When to plant baby's breath seeds
Today, I will provide a detailed introduction for netizens about when to plant baby's breath seeds and the planting time and methods for this green plant and flower. This information will definitely be helpful to you, so let's take a look together!
Baby's breath can be used as a cut flower and can also be dried, 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 people plant it. Below, I will introduce the planting method for baby's breath seeds.
1. Sowing Time
Baby's breath seeds can be planted in early spring and early autumn. In spring, it can be planted from February to May, and in autumn, 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 ventilation and drainage. Before planting, it is necessary to choose the right substrate. A mixture of decomposed leaf soil and sandy soil can be used, as they have high fertility and good ventilation. The soil also needs to be disinfected, usually by high-temperature heating. Another option is to use a mixture of peat soil and perlite.
3. Sowing Seeds
Seeds should be disinfected before sowing. They can be soaked in a low-concentration solution of carbendazim. It's also fine not to disinfect. Before sowing, the soil should be moistened, 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 expose it to 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 die during transplanting, so it's important to transplant them with soil. After transplanting, watering should be careful not to wash the seedlings over. Alternatively, the method of watering without potting can be used to replenish 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, you can pinch off the top, leaving 3-4 pairs of leaves at the bottom to promote the growth of lateral branches, which can result in higher yields. Generally, keep 6-8 lateral branches 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 fast, has a long flowering period, and requires a lot of nutrients, so it's important to apply top dressing. You can apply a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer every 10 days. To make it bloom, supplement it with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, twice or three times a month. Provide it with sufficient sunlight, ensure the potting soil is not short of water, and it will quickly produce flower buds and bloom in full force.
7. Diseases and Pests
Baby's breath is prone to grey mold disease. When affected, the leaves will show brown water-stained spots, and in severe cases, the entire plant can die. Therefore, when growing, it's important to ensure good ventilation and avoid overly humid conditions. After infection, you can spray with a wettable powder of benomyl at a concentration of 2500 times.
The comprehensive explanation provided above about when to plant baby's breath seeds, and the planting time and methods for baby's breath seeds, is hoped to be of help to you.