Reproduction and Maintenance of Gaillardia
Today's plant experience and common knowledge of flower cultivation introduces Gaillardia, including its reproduction and maintenance. Let's follow the editor to see the specific content!
Breeding by Sowing: Sowing is usually carried out in summer. The matrix used for sowing should be disinfected. The best method is to heat it in a pot, which can kill any pests and diseases. Soak the seeds in warm water (similar in temperature to face-washing water) for 3 to 10 hours until the seeds absorb water and swell.
Management after Sowing: After the seedlings emerge, promptly remove the plastic film and allow the seedlings to receive sunlight before 9:30 am or after 3:30 pm each day, otherwise the seedlings will grow very weakly. After most of the seeds have germinated, thin the seedlings appropriately: remove the diseased and unhealthy seedlings to leave some space between the remaining ones. When most of the seedlings have grown 3 or more leaves, they can be transplanted into pots.
Propagation by Cutting: The branches used for cutting are called cuttings. Usually, when pinching the tops, strong, disease-free tips are used as cuttings and directly planted. The following management should be noted after cutting: Temperature: The optimal temperature for root formation of cuttings is 18°C to 25°C. Below 18°C, root formation is difficult and slow; above 25°C, the cut ends of the cuttings are easily infected by bacteria and rot, and the higher the temperature, the higher the proportion of rot. Light: Light is essential for propagation by cutting, but the stronger the light, the higher the temperature inside the cutting, the more vigorous the transpiration, and the more water is consumed, which is not conducive to the survival of the cuttings.
Transplanting: When potting young seedlings, first place a 2 to 3 cm thick layer of coarse-grained matrix or ceramic stones at the bottom of the pot as a filter layer. Then, sprinkle a layer of fully decomposed organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer, about 1 to 2 cm thick, followed by a layer of matrix, about 1 to 2 cm thick, and then place the plant, separating the fertilizer from the roots to avoid root burn. Generally, two pinching operations are performed before flowering to promote the growth of more flowering branches. After one to two weeks of potting, or when the seedlings are 6 to 10 cm tall and have more than six leaves, pinch the top, leaving 3 to 4 leaves at the bottom to promote branching. Three to five weeks after the first pinching, or when the lateral branches are 6 to 8 cm long, perform the second pinching by removing the top of the lateral branches and leaving 4 leaves below. After two pinching operations, the plant shape will be more ideal, and the number of flowers will also increase.
Maintenance: Prefers higher humidity, and low humidity accelerates the wilting of individual flowers. It also dislikes rain and needs to keep the leaves dry at night. The optimal relative humidity is 65% to 75%. It is heat-tolerant, not frost-tolerant, prefers abundant sunlight, and slightly tolerates semi-shade. Like other grass flowers, it requires more fertilizer and water but should follow the fertilization principle of "light fertilizer often applied, less quantity but more frequent, and complete nutrition." After fertilizing, keep the leaves and flowers dry at night. Summer and autumn are its growing seasons, and fertilization and water management should follow the cycle of "Flower Treasure" - "Flower Treasure" - water - "Flower Treasure" - "Flower Treasure" - water (at least twice a week with "Flower Treasure"). During the flowering period, fertilization should be controlled appropriately to help the seeds mature.
The above is a detailed explanation of the reproduction and maintenance of Gaillardia. I hope this article can help you with green plant management!