We reveal the secrets of growing garden balsam from seeds: a description of the process

It is quite difficult to find balsam seeds in cold and rainy summers, but if you find them, then you should choose only those that are at the stage of whitening boxes. This must be done very carefully, as these boxes are quite fragile, and can fall apart at the slightest touch. The seeds themselves are formed 25-30 days after flowering, have a brown-brown color, and also have a large round shape. After formation, the seeds can be in a viable state for 6 to 8 years. Balsamins are also cross-pollinated.

What kind of plant?

Balsamine refers to annual or perennial herbaceous plants of the Balsamic family, or from the Latin "Balsaminaceae". The homeland of this flower can be considered the subtropics and tropics of Asia and Africa, some species are found in Central Asia. In 1596, balsam was introduced to Europe, continuing to be the most popular indoor plants.

The flower itself has erect stems reaching a height of up to 50 centimeters, oval or lanceolate leaves reaching a size of 12 centimeters. The flowers have pink and red colors and are located in the axils of the leaves. At the moment, hybrids have all the colors of the petals, except for yellow and blue.

After flowering, balsam forms green boxes, which in the process of development become dry, and as mentioned above, at the slightest touch they shoot seeds at a distance of 2 meters. One gram of box can contain up to 100 seeds, which is quite a lot.

In the name of the genus, the name “sensitive” can clearly be distinguished, which balsam received just because of its method of seed distribution. The genus of balsamines includes about 400-550 species and varieties, depending on the sources.

Breeding methods

Balsam has two main methods of reproduction, we will tell you more about them.

Cuttings

Is the most common method of propagating balsam.. The whole complexity of this method lies in the strict observance of all conditions, thanks to which the plant will not only take root in the future, but also ensure good growth. This is actually the principle of this method. Cuttings are separated from the mother stem only after rooting by the cuttings themselves.

To stimulate the growth of cuttings, the mother stalk is cut. The growth of cuttings, as well as their quality, depends on the frequency of circumcision of the mother stem. The formation of the root system in cuttings is a direct sign of the readiness of this cuttings. The very ability of the cuttings to take root can change throughout the year, that is, it is unstable.

The cuttings process will best start in mid-summer. During the time until autumn, it is necessary to stock up cuttings. Half-stiff cuttings should be left already at the end of summer. For the best quality grafting process, it is necessary to monitor the temperature and humidity.

Temperature conditions strongly influence the root growth process.. When rooting cuttings, the ideal temperature is considered to be a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, here the air temperature should be lower.

Watch the video on the cuttings of balsam:

Sunflower seeds

1. For the highest quality and fastest growth, it is worth planting the seeds in peat tablets, placing one in each well. The seed itself should be placed on the surface, since balsam is very fond of sunlight.
2. After germination, everything should be transplanted into a plastic container with holes. The box in this case plays the role of a greenhouse.
3. Next, the transplant should be carried out after the appearance of 2-3 leaves. Transplantation must be carried out in loose, well-moistened soil.
4. After the final appearance of all seedlings, it is necessary to maintain high humidity.
5. With too dense shoots of plants, they should be divided.

Watering the plant in the future is very careful not to damage it.

Appearance of seeds

As stated above balsam seeds are large, as well as oval and brown-brown. These are the only features of the appearance of the seeds.

Growing rules

Again, cultivation features have been described above. I’ll only tell you about the timing of sowing. Because balsam has a high growth rate.

Seeds are sown in a warm greenhouse or under the film in early April, after 2-3 days, and after 2-3 weeks the crops are dived. You can do without a dive, but in this case, the shoots are thinned out. Balsam seedlings are planted in the soil after the frost disappears. Balzamin transplant transfers easily. Further, to increase the flowering time, sifting is carried out again. What to feed balsam and how to properly water it for plentiful flowering, we wrote here.

Preparation for landing

1. Seeds before planting will be enough to disinfect. For this:
   • Manganese is diluted in warm water and seeds are placed in this solution.
   • After 10 minutes, the seeds can be pulled out.
   • Then they are immersed in plain warm water for a day.
2. The soil will have to be prepared more carefully, as young plants are extremely sensitive to the composition of the soil. The ratio of elements in the soil should be as follows:
   • one part of garden land;
   • two parts of peat;
   • one part of vermiculite;
   • one piece of coarse sand.

   If it is not possible to find garden soil, then you can mix peat and vermiculite in a ratio of one to one.

3. Next, you need to destroy the pests by heating the earth in the oven for a couple of hours.
4. After heat treatment, the earth is shed with Fitosporin to improve microflora.

Landing is also indicated above, so I will not repeat. You will find all the details of planting and caring for balsam in a separate material.

Pot selection

The pot should not greatly exceed the size of the plant, the maximum possible - 2-3 centimeters. The bottom of the pot needs to be equipped with holes for draining excess water. Ceramics is a desirable material, as plastic pots can poison balsam.

Care and watering rules: how to grow at home?

For the excellent development of its balsam, the flower grower must provide it with moisture and partial shade lighting. The flower itself loves the sun, but just the same record growth indications appear in dim light. But do not transfer balsam to the shade completely, this can lead to the death of the plant.

The temperature at different times of the year is different. In summer and springtime, the optimum temperature will be 25 degrees Celsius, this temperature should be at the same time with good moisture content of the substrate and the obligatory presence of fresh air. Indoor balsam prefers a temperature of 22 ° C with moderate humidity.

In the summer, balsam is watered quite abundantly. Watering itself is done along the edge of the pot to avoid moisture entering the root neck. After watering, excess water is poured out of the pan. The water should be soft, because when using hard water on the surface of the soil a white coating, which serves as an indicator of excess alkali in the soil. If it appears, the top layer of the earth is replaced.

From time to time it is required to loosen the soil, but with a depth of not more than two centimeters, and also do not forget to feed fertilizers in the summer and spring. Fertilization frequency - once every two weeks. Also, balsam does not have a pronounced "calm time", so the buds can appear even in winter, so it is necessary to produce a weak top dressing.

You will find all the details of growing and propagating balsam at home in this article, and about how to properly care for this plant at home in order to preserve its beauty, read here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say that even a beginner grower can cope with balsam, which is his undoubted advantage. At the same time, the plant itself is very beautiful, and with proper care it will delight its owner or mistress for many years. The main thing is not to run it. The main problem when growing balsam from seed is just to find this seed itself, as well as its problematic removal from the box. Otherwise, this plant has only pluses.

Watch the video: How to grow and care BalsamGulmehndi, A to Z Process. (December 2024).