When to Plant Baby's Breath
As a highly favored companion plant in the floral art industry, the planting time of baby's breath directly affects the flower yield and plant shape. Mastering the golden period of sowing and care tips can make the delicate branches adorned with star-like flowers. This article systematically analyzes the entire cultivation process of baby's breath through three dimensions: temperature control, sowing practice, and key care points.
Analysis of the Best Sowing Season for Baby's Breath
Advantages and Key Points of Spring Sowing
Sowing from February to May in early spring can fully utilize the growth period, and the ground temperature can be initiated when it rises to 5°C. At this time, the air humidity is suitable, and with a day-night temperature difference of 15-25°C, the seeds can germinate within 7-10 days. It is recommended to use greenhouse seedlings and transplant them outdoors when the seedlings grow to 5cm.
Features and Precautions of Autumn Sowing
Sowing from August to October needs to pay attention to cold wave warnings and choose cold-resistant varieties. The root system develops stronger when the ground temperature in autumn is stable at 18-22°C. In the northern regions, a warm greenhouse needs to be set up before the first frost to keep the night temperature not lower than 10°C.
A Complete Guide to Planting Baby's Breath
Details of Sowing Techniques
Use a mixture of perlite, decomposed leaf soil, and vermiculite (2:1:1) as the growing medium, sterilize with a microwave, and then put it in a breathable container. Lay the seeds flat and cover them with 2mm fine sand, using the immersion pot method to water. When covering with PE film, maintain a 50% light transmission rate and ventilate twice a day to prevent mildew.
Key Points for Seedling Care
Gradually increase scattered light after germination and apply 50ppm nitrogen fertilizer after three weeks. Maintain a day-night temperature difference of more than 8°C and use drip irrigation to maintain 60% soil moisture. Apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizer during the budding stage and control the daytime temperature within 28°C during the flower bud differentiation stage.
By accurately controlling the sowing period and scientific care, baby's breath can achieve two harvests a year. It is recommended to combine local climatic characteristics, focus on cut flower yield in spring sowing, and cultivate high-quality potted plants in autumn sowing. Regularly pruning faded flowers and supplementing trace elements can make the plant continue to bloom for 4-5 months.