How to grow snapdragons to achieve full bloom
This article introduces how to grow snapdragons to achieve full bloom and the propagation methods of snapdragon cuttings, a green plant flower planting guide. Let's learn more about it together.
Snapdragons, also known as lion's mouth, dragon's mouth, and Chinese pink, are perennial herbaceous plants of the snapdragon genus in the Plantaginaceae family. Snapdragons symbolize abundance, vitality, and prosperity, with bright colors and beautiful shapes, making them highly ornamental and suitable for home cultivation. In warm spring or autumn, when the snapdragons reach about 9 centimeters in height with 8 to 10 true leaves, they can be propagated through cuttings. Let's now learn about the methods and precautions for propagating snapdragons through cuttings.
I. Cutting Methods
1. Cutting Time
Snapdragons can tolerate some degree of cold but are not heat-resistant. The most suitable time for propagating snapdragons through cuttings is in the warm spring or autumn. It is not recommended to do so in summer or severe winter, as it is not conducive to the survival of the cuttings.
2. Cutting Selection
Select snapdragons that have grown to about 9 centimeters with 8 to 10 true leaves and a good growth trend for pinching. When pinching, leave 4 to 6 true leaves at the bottom and take the top 4 or so tender leaves as cuttings.
3. Substrate Preparation
For propagating snapdragons, you can choose well-draining and loose river sand as the substrate. After selecting the substrate, add a small amount of carbendazim or expose it to the sun for 1 to 2 days to disinfect. After disinfection, use a fine mesh to separate the coarse sand and fine sand, place the coarse sand at the bottom of the container up to two-thirds, and the fine sand on top of the coarse sand up to one-third of the container opening.
4. Performing Cuttings
Before propagating, use a wooden stick about 3 millimeters in diameter to poke holes in the substrate. The distance between each hole should be about 2.5 cm x 3 cm. When propagating, insert the cuttings into the holes and press the surrounding soil to firm them. Water the cuttings thoroughly with a fine-mist spray bottle to complete the process.
II. Precautions
After the cuttings are completed, place the cuttings in a well-ventilated area with diffused light. Water them twice a day, morning and evening, to keep the substrate moist. Control the temperature between 15 to 20°C. Patiently wait for about 10 days for the roots to form. After the roots are more developed, they can be transplanted into pots.
Are you familiar with the detailed introduction of how to grow snapdragons to achieve full bloom and the propagation methods of snapdragon cuttings mentioned above?