How to plant baby's breath seeds
Comprehensive analysis of how to plant baby's breath seeds and related topics about the cultivation methods and timing of planting baby's breath, which will certainly help you. Let's learn about it together!
Baby's breath can be used as a cut flower or turned into dried flowers, and it has a very high ornamental value. Additionally, its flower language is "willing to be a supporting role, just wanting to be by your side," which is very romantic and artistic. Therefore, baby's breath is deeply loved by people, and many will cultivate it. Below is an introduction to the planting methods for baby's breath seeds.
1. Sowing Time
Baby's breath seeds can be planted 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. Soil Preparation
Baby's breath prefers loose and fertile soil with good breathability and drainage. Before planting, it is necessary to select a suitable substrate. 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. Another option is to use a mixture of peat soil and perlite.
3. Seed Sowing
Before sowing, the seeds should be disinfected. 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 first, then the seeds should be evenly placed on the surface of the soil, preferably spaced 3-4 centimeters apart, and finally covered with a thin layer of soil. After that, 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 care should be taken to transplant them with soil, and water should be avoided to prevent the seedlings from being washed over after transplanting. Another method is to water without potting and 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 leave 3-4 pairs of leaves at the bottom to pinch the top, allowing the lateral branches to grow, 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 Fertilizing
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. Attention should be paid to top dressing, applying a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer every 10 days. To make it bloom, you should supplement phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, applying 2-3 times a month, giving it sufficient sunlight, and ensuring the potting soil does not lack water, which will promote the rapid growth of flower buds and result in a full bloom.
7. Diseases and Pests
Baby's breath is susceptible to gray mold. When affected, the leaves will show brown water-stained lesions, and in severe cases, the entire plant can die. Therefore, it is important to ensure good ventilation in the growing environment and avoid excessive humidity. After infection, a benomyl wettable powder suspension at a concentration of 2500 times can be sprayed for treatment.
The comprehensive explanation of how to plant baby's breath seeds, planting methods, and timing provided above aims to serve as a starting point to help solve your plant cultivation problems.