How long does the violet bloom?
The network tells you a little experience about the violet's blooming period, and the following editor will answer in detail for you.
Violet (Scientific name: Matthiola incana) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Cruciferae family, which is widely loved by horticulture enthusiasts for its rich flower colors and fragrant aroma. The length of its blooming period is directly related to its ornamental value and planting planning. This article will systematically analyze the characteristics and extension strategies of the violet's blooming period from the perspectives of variety differences, cultivation conditions, and climatic impact.
I. Basic Characteristics of the Violet's Blooming Period
1. Natural blooming period span: The natural blooming period of the violet usually concentrates in the spring from March to May, with each flower lasting about 5-7 days and the whole inflorescence lasting 2-3 weeks. Double-petal varieties have a blooming period 30% longer than single-petal varieties, and some improved varieties such as 'Shirley Series' can achieve continuous blooming for more than 4 weeks.
2. Classification of variety differences:
- Spring violet: Typical biennial species, blooming in the spring of the year after sowing.
- Autumn violet: Sown in summer, blooming in autumn and lasting until the first frost.
- All-season violet: Can bloom throughout the year under greenhouse conditions.
II. Key Factors Affecting the Blooming Period
1. Temperature control: The optimal blooming temperature is 15-18°C, and temperatures above 25°C will accelerate flower wilting. Measured data shows:
- In an environment of 10-15°C: The blooming period is extended to 25-30 days.
- In an environment of 20°C and above: The blooming period is shortened by 40%.
2. Light management: 6-8 hours of scattered light per day is optimal, and direct strong sunlight can cause petal scorching. Supplementing artificial lighting (2000-3000 lux) in winter can advance the blooming period by 2 weeks.
3. Water and fertilizer control: The soil moisture should be maintained at 60-70% during the blooming period, with an EC value of 1.2-1.5mS/cm. Applying phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (N:P:K=1:2:2) can increase the number of flowers by 20% and extend the peak blooming period by 10-15 days.
III. Practice Techniques for Extending the Blooming Period
1. Pinching: Pinching 2-3 times during the seedling stage can extend the blooming period: - First pinching: When the plant height is 10 cm. - Second pinching: When the lateral branches have 4 true leaves. This method extends the overall ornamental period to 6-8 weeks.
2. Scientific pruning: Plants with removed spent flowers have a 75% higher rate of secondary blooming than unpruned ones. Retaining 1-2 nodes at the base during pruning, combined with top dressing, can induce new flowering branches.
3. Environmental regulation:
- Potted placement: Rotate 45° every 3 days to avoid crown bias.
- Humidity maintenance: Petals are less likely to burn at a relative humidity of 50-60%.
- Temperature difference control: A day-night temperature difference of 8-10°C can enhance the saturation of flower color.
IV. Special Cultivation Mode for Blooming Period Performance
1. Greenhouse forced cultivation: By supplementing light and heating, the blooming period can be controlled for festivals such as New Year's Day and the Spring Festival, with specific parameters:
- Light duration: 14 hours/day
- Night temperature maintenance: Above 12°C
- CO₂ concentration: 800-1000 ppm
2. Outdoor natural overwintering: In areas where the lowest winter temperature is above -5°C, autumn-sown plants can overwinter in the open field, with the blooming period 20 days earlier than spring-sown seedlings and flower diameter increased by 15%.
V. Countermeasures for Common Blooming Period Problems
1. Shortened blooming period: Main cause - High temperature + excessive fertilization and water. Solution: Move to a shady place, stop using nitrogenous fertilizer and switch to applying potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.2% solution spray).
2. Uneven blooming: Main cause - Poor seed quality or uneven sowing depth. Preventive measures: Use coated seeds, control sowing depth to 0.3-0.5 cm, and maintain uniform substrate moisture during the germination period.
3. Fading flower color: Related to insufficient light or abnormal pH values. Suggestions: Test soil pH (optimal 6.5-7.0) and supplement magnesium (1g/L magnesium sulfate foliar spray).
VI. Variety Selection Recommendations
According to the blooming period requirements, the following varieties are recommended:
- Long blooming period: 'Iceland' series (35-40 days)
- Early blooming variety: 'Early Snow纺' (about 70 days from sowing to blooming)
- Heat-resistant type: 'Tropical Rainbow' (can bloom continuously in summer)
Through scientific management, the actual ornamental period of the violet can be extended 2-3 times compared to the natural state. Growers should select the corresponding varieties and supporting cultivation techniques according to specific application scenarios (flower bed arrangement, cut flower production, potted plant viewing, etc.) to achieve the best blooming period performance. It is worth noting that regularly observing the plant condition and adjusting the maintenance measures in a timely manner is more effective in maintaining high-quality blooming than mechanically executing standardized plans.
The above brings the complete content of "How long does the violet bloom?" for your comprehensive understanding and reference!