How to grow baby's breath for beginners
A comprehensive guide on how beginners can grow baby's breath and the full process of planting baby's breath seeds, covering green plant and flower-related content. Please see the detailed introduction below.
Baby's breath can be used as a cut flower or turned into dried flowers, and it is a flower with very high ornamental value. Additionally, its flower language is "willing to be a supporting actor, just wanting to be by your side," which is very romantic and artistic. Therefore, baby's breath is deeply loved by people, and many will plant it. Below is an introduction to the planting method of baby's breath seeds.
1. Sowing Time
Baby's breath seeds can be planted in early spring and early autumn. In spring, it's from February to May, and in autumn, it's from August to October. The temperature and humidity during these two periods are relatively suitable for seed germination, which is very beneficial for later growth.
2. Preparing Soil
Baby's breath prefers loose and fertile soil with good breathability and drainage. Before planting, it's necessary to select an appropriate substrate, and a mixture of decomposed leaf soil and sand can be used, as they have high fertility and good breathability. The soil also needs to be disinfected, usually by high-temperature heating. Peat soil plus perlite can also be used.
3. Sowing Seeds
Seeds should be disinfected before sowing, which can be done by soaking them in a low-concentration solution of carbendazim. Sowing without disinfection is also possible, but seeds should be soaked and germinated before planting. Before sowing, the soil should be moistened first, then the seeds should be evenly placed on the soil surface, preferably spaced 3-4 centimeters apart, and finally covered with a thin layer of soil. Keep the potting soil moist afterward, and once the seedlings emerge, they should be exposed to sunlight in time to prevent leggy growth.
4. Transplanting with Soil
When the baby's breath seedlings grow, they need to be transplanted. The seedlings are prone to die during transplantation, so care should be taken to transplant with soil, and watering after transplantation should avoid knocking over the seedlings. Watering without a pot can also be used for补水.
5. Pinching to Promote Branching
About 20-30 days after planting, the lower part of the baby's breath plant will sprout lateral buds. At this time, you can leave 3-4 pairs of leaves at the bottom and pinch the top to promote the growth of lateral branches, which can increase yield. Generally, 6-8 lateral branches are retained per plant, and it usually takes 70-90 days from pinching to flowering.
6. Scientific Watering and Fertilization
The principle of watering baby's breath is to water when the soil is dry and not too much. Baby's breath grows fast, has a long flowering period, and requires a lot of nutrients. Attention should be paid to top dressing, and a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer can be applied every 10 days. To make it bloom, you should supplement it with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, such as monopotassium phosphate, applying 2-3 times a month. Provide it with sufficient sunlight and ensure the potting soil does not lack water, which will make it quickly produce flower buds and bloom in full.
7. Diseases and Pests
Baby's breath is prone to gray mold disease. When affected, the leaves will show brown water-stained spots, and in severe cases, the entire plant can die. Therefore, it's important to ensure good ventilation in the growing environment and avoid excessive humidity. After infection, a wettable powder of benomyl can be sprayed at a concentration of 2500 times.
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