Should the seeds of baby's breath be soaked in water
Main content introduction: Whether the seeds of baby's breath need to be soaked in water and the topics related to the cultivation of baby's breath, such as the precautions for planting, are explained in detail by the editor below.
Baby's breath can be used as a cut flower and can also be turned into dried flowers, making it 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 choose to cultivate it. Next, I will introduce the planting method for baby's breath seeds.
1. Sowing Time
The planting of baby's breath seeds can be carried out in early spring and early autumn. In spring, it is from February to May, and in autumn, it is 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 is necessary to select a suitable 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. Alternatively, a mixture of peat soil and perlite can be used.
3. Sowing Seeds
Seeds should be disinfected before sowing, which can be done by soaking them in a low-concentration carbendazim solution. Soaking is optional, but seeds should be soaked and germinated 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. Afterward, keep the potting soil moist and ensure the seedlings receive sunlight after germination to prevent etiolation.
4. Transplanting with Soil
When the baby's breath seedlings grow, they need to be transplanted. The seedlings are prone to death during transplanting, so care should be taken to transplant with soil, and watering after transplanting should avoid knocking the seedlings over. Watering can also be done by removing the pot and supplying water.
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, the lower 3-4 pairs of leaves can be pinched to promote the growth of lateral branches, which can result in higher yields. Generally, 6-8 lateral branches are retained per plant, and for most varieties, pinching to flowering takes 70-90 days.
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 quickly, has a long flowering period, and requires a lot of nutrients. Pay attention to top dressing, which can be done every 10 days with a compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. To make it bloom, supplement with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, such as monopotassium phosphate, applying 2-3 times a month, providing sufficient sunlight, and ensuring the potting soil does not lack water, which will result in the rapid growth of flower buds and a full bloom.
7. Diseases and Pests
Baby's breath is susceptible to gray mold, which causes brown, water-soaked spots on the leaves and can lead to the death of the entire plant if severe. Therefore, attention should be paid to good ventilation and avoiding excessive humidity in the environment during cultivation. Once infected, a wettable powder of benomyl can be sprayed at a concentration of 2500 times.
The above is the complete content on whether the seeds of baby's breath need to be soaked in water and the precautions for planting baby's breath, for your comprehensive understanding and reference!