How to plant Platycodon grandiflorus
Article summary: This article discusses topics related to the cultivation of Platycodon grandiflorus and the methods for growing it in pots. Hereinafter, the editor will introduce to everyone.
Platycodon grandiflorus is a highly ornamental plant, and in addition to this, it has very strong medicinal properties. Its roots can be used as medicine, so it is very popular with consumers. Many people like to keep some at home, and when raising them, it is also necessary to learn many skills to ensure their growth.
Method of growing Platycodon grandiflorus in pots
1. Seed selection. Choose seeds of the same size, plump, and pure color from 2-year-old Platycodon grandiflorus. Place the selected seeds in the sun for 1-2 days to help break dormancy and kill surface寄生 fungi.
2. Seed treatment. To further improve the germination rate of seeds in pot cultivation, the selected seeds are soaked in 100mg/L GA3 or 20% PEG6000 for 10 hours. After soaking, remove the seeds, wrap them in gauze, and incubate in a dark incubator at 25°C for 10 hours before sowing.
3. Potting and fertilizing. Pot size: diameter by height is 33cm by 28cm, to meet the root development requirements of Platycodon grandiflorus plants. Mix the sifted organic-rich, unpolluted sandy loam soil thoroughly and fill each pot with a measured amount. Since Platycodon grandiflorus seeds are tiny and not drought-tolerant in the early stages of planting, the soil in the pots should be sieved fine before planting to improve water and fertilizer retention and root development. First, lay a layer of small stones斜铺 at the bottom of the pot and wrap them with newspaper, then insert a hard plastic tube along the edge of the pot into the newspaper. Apply enough base fertilizer, in the commonly used fertilizers, phosphorus fertilizer should be applied in one go, while nitrogen and potassium fertilizers should be used in proportion, and top dressing can be applied according to the growth situation in the later stage. The initial base fertilizer should be thoroughly mixed into the soil in the pot.
When does Platycodon grandiflorus bloom
Platycodon grandiflorus has a late blooming period, with 1 or several blue or bluish-purple flowers appearing at the top of the stem from July to September. When the buds swell, they look like balloons. The corolla is bell-shaped, with five lobes at the apex, and when hanging down, it resembles an ancient bell, hence also known as the bell flower. Fruits appear from August to October.
Precautions for growing Platycodon grandiflorus in pots
1. Change the potting soil in time: Before repotting Platycodon grandiflorus, do not water for 1-2 days to make it easier for the soil to detach from the pot walls. When repotting, remove the plant from the pot, shake off 20%-50% of the old soil from the roots, cut off the withered and decayed roots, add a small amount of aloe vera residue to the bottom of the new pot, place the prepared soil in the center of the pot, and finally fill the pot with new soil.
2. Control the temperature: Before and after flowering, it is appropriate to provide shade to extend the blooming period. After the flowers fade and before winter, cut off the above-ground parts to reduce nutrient consumption, and place it in a position with sufficient sunlight and slightly warm. Try to prevent the roots of Platycodon grandiflorus from freezing. Next year, the old roots will continue to sprout new branches.
Control of pest and diseases in Platycodon grandiflorus
1. Pests: Platycodon grandiflorus rarely suffers from pests at home, but under sudden changes in the environment such as humidity, heat, or dryness, pests can easily take advantage. Root nematode disease is concentrated in the roots, feeding on the stems and roots, causing symptoms like bumps on the roots and premature drying of the above-ground stems and leaves. When nematode pests are found, there is no need to spray pesticides. Burying cake fertilizer in the soil can increase soil fertility and reduce the damage to some extent. If the pest infestation is severe, it is recommended to remove the plant from the pot outdoors and replace all the soil.
2. Diseases: Purple pattern disease is severe in mid-September and the roots rot in October. Initially, the affected plant's roots turn red and gradually form a net-like reddish-brown mycelium, which is usually underground. Later, protrusions appear on the soil surface, with green bean-sized purple sclerotia, and the stems and leaves gradually die. Control methods: Repot and change the soil every year, update the soil, and disinfect in time. Once symptoms are detected, remove the affected plants and pour a 5% lime solution for disinfection.
The method of growing Platycodon grandiflorus in pots is relatively simple. First, disinfect the seeds and pots, then add fertilizers appropriately. When growing Platycodon grandiflorus in pots, it is important to control the temperature to ensure a high survival rate.后期还要进行虫害防治，以免让桔梗花收到了虫害的侵袭。
The above introduction on how to plant Platycodon grandiflorus and the specific methods for growing it in pots, hoping everyone will like it!