When does Bougainvillea bloom?
As a common ornamental flower in southern courtyards, Bougainvillea is deeply loved by gardening enthusiasts for its colorful bracts and ultra-long blooming period. However, many flower friends find that the Bougainvillea they plant at home always fails to achieve the ideal blooming effect. To solve this problem, we need to systematically understand its blooming rules and maintenance secrets.
Analysis of Bougainvillea Blooming Time
Regional Differences in Flowering Period
In the South China region with an average annual temperature of over 20℃, Bougainvillea can bloom all year round, with the best viewing period from November to the following June. Due to low temperatures in winter, the natural flowering period in the Yangtze River Valley is concentrated from April to October. In the north, the flowering period can be extended to 8 months by greenhouse control.
Variety Characteristics and Flowering Rules
Diligent flowering varieties such as 'Tongan Red' can bloom 3-4 times a year, each lasting 45-60 days; varieties like 'Green Leaf Cherry Blossom' have the characteristic of concentrated flowering in spring and autumn. The new variety 'Golden Heart Bicolor', through hybrid improvement, has a flowering period 30% longer than traditional varieties.
Tips for Adjusting Bougainvillea Flowering Period
Light and Temperature Management
Ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and maintain a night temperature of 15-25℃. During the bud differentiation period, perform 30 days of short-day treatment (daily sunlight ≤8 hours) to advance the flowering period by 20 days. Use LED plant lights for supplemental lighting in winter, with a suggested red-blue light ratio of 4:1.
Scientific Pruning to Promote Flowering
Remove the残花 (residual flowers) in time after flowering, leaving 3-4 buds. Pinch new branches during the growing period to promote secondary branching. When shaping, pay attention to保留 (retain) flowering mother branches, which have the strongest flowering ability when the diameter is between 0.5-1cm.
Key Points for Extending the Flowering Period
Water and Fertilizer Control Techniques
Control water for 20 days during the bud differentiation period (water when leaves are slightly wilted), combined with high phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (N-P-K=5-15-45) foliar application every 10 days. Keep the soil moisture at 60% during the full bloom period and apply slow-release fertilizer to extend the single flower period by 5-7 days.
Disease and Pest Control
Regularly check the back of leaves to prevent red spider mites, and use 1500 times solution of Ebazolate to control. Spray Mancozeb before flowering to prevent gray mold, and maintaining ventilation can reduce the incidence of diseases by 80%.
Through precise environmental control and scientific maintenance methods, Bougainvillea can bloom all year round. It is recommended that flower friends establish a maintenance log, recording data such as temperature, light, and fertilization, and gradually master the flowering rhythm of the plant. When you can control the flowering period at will, this 'tropical beauty' will become the most dazzling scenery in the courtyard.