Cleoma: growing from seeds, description and characteristics of varieties, reproduction

Cleoma blooming, the cultivation of which does not cause difficulties even for beginner growers, is a representative of the Cleomaceae family. Under natural conditions, the plant lives in any area where a temperate and warm climate prevails. For the unusual appearance of the inflorescences, the Germans called the cleoma a spider plant. The flowering period lasts from June to September. Blooming flowers fill the garden with an unusual fragrance.

General description of the flower

Cleoma reaches a maximum height of 1 m.Inflorescences in the upper part have 4 petals with long stamens. The brush in diameter reaches 20 cm. During the season, new inflorescences form at the tips. Leaf plates are collected in a fan, each of which includes 7 leaflets. By the end of the growing season, the stem of the plant becomes woody, and pods with seeds form on it.

The color scheme of cleoma inflorescences is very diverse and original. Sometimes several colors are combined in one bud at once. The plant is widely used in landscape design and goes well with other exotic flowers. It is used for cutting and decorating bouquets.

Types and varieties of cleoma

Domestic flower growers have the opportunity to grow only two varieties of exotic plants:

• prickly cleoma;
• Cleoma Hassler.

They have practically no differences. New varieties are obtained by crossing these varieties. In turn, they differ from each other only in the color of the inflorescences. The most popular varieties are:

• Helen Campbell;
• Pink Queen;
• Giant Pink Kyusen;
• Sparkler Lavender;
• Cherry Queen;
• Splashes of champagne;
• Colored waterfall.

Growing Nuances

Cleoma has a long growing season, so flower growers cultivate it in seedlings. If you sow the seeds immediately in open ground, then flowering comes later, but growing seedlings takes less effort and time.

Soil and capacity

For the cultivation of cleoma, a nutritious soil mixture is prepared from fertile garden soil, compost and sand. Proportions make 2:2:1. A container for sowing seeds is chosen with a depth of 15 cm. The material from which it is made can be any.

Boarding rules

Growing cleoma from seeds is not that difficult.You will need to fill suitable containers with nutrient soil mixture, and sprinkle a small amount of wood ash on top of it. Pre-soaked seeds are planted to a depth of 1 cm and lightly sprinkled with soil. A thin layer of compost is laid on top, which will not only serve as additional fertilizer, but also speed up the process of seed germination.

Crops are watered with a spray bottle, covered with glass or cellophane and sent to a warm, well-lit place.

Seedling care

After the appearance of the first shoots of cleoma, it is necessary to provide them with proper care. Plants should be plentifully, but rarely watered. Do this as soon as the top layer of soil dries. Excessive moisture harms young seedlings and contributes to the development of fungal diseases. Containers with cleomas are placed on a well-lit windowsill, and in the evening hours additional lighting is organized using fitolamps.

To prevent damage to the root system by pathogenic bacteria, seedlings are watered once with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

After a pair of true leaves are formed on young cleomes, the plants dive into separate cups. The procedure is carried out as carefully as possible, deepening the seedlings into the ground to the lower leaves. In order for them to grow even, they are constantly turned in different directions to the sun.

Planting seedlings

Cleoma is planted in open ground in May, when the threat of return spring frosts has completely passed. The flower bed is prepared in advance by adding compost to it. The distance between plants is left 35-40 cm. Before transplanting, they are sprayed with a growth stimulator.

Further care of cleoma

Cleoma care involves standard procedures for flower growers, however, there are certain features in them that you should familiarize yourself with in advance.

Irrigation Rules

Cleomes are moisture-loving plants, but do not tolerate stagnant water on the site. Watering is carried out only in hot and dry weather. The flower tolerates a short drought normally, but excess moisture leads not only to a deterioration in decorative qualities, but also to the development of fungal diseases, the death of the entire plant.

Feeding and fertilizer

Feeding should be carried out as needed. At the first stages of development, flower growers use complex preparations containing nitrogen as fertilizer. As soon as the buds begin to form, the glue is fed with potassium-phosphorus preparations. They are brought in once every 14 days. If the flower is weakened, then it is recommended to use mineral supplements, reducing the recommended rate by 2 times. Cleoma leaves are sprayed with their solution in the morning or evening to prevent burns.

Wintering

In the climate of the middle zone, cleoma is grown as an annual. After the buds wither, the seeds should be collected, and the plant itself should be removed from the ground with the root and disposed of. After that, it is recommended to dig up the bed to destroy pests and weeds.

In the southern regions, you can grow cleoma as a biennial plant. To do this, in the fall, wilted buds are cut off and a shelter made of a special material is organized. If this is not at hand, then use spruce branches, fallen leaves, hay. In no case should you cover the flower with cellophane.

Protection methods for diseases and pests

Cleoma exudes a specific, not very pleasant smell, because insect pests bypass it. For this reason, it is advisable to plant a flower near fences or as a hedge. The plant has a high immunity to diseases.The only thing that cleoma often suffers from is the decay of the underground part.

Such a trouble happens due to the close occurrence of groundwater or excessive watering.

If cleomas appear on the site with signs of illness, rotting of the roots, then they should be disposed of immediately. It is impossible to transplant adult specimens. He althy plants are treated with a fungicide, the watering regimen is reviewed and the reasons that could lead to negative consequences for the cleoma are analyzed.

Flower reproduction

Cleoma reproduces exclusively by seeds. You can assemble them yourself or purchase them in a specialized store. Sowing is done in autumn or spring. Seedling method of cultivation is preferred, but it is acceptable to sow seeds directly in a flower bed.

The use of decorative culture in landscape design

Effective appearance makes glue more and more popular not only among ordinary flower growers, but also among landscape designers.It goes well with other plants. You can grow an exotic flower both next to perennials and annuals. Behind tall stems with beautiful spherical inflorescences, you can easily hide a neglected area or an ugly fence.

If the hostess only puts the territory in order, then a glue screen will hide the mess from prying eyes and give the site a well-groomed appearance. When making flower beds, this plant is planted in the background, and undersized flowers are placed in the front. Bright inflorescences look beautiful against the background of buds with cold shades.

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