditions, you will get a positive result.

Preparing seeds for sowing

When buying seeds, be sure to check the expiration date. Good germination lasts up to 6 years. Expired ones may produce zero shoots. Special stimulating procedures will help speed up their germination.

Soak the seeds in water for a day to swell. Those that float to the surface are not suitable for sowing, discard.
Wrap high-quality seeds in a damp soft cloth or a bandage folded in several layers. Place in a cool place with air temperature +4 +5 °C, for example in a refrigerator.

Containers for sowing

While the seeds are hardening, prepare the containers. Large ones are needed for sowing; seedlings are transplanted into small ones after picking. The dimensions of the container depend on the amount of seed, there are:

• containers with a transparent lid;
• plastic boxes;
• plastic or wooden boxes.

There should be a sufficient amount of various small containers.

It is convenient to use peat cups for planting in the ground; the roots are not injured, the seedlings quickly take root in a new place and do not get sick. You can use available materials.

Soil (composition, characteristics)

Take your potting mix preparation seriously. Beginner gardeners buy ready-made “Universal soil”. We recommend preparing nutritious, fertile soil yourself. Ideal: black soil, loam or sandy soil flavored with turf.

For germination and emergence, seeds are sown in a mixture consisting of 3 parts turf and 1 part sand.

After diving, the seedlings are transplanted into pots filled with an earthen mixture of sand, turf and leaf soil. Leaf soil, not as nutritious as turf, but light, loosens it well.

Seed sowing technology

Seeds prepared for planting are sown into seedlings. There are two opinions about where to sow seeds for seedlings. Some gardeners prefer to sow directly into peat cups. Others adhere to the common method - sowing in a large container, followed by transplanting into separate containers.

The freshly prepared earth mixture is distributed into containers, moistened, and disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate. Spread the gilly seeds on the surface of the soil or make shallow furrows. Maintain a distance of 2.5 - 3 cm. You can sow in a chaotic manner. Sprinkle a small layer of sand on top.

An excellent option is when the seeds are sown in a container with a transparent lid. If this is not the case, stretch cling film, cellophane or cover it with glass over the container to create a humid and comfortable microclimate.

Caring for seedlings and seedlings

Do not water until germination. The container is placed in a dark, warm place (temperature 15 – 20 °C). The seeds germinate in a week, remove the film, and water with a spray bottle. Further development and growth of seedlings occurs in the light. To ensure that the stem develops strong and does not stretch, the plants are kept at a night temperature of 10°C, raising the daytime temperature to 15°C.

In the second week, after germination, picking is done. The stem of a young left-handed plant is very fragile, so moisten the soil, carefully, using a wooden spatula (ice cream stick), remove the plant with a small lump of earth.

For good development of the root system, add a little hydrogel to the soil. Picked plants are transplanted into separate containers filled with a 3-component soil mixture. See the section “Soil (composition, characteristics)”. Keep in a bright, cool place.

To prevent plants from experiencing temperature shock when transplanted into open ground, a hardening procedure is carried out (accustomed to lower temperatures and fresh air). Ventilate the room regularly, open the window. After a few days, take the seedlings outside, gradually increasing the time, protecting them from direct sunlight. Hardening begins 2 weeks before planting in open ground. Water regularly, when true leaves appear, apply the first fertilizing.

Seedlings are planted in the garden plot at the end of April. The prepared holes or grooves are filled with water to form an earthen slurry. Plants are installed together with a lump of earth or in a peat cup, allowed to absorb water, sprinkled with earth, and compacted well. Low varieties are planted at a distance of 15–20 cm, tall varieties – 25–30 cm.

When to plant seeds in open ground, choice of location, soil

Mettiola gray is grown by sowing seeds in open ground. The most favorable time for sowing is the end of April. Flowering will begin in two and a half months. A prerequisite for growing is the correct choice of location for the flower bed. The area should be open and sunny. Rainwater does not stagnate, and when watered, it is quickly absorbed into the soil. Soil: fertile, neutral or slightly alkaline, sandy loam or loamy, with some turf.

Organic natural fertilizers - humus, compost (7 kg per sq. m), liquid complex fertilizer are applied in the fall if the soil is severely depleted. Make sure that in the chosen place, representatives of the Cruciferous family have not previously grown; seedlings may become infected with blackleg or clubroot.

Seed sowing technology

Markings are made on the site. Seeds prepared for planting in the ground in the same way as for growing seedlings are planted in holes or grooves well-drained with water. They are quite large, take them with tweezers or spread them out with your hands, observing the interval.

To prevent plants from becoming dense, maintain an average distance of 30 cm. Dense planting is thinned out. The later the plant is transplanted, the worse it takes root in the new place. Flowering will occur in late July - August.

Flower care (watering, fertilizing)

Care means carrying out regular activities:

• weed control (weeding);
• loosening of rows and holes;
• watering;
• feeding;
• pest control;
• prevention of diseases.

Levkoy does not tolerate waterlogged soil; mulching rows to preserve moisture is not recommended. Watering is carried out if necessary to prevent wilting of foliage and inflorescences.

During the watering process, the plants are fed. Mineral fertilizers are used; during the flowering period, phosphorus-containing and potassium fertilizers are used. Biohumus is used as a top dressing; it accelerates budding and improves immunity. A drug that reduces stress during transplantation is Multiflor Aqua. “Stimul” has a general strengthening and stimulating effect.

Possible problems during cultivation

A problem that may arise during cultivation is fungal diseases. Healthy plants are affected at all stages of development and growth. Spores of pathogenic fungi remain in the ground for a long time in a “dormant” state. As soon as favorable conditions are created for their development, they affect all organs of the plant. It is necessary to take measures to disinfect the soil.

Diseases and pests (treatment)

Diseases

Pests cause irreparable damage

The cruciferous flea beetle is the most dangerous pest. In a few days it can destroy all plants. Spray with a solution of “Aktelik”, “Decis”, “Intavir”.

The first butterflies appear in April – May. Poisonous caterpillars cause damage by eating leaves and flowers from the inside and then from the outside. They live for several weeks. You can collect caterpillars and spray them with a solution of Karbofos, Kinmiks, Aktelik.

Attention! Plant protective plants: valerian, lemon balm, marigolds.

Matthiola bicorne, evening scent, bicorne mix

When to plant seedlings

Mattiola two-horned or night violet is one of the most popular flowers among summer residents. With its extraordinary aroma, it invites you to the gazebo for an evening cup of tea or to sit on the porch, look at the stars, and listen to cricket songs. When to plant seeds for seedlings?

To get early flowering, seeds are planted on seedlings in March. The best germination will be on loamy, sandy soils. But, in principle, the plant is not whimsical; it will grow anywhere with regular feeding. Strongly grown plants do not tolerate transplantation well, so many people prefer to sow seeds directly into the ground.

When growing seedlings, adhere to the basic rules:

• compliance with the temperature regime (+12 +15° C), when seedlings appear, the temperature drops to +10° C;
• moderate watering;
• prevention of blackleg disease;
• when 2 true leaves appear, dive and transplant into single containers;
• The seedlings are hardened for 2 weeks;
• a plant with five leaves is transplanted into the ground.

For planting seedlings, choose sunny areas; in the shade, the night violet stretches out strongly and lies down. The chosen place should be dry, without stagnant water.

Growing from seeds in open ground

The best germination will be on loamy, sandy soils. But, in principle, the plant is not whimsical; it will grow anywhere with regular feeding.

Matthiola bicorn seeds are small, so that when sowing they fall evenly into the soil, mix them with dry sand. In open ground, flowers are planted in holes, grooves, and randomly distributed over a small area. The main thing is that it is a well-lit place, then the flowering will be abundant.

Advantages of the method:

• is not injured during transplantation;
• rises quickly;
• not afraid of cold snaps and slight frosts.

First, the area is dug up or loosened with a hoe, leveled, seeds are sown, sprinkled with a little earth, and watered. In care, adhere to moderate watering. If desired, very dense shoots should be thinned out a little.

The plants stretch well, the stem is thin, long, dotted with small flowers. To grow as a bush, plant them next to larger and stronger specimens so that they support the graceful matthiola. We recommend sowing flowers to extend the flowering period.

When to plant a plant in Siberia

Matthiola two-horned, beloved by many, is easy to care for and has another important advantage. Not afraid of cold snaps and small frosts. Withstands temperatures down to -5 -7°C. The question of when to plant and in what way is of interest to beginning amateur gardeners. Our recommendations: use the method of direct planting seeds in open ground.

The optimal time is the beginning - the first ten days of May, the top layer of the earth will warm up enough, there will be good germination. Sow seeds every 2-3 weeks to ensure long flowering. The rules of care in this region are not specific. Mattiola gray seedlings are planted at the same time.

Use in folk medicine

Levkoy is known as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic and diuretic. The leaves contain a large amount of essential oil and are used for headaches and migraines. Seeds are a source of biological steroids and alkaloids. A tincture of leaves and seeds helps with rheumatism and gout.

In this article, we tried to clearly talk about the types of matthiola flower, growing from seeds, when to plant for seedlings and in open ground, methods of pest control, types of fertilizing.

She intoxicated us like wine,

And the stanzas with the ease of Aeolus

It was destined to spin.”

Igor Severyanin.

“He has arrived,” flies from elm to elm,

And suddenly it gets hard

As if having reached the highest phase

Sleepless smell of mathiol. »

O.E. Mandelstam "Royal"

On a warm summer night, many of us enjoyed the delicate, subtle aroma of matthiola in the garden. What kind of flower is this that has such an amazing aroma?

The genus received its name in honor of Pietro Mattioli, an Italian botanist and physician of the mid-16th century. The matthiol flower has been known for a very long time and is often found in literature. There are about 50 species of matthiola in nature. And only two species are used in floriculture: two-horned matthiola (M. bicornis), gray matthiola, or lefty (M. incana).

Matthiola two-horned.

Matiola bicornuum is an annual erect or spreading plant, densely branched, 40-50 cm high. It comes from Asia Minor and Greece. While in Greece you can see what the mathiola flower looks like in nature. In culture since the 16th century.

The leaves are coarsely toothed, linear. The flowers are inconspicuous, small, greenish-lilac, in loose racemes, and have a very strong and pleasant aroma, especially in the evening and at night. Mattiola flowers are closed during the day. The fruit is a long pod with two short horns at the top. Matiola bicorna flowers fill the garden with fragrance from June to August. Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years. They are small and grayish-brown. Pre-winter sowing of your own seeds is possible.

Matthiola cultivation

Matiola is cold-resistant, it can withstand frosts down to -7°C. Prefers a sunny location, but can grow in partial shade, unpretentious. In dense shade, the plant stretches out and lies down, much fewer flowers are formed, and their aroma is much weaker. It loves fertile soil, but will grow in other soils as well. It is recommended to feed it frequently and water it in dry weather.

Used for Moorish lawns, in front gardens and on balconies.

Mattiola planting and care

Seeds can be mixed with sand and planted in a permanent place in late April - early May. You don’t need to sow matthiola seeds deeply - you can scatter them over a moistened area of ​​soil and sprinkle them lightly 0.5 cm above with soil. It is better to sow near gazebos, benches, resting places or walking paths to enjoy the fragrance. You can sow around spring-flowering plants, the above-ground parts of which die off by summer - tulips, daffodils, etc.

The seedlings are thinned out at the stage of 2-3 true leaves, leaving a distance between plants of about 15 cm.

Matthiola blooms in 1-2 months. The height of the plants is about 30 cm. At night and in cloudy weather, the flowers exude a wonderful, strong aroma, for which mathiola is sometimes called “night violet.”

To enjoy the beautiful and clean smell that soothes and pacifies for longer, you can sow matthiola seeds a second time after 12-15 days, and a little later a third time.

Varieties of matthiola bicornuum

Matiola Evening scent

Mattiola Evening aroma - belongs to the species Mattiola bicornuate, the flowers are purple, reaches a height of up to 45 centimeters, the stem is highly branched. Matiola Evening aroma blooms profusely, the aroma is intense. A plant with an erect, highly branched stem and racemose, loose inflorescences. This most popular variety of matthiola bicorne is valued for its strong pleasant aroma of soft lilac flowers that bloom in the evening.

Matiola Starlight

Mattiola Starlight - belongs to the species Mattiola bicornuata, a variety mixture with flowers of various colors. Matiola Starlight grows to a height of 40-50 centimeters. It will add a unique charm to the garden and flower garden in the evening with its fabulous aroma.

A mixture of new colors of everyone's favorite night violet. The flowers of this variety are also not distinguished by their beauty and decorativeness. Prized for its aroma. Used in mixborders, ridges, borders, Moorish lawns, and on balconies. It is better to sow at the entrance, next to a bench or under the windows.

Matiola Night violet

Matthiola Night Violet has racemose aerial inflorescences of delicate flowers. Matiola flowers are good for decorating various flower beds and for decorating balconies. Height 30 cm.

The flowers of Matiola Night Violet are beautiful, they smell sweet and very pleasant, but during the day they become withered and lethargic, the leaves curl up, and from evening to morning everything opens up and fills the garden with a wonderful aroma.

Matiola Lilac

Matthiola Lilac - belongs to the species Mattiola bicornuata, a cold-resistant, light-loving plant with a densely branched stem. The leaves are coarsely toothed and linear. Plant height is 50 cm. The flowers are small in loose racemes, have a strong, enchanting aroma, especially at night and in the evening. The flowers are closed during the day and open in the evening. Used for Moorish lawns and mixed ridges.

Matthiola or gillyflower (Matthiola) is a modest herbaceous representative of the Cruciferous family. The culture comes from Southern Europe, growing in the Mediterranean and surrounding regions. Surprisingly, the ancient Greeks used this plant to decorate the halls during feasts.

Today flower growers know both annual and perennial matthiola; planting and caring for it in the open ground is not a very difficult task for novice gardeners.

The most common species in the garden is the modest type of Matthiola longipetala (Matthiola longipetala) with inconspicuous flowers, the main advantage of which is the delicate fragrant aroma of flowers, reminiscent of the smell of violets. At sunset, the aroma intensifies and gives the feeling of being on the Mediterranean coast. This is why flower growers love her.

Matthiola bicornuum

However, through the efforts of breeders, varieties of Matthiola incana (Matthiola incana) with fleshy, pubescent straight stems and large double flowers in different shades of white, pink, violet-lilac and purple were bred. Flowering time is from July to August.

Levkoy gray-haired

Winter forms of biennial gillyflower are grown in greenhouses for cutting or as a potted crop. Summer and autumn forms are suitable for planting matthiola in open ground.

Choosing a place to plant matthiola

Planting and caring for matthiola will be successful if you follow simple rules. One of the important requirements is not to plant the crop in an area where cabbage or other representatives of the cruciferous family previously grew. When this advice is ignored, the plant becomes susceptible to clubroot, a fungal disease that attacks the roots.

The annual plant successfully adapts to a wide range of climatic conditions, but the soil must be moist, soddy-sandy loam, loamy or black soil, not acidic. It is better to choose an area that is open and sunny enough.

The plant reproduces by seeds. They are collected by extracting them from yellowed pods, which are picked after the onset of frost and dried. In the fall, they prepare the soil for planting: they dig it up and apply organic fertilizers.

Growing matthiola from seeds

Method No. 1. Mattiola seeds from mid-April-May, depending on the climate, are sown directly into the ground. To enjoy the luxurious aroma longer, sowing is repeated every 14 days.

Method No. 2. Seedling cultivation. If you start the procedure in March, then matthiola will begin to bloom in June. The containers are filled with a 1:3 mixture of sand and turf soil and the seeds are placed in the soil, then lightly sprinkled with earth or sand (a layer of about 0.5 centimeters).

There is no need to water until sprouts appear. You will have to wait about 4 days, then the boxes are placed in a room with good lighting and a temperature within 10-12 °C. This stage is considered the most difficult; it is important to ensure a suitable temperature regime.

Matthiola seedlings

After two weeks, young seedlings must be planted in separate pots or other containers. Not all seedlings will survive these stages; the hardiest specimens will remain, which can be planted in open ground directly with a clod of soil in the second half of April to minimize stress. Now annuals will be able to tolerate even light frosts down to -5 °C.

Mattiola care

Herbaceous matthiola grows much more actively than woody plants, and therefore requires more moisture. Flowering will quickly end if watering is not provided during the dry period.

Insufficient soil moisture is indicated by limp and drooping leaves; it is recommended to check the condition of the plantings and water them in the morning. It is advisable to systematically pick off flowers that have faded.

The plant needs fertilizing with mineral fertilizers or compost. You cannot use manure, otherwise there is a high probability that the levy will get fusarium.

Among the pests that are not averse to eating this plant are white flies, cruciferous flea beetles and cabbage butterflies. In short, insects that like cabbage. Such an invasion must be dealt with in a timely manner.

Mattiola in landscape design

Matthiola was once quite popular, but today it is less common. The plant is associated with the classic park style and remains a favorite among flower growers who like noble antiquity. The main advantage, of course, is the amazing spicy aroma. Rating 4.40

Some varieties of matthiola seduce gardeners with their decorative characteristics, others with their fragrance, which intensifies at night. However, growing one or another type of matthiola without knowing certain nuances regarding planting and caring for the plant is not at all easy.

General idea of ​​matthiol

Matthiola is a herbaceous plant of one-, two-, or perennial nature. Currently, there are more than 20 species of matthiola, each of which has certain characteristics of development and reproduction. However, only 2 types are the most popular:

1. Matthiola bicorne is characterized by small, inconspicuous flowers of pale shades, which are collected in racemes. Depending on the variety, the height of the plant can be 20-50 cm. The development cycle of matthiola, counting from the time of sowing to the beginning of flowering, varies between 2-2.5 months. The simple shape of the flower indicates the possibility of collecting seeds at the end of the season, the formation of which occurs in a small pod. Ripe seeds have a grayish-brown tint and retain a high percentage of germination for 3-4 years. In this case, the seeds of matthiola bicornus are sown either with the onset of spring or in late autumn directly into the ground. It is better not to use the seedling method of growing matthiola, since the plant, having a tap root system, does not tolerate any transplants well.

In general, matthiola bicorna is valued for the aroma exuded by its flowers in the evening and, especially, at night. Matthiola does not differ in its decorative qualities during daylight hours, since by morning the flowers of the plant close and open only at sunset.

2. Mattiola gray, unlike the previous species, is cultivated for its decorative characteristics. The height of some varieties of grey-haired gillyflower can reach 80-90 cm. Mattiola with a double type of flower is of greatest decorative value. However, you can only get the seeds from which double specimens grow from plants with simple flowers. Depending on the variety, the process of seed formation and ripening takes about 80-100 days. Seed germination persists for 5-6 years.

Various varieties of grey-headed gillyflower, the number of which has already exceeded 600 units, differ not only in the shape, size of the bush and inflorescences, timing of flowering, color of the petals, but also in the period when flowering begins.

Based on the duration of the development cycle, matthiola gray is divided into 3 types:

• autumn gillyflower, if planted in the last ten days of March, blooms only in late August or early September;
• winter gillyflower, when sown in June or July of the current year, blooms in the spring of next year;
• Summer gillyflower, compared to previous species, is the most popular, since sowing seeds in March contributes to the flowering of the plant already in June of the current year. When sowing seeds in late autumn, you will only be able to enjoy flowering in May-June next year.

Since autumn and winter varieties of gillyflowers do not tolerate severe frosts in winter, it is simply impractical to use the winter method of growing these plants in open ground. But for forcing in greenhouses for cutting, or as a potted plant, these varieties are ideal.

Unlike winter and autumn varieties, summer mattiolas develop well in open ground.

Thus, grey-headed gillyflower, while surpassing matthiola bicornuum in decorative characteristics, is significantly inferior to it in terms of the degree of aroma emitted. However, the duration of flowering of matthiola gray with double flowers reaches 15-20 days, while matthiola bicornuum, being the owner of only simple flowers, will decorate the garden in the evening and at night for only 4-5 days. In this case, the sign of terryness of future plants can be determined even at the stage of collecting seeds.

Criteria for selecting terry matthiola

Since plants with double flowers have the greatest decorative value, most gardeners try to obtain the maximum number of seeds with signs of double flowers. In this case, the selection is carried out in 2 stages:

1. At the seed collection stage. Due to the sterility of terry matthiola varieties, seeds are collected from plants with a simple flower type. The signal to collect seeds is yellowed pods and the onset of frost. You can most likely get plants with double flowers if:

• ripened seeds are in short pods, often irregular in shape and somewhat rounded at the top;
• the stigma blades are closely pressed to each other, and the plants themselves have a drooping appearance.

Matthiolas with a longer pod with 2 small horns at the top and stigma lobes bent in different directions indicate the production of seeds with a simple flower shape.

2. When shoots appear. Even with careful selection of seeds, 10-30% will turn out to be seedlings with a simple flower shape. A sign of terry growth in emerging seedlings are large leaves of a pale green hue. At the same time, the bright green color of the leaves indicates the absence of signs of terry in the future plant.

Regardless of the type of flower, it is better to sow self-collected seeds only the next year after their collection.

Sowing seeds in open ground

With regard to two-horned matthiola, cultivation from seeds is carried out by sowing them directly into open ground, since the plant does not tolerate transplantation well and often dies when using the seedling method.

Site selection

Mattiola prefers sunny, wind-protected areas, although midday shading will in no way harm the flowers. Planting matthiola in areas that are hidden from the sun most of the day will result in poor flowering and stretching of stems.

Loamy or sandy loam soil with a neutral acidity level is suitable for the full growth and development of gillyflower.

It is undesirable to sow seeds in an area where, 3-4 years before planting matthiola, various representatives of the cruciferous family grew, since there is a high probability of infection of flowers with diseases such as clubroot, fungus and other ailments that affect the roots of the plant. In addition, matthiola does not tolerate stagnation of moisture and the application of humus soil as fertilizer, since these factors cause the appearance of blackleg in plants, which subsequently leads to the death of flowers.

It is advisable to prepare the soil in late autumn, six months or a year before sowing the seeds, since the microbes introduced with fertilizers die under the influence of winter frosts. To do this you need:

• dig up the soil to a depth of 30-40 cm and mix it with humus (7 kg of humus per 1 m2 of land);
• Apply liquid complex fertilizer or neutral flower substrate (3 tablespoons per 1 m2 of land).

Considering the periodic loss of decorative characteristics of the two-horned matthiola, it is better to plant seeds in flower beds with other beautifully flowering plants, which during the day will give the selected area a more aesthetic appearance.

Sowing seeds

Depending on the variety and type of matthiola, seeds are sown in spring or autumn as follows:

• loosen the previously prepared soil;
• make grooves to a depth of about 0.5 cm and lightly moisten them;
• mix seeds with sand in a ratio of 1:10 and distribute along the grooves;
• Without compacting, sprinkle with soil and moisten again.

With spring sowing, the emergence of seedlings should be expected 1.5-2 weeks after planting, and with autumn sowing - only next spring.

Seedling care

When 2-3 leaves appear, future plants must be thinned out, leaving a distance of 15-35 cm between them, depending on the variety and degree of growth of the bush, since excessive plant density contributes to the development of fungal diseases.

The soil should not be allowed to dry out, since matthiola is a moisture-loving plant.

Systematically remove weeds that drain the supply of nutrients from the soil, which is so necessary for growing flowers.

If all measures are followed and seeds are sown in the spring, matthiola will delight the owner with the appearance of flowers in 2.5-3.5 months.

Sowing seeds for seedlings

To get a flowering plant in June, many gardeners use the seedling method of growing matthiola. In this case, seeds are sown at the end of March or beginning of April.

Preparing seeds and soil

The soil and boxes must begin to be prepared 2 days before the upcoming planting, observing the following sequence of work:

• containers for planting are washed with water with the addition of a small amount of potassium permanganate and dried thoroughly;
• we place several pebbles on the bottom of the box, which will replace the drainage system;
• fill the boxes with soil consisting of sand and turf soil in a ratio of 1:3;
• We spill the soil prepared in the boxes with water, again with a small addition of potassium permanganate until a pinkish color appears.

To speed up germination, the seeds must be soaked for 24 hours in boiled water at room temperature, then wrapped in a damp cloth and placed in the refrigerator for another day, allocating space on the bottom shelf.

Sowing seeds

After all the preparatory measures are completed, we proceed to the actual sowing of seeds:

• make grooves at a distance of 4 cm from each other;
• We lay out the seeds using tweezers, keeping a distance of 3 cm between them;
• sprinkle with earth and moisten;
• cover with glass, then put it in a dark but fairly warm place.

After emergence (after 5-8 days), we move the boxes to a bright place and reduce the temperature to 12-14 degrees. Reducing the temperature is a necessary measure, since at higher temperatures the formation of buds, along with flowering, is delayed. For example, if the air temperature is 25 degrees, then the start of flowering will be delayed by 10-30 days, depending on the varietal characteristics.

Picking plants

The appearance of 2-3 leaves on the seedlings indicates the need to replant future plants. Separate peat pots, paper cups or other containers can be used as containers to reduce the likelihood of root damage when transplanting into the ground.

1. Moderate watering. If the soil is too dry, the flowers begin to shrink and quickly fade.
2. Loosening the soil after rain and watering.
3. Control of weeds that deprive plants of moisture and nutrients.
4. Timely removal of faded flowers, helping to maintain the decorative appearance of matthiola.
5. Systematic application of mineral, but not organic fertilizers every 3 weeks after planting the plant in a permanent place. Particular attention should be paid to the application of fertilizers during the formation of buds and after the flowers wither.
6. Carrying out activities aimed at the prevention and timely detection of diseases in plants, for example:

• You can prevent the appearance of a black leg in matthiola, the photo of which is presented below, using a fungicidal solution, watering the plant once a month;
• sprinkling plants with wood ash after heavy rains is a preventive measure against cruciferous flea beetles;
• Treating matthiola with a weak solution of valerian will help cope with white butterflies;
• If spots or other signs of damage appear on the leaves, the leaves must be removed and burned to prevent the disease from spreading throughout the plant.

Thus, by observing all the nuances when sowing matthiola, planting and caring for it, you can enjoy the decorativeness of this plant throughout the summer or inhale the aroma exuded by the night violet.

Those who have ever grown matthiola especially note its delicate appearance, magnificent aroma that appears in the evening, long flowering and, most importantly, easy care. If you decide to decorate your plot of land with such a charming flower as matthiola, - growing from seeds when to plant and how to care for it will be described to you in detail.

Answers to the most pressing questions about growing matthiola

How to prepare seeds? They reach full maturity only before winter. This is when it is time to cut the pods and hang them in a dry and warm place to dry. Only when the pods become completely dry can the seeds be removed from them for processing and planting. Soak them in a solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes to disinfect. This way young plants will be protected from diseases.

Do I need to grow seedlings?

When to plant matthiola? Matthiola bicornuum seeds are planted in open ground in April. Light frost, down to -5ºС, is not harmful to the plant. In the southern regions, planting for the winter is possible - in November. Seedlings of matthiola gray begin to be grown in late February or early March. It can also be planted directly in open ground. To achieve continuous flowering, matthiola can be planted in several passes with a break of 10-15 days.

What are the features of growing matthiola seedlings? Levy seeds are planted immediately in separate cups filled with a mixture of turf soil and sand (3/1). Before seed germination, the air temperature is maintained at 15ºC, and after that it is reduced to 10ºC. Cool air will prevent the sprouts from stretching and it will grow stronger. You can plant seedlings in open ground at the end of April. The main thing is that big frosts are not expected. A distance of 15-20 cm should be maintained between bushes.

Seedlings can be planted in open ground at the end of April

How to plant seeds in open ground? Before planting, small flower seeds are mixed with sand. The appearance of sprouts should be expected in a week, and flowering will begin after a month or two. When the shoots grow 3 leaves, it is necessary to thin out, leaving a distance of 15-20 cm between them.

How to provide Matthiola with optimal care? The flower is demanding of sunlight and does not like stagnant moisture. When planning spring planting, it is necessary to dig up and fertilize the soil in the fall. It is not recommended to choose an area for planting matthiola where cruciferous crops (for example, cabbage) previously grew. Regular moderate watering, fertilizing, loosening, weed control - this standard set of measures for caring for many crops is also required by matthiola. Growing it is not particularly troublesome.

Planting and growing matthiola is easy!

You will be infinitely happy when the beautiful matthiola blooms on your site. Growing from seeds, when to plant seeds in the ground and for seedlings - you now know all this. Skillfully apply the acquired knowledge yourself and teach others to do the same. Surround yourself with beauty and pleasant aromas, especially since it’s so simple!

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