What are the characteristics of sunflowers
The editor provides netizens with the characteristics of sunflowers and an introduction to the knowledge of sunflowers in the field of green plants and flowers, which will certainly help you. Let's learn about it together!
Sunflowers belong to the Portulaca family Portulaca genus, perennial flowers, also known as half a branch of lotus, pine leaf peony, dragon whisker peony, foreign Portulaca, noon flower, etc. They bloom in the sun and are more beautiful in full sunlight. They close in the early morning, evening, and cloudy days, hence the names "sunflower" and "noon flower." Because they are easy to survive by cutting, they are also called "never die." Sunflowers are annual succulent herbaceous flowers. The plant height is 12-15 centimeters, the stem is thin and round, creeping on the ground, the tip extends upwards diagonally, with many branches, slightly tinged with purple, smooth. From June to September, the flowers bloom continuously, singly or in clusters at the top of the branches. The flower stems are 3-4 centimeters long, with both double and single petals. Flower colors include red, yellow, white, purple, pink, orange, etc., and they have the habit of blooming when exposed to sunlight.
Native to Brazil in South America. They prefer warm, sunny, and dry environments, are not cold-resistant, drought-resistant, and do not grow well in阴暗 and humid places. They are extremely tolerant to poor soil and can adapt to most soils, especially fond of well-drained sandy soil. They bloom in the sun and close in the early morning, evening, and cloudy days, hence the names sunflower and noon flower. The flowering period is from May to November, and they bloom all year round in southern regions.
I. Propagation Methods: There are two methods of propagation for sunflowers:播种 propagation and cutting propagation.
1. Seed propagation: The cultivation of sunflowers is very simple. Spring, summer, and autumn are all suitable for sowing, usually around the Qingming Festival in April every year. The sowing method involves broadcasting seeds in furrows, broadcasting in furrowed ditches, or broadcasting on the bed surface. After sowing, cover the soil so that the seeds are not visible. Use straw mats or plastic film to cover and keep the soil moist. When the temperature is above 20°C, the seeds will germinate in about 10 days. Once about 10% of the seedlings have emerged, promptly remove the covering material and thin out the weak, leggy, and mixed seedlings. Maintain good air circulation and sufficient sunlight to allow the sunflower seedlings to grow rapidly.
2. Cutting propagation: This is done from July to August. The method involves using cut branch tips as cuttings in the summer, and even withered stems can be utilized. After taking root, flower buds appear. After cutting, set up a shed for shade and keep the soil moist, which makes it easy for roots to form and survive.
II. Planting: When the sunflower seedlings have 3 pairs of leaves or are 5 centimeters tall, or after the cuttings have taken root, they can be transplanted into flower pots or around the courtyard. It takes 60-70 days for them to bloom after planting. If planted in groups, the spacing should be 20 centimeters apart, with 1 plant per hole, not too dense to affect ventilation, as excessive density can lead to serious powdery mildew later. Generally, seedlings sown in late May can be potted, and cuttings can be potted 20 days after taking root. First, place broken tiles at the bottom of the flower pot, then fill with potting soil, place the plant in the center of the pot, straighten it, ensure the roots are spread out, fill the soil to half the pot, then slightly lift and shake the sunflower plant to compact the soil. The planting should not be too deep, keeping the rootstock level with the pot opening. Too shallow will affect survival, and too deep will affect the growth of the sunflower after transplanting. After planting, water thoroughly. After planting, keep the plant in a shaded environment for about a week, then move it to a sunny place. It will bloom after 60 days.
III. Water and Fertilizer Management: Sunflowers are drought-resistant and should not be watered too much. After transplanting young seedlings, it is necessary to water frequently to keep the soil moist. During the growing period, they do not like too much water. Excessive watering can cause yellowing and falling of leaves. Watering should be done when the soil is completely dry, which is beneficial for root growth. When the plant is vigorous, increase the watering and apply 1-2 times of liquid fertilizer. Sunflowers like fertilizer and generally apply a thin solution of decomposed human manure or decomposed cake fertilizer as top dressing every 10-15 days during the growing period, and apply a winter fertilizer at the end of autumn.
IV. Daily Management: After the sunflower is transplanted and established, pinch the top to encourage more lateral branches and more flowers. Regularly cultivate the soil to remove weeds, keep the soil loose, reduce water evaporation, and promote air circulation, which is an important task to ensure the rapid and healthy growth of seedlings.
The above introduction to the characteristics of sunflowers and a comprehensive explanation of the knowledge of sunflowers hope to serve as a stimulus to solve your problems with green plants.