Dimorfoteka: growing from seeds, planting and care in the open field

Dimorfoteka, or Cape marigolds, in the conditions of the middle lane is grown as an annual plant. Every spring, gardeners sow the seeds of the crop for seedlings and only then transfer the grown seedlings to the flower beds. There are no particular difficulties in growing a dimorphoteca from seeds - the main thing is to properly prepare the containers, soil and planting material and then regularly care for the seedlings. Beautiful marigold daisies will be a highlight in decorating the design of the site throughout the summer period.

General description and characteristics of dimorfoteka

Belongs to an ornamental plant of the Astrov family, grown both as an annual and as a perennial - it all depends on the region.Domestic gardeners are forced to grow seedlings every year, since the heat-loving dimorfoteka in the open field will not survive the cold winters. In height, the culture stretches to a maximum of 60 cm, and the color of the dimorphotheca baskets is amazing - there are varieties with purple, pink, blue, yellow, apricot petals here. The diameter of the basket itself does not exceed 10 cm.

Types and varieties

Before starting to grow an ornamental plant, they are determined with the type and variety, paying attention to its strengths and weaknesses. Most often, gardeners prefer the following varieties:

• Notched. It grows up to 30-40 cm, characterized by stems that branch from the very base. The foliage of the plant is fragile, has a notched shape, for which the actual dimorphotheca of this species got its name. About 30 inflorescences with a diameter of up to 7 cm are formed on each stem. Their petals are yellow-orange.Abundant flowering is observed only in sunny weather.
• Rain. On average, it stretches to a height of 17-20 cm. The stems are slightly elongated, as are the leaves, which have a slight pubescence. Inside the flower, the petals have a soft purple hue, while the edges are white.
• Tetra Polarstern. The diameter of large snow-white flowers of this variety reaches a maximum of 8 cm. The height of the Tetra Polarstern dimorphotheque does not exceed 40 cm, it is often used by flower growers for growing on a balcony. The peculiarity of the variety is that on cloudy days and at night the flowers close the petals.
• Tetra Goliath. It belongs to annual representatives, characterized by large flowers that have a golden-orange hue. Their diameter reaches 10 cm. The flower stalks of the Tetra Goliath variety are long, covered with numerous inflorescences, which makes the bush look voluminous.
• Giant Mixed. One of the most original varieties, because baskets of orange, white and pink shades bloom at the same time on one bush. The height of Giant Mixed is around 30 cm.

Growing seedlings from seeds

Experienced gardeners prefer to grow a dimorphotheque from seeds at home, and then transfer the finished seedlings to the site in open ground. There is nothing difficult in obtaining decorative flower seedlings.

Soil and capacity

To begin with, prepare the soil and containers in which the material is sown. Soil for growing seedlings of dimorphotheca is purchased at a specialized gardening store. It should be nutritious, with an average acidity. However, some flower growers prepare the soil on their own at home. To do this, adhere to the following proportions:

• three parts of humus;
• one piece of leaf land;
• one piece of sod land;
• two pieces of coarse river sand.

Plant pots with drainage holes or peat tablets are ideal for seed containers.

Fitting technology

The prepared soil is laid out in containers, slightly moistened from above with a spray bottle. Dimorphoteca seed material is laid out on the surface of the soil and sprinkled with a thin layer of soil on top. If the seeds are planted in peat pots, no more than three are placed in one.

Plantings are covered with glass or transparent plastic wrap and transferred to a room where the temperature is maintained at 16-20 degrees Celsius. Periodically, crops are opened for airing and moistening as the soil dries up.

Seedling care

The first sprouts of dimorphoteca appear above the ground after 10 days. After that, the cover imitating the greenhouse is removed.As soon as the first true leaves form, the seedlings dive into separate containers. This is due to the fact that the dimorphotheque has a weak root system, which needs free space for full development.

Disembarkation

Transplantation to flowerbeds in open ground is carried out in the last days of May, when there is confidence in the absence of return frosts. A well-lit and open place with good drainage is selected for Cape marigolds.

Adhere to the following algorithm:

1. Dig up the soil in the fall, apply complex fertilizers and remove weeds.
2. Before planting seedlings, the soil is again loosened shallowly.
3. When planting, keep a distance between the bushes of 15-20 cm, while be sure to keep the earthen ball on the roots as much as possible so that they are not damaged. If the seedlings were grown in peat containers, they are lowered into the soil along with them.
4. After planting, young seedlings are watered, but not too abundantly.

You can sow dimorphotheca seeds directly in open ground, do it in early May. However, it must be remembered that such plants will bloom a month later than those grown from seedlings.

Rules for crop care

To enjoy the wild flowering of Cape marigolds throughout the summer, it is necessary to properly care for the ornamental plant and carry out preventive treatments against diseases and pests.

Irrigation

Due to the fact that Dimorfoteka comes from Africa, it tolerates dry and hot conditions without problems, so there is no need for frequent moisturizing. They wait until the soil becomes dry to a depth of 4 centimeters, and only after that they begin to irrigate the plants. If too often and abundantly moisten the dimorphoteca, this will lead to damage to the bushes with gray rot and further death of ornamental plants.

Fertilization

For abundant flowering, it is important to properly carry out the procedure for feeding plants. In the nutritional composition, the predominant components should be phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizers are applied for the first time a week after planting seedlings in open ground. Then follow the scheme 1-2 times a month. Dimorfoteka especially needs top dressing at the time of bud formation. Stop fertilizing in early autumn.

Flowering

As soon as the dimorphotheca baskets begin to fade, they are immediately removed from the bushes. If you follow this rule, the plant will bloom until the first cold snap.

Preparing for winter season

Because in our climate, Cape marigolds are grown only as an annual plant, every spring a new batch of seeds is sown for seedlings. In the open field, even with good shelter, the plants will not survive the winter.Some gardeners dig up rare varieties of dimorphoteca for wintering in a pot at home, but this procedure does not always bring a positive result due to the weak root system of the crop.

Protection from pests and diseases

The most dangerous disease for Cape marigolds is gray rot, which develops in conditions of high humidity and lack of a drainage system. To avoid this problem, the plants are moderately moistened, and when the first signs of damage appear, Bordeaux liquid or any copper-containing preparation is used.

Reproduction

Cape marigolds are bred by seed, annually in the spring sowing them for seedlings at home and directly in open ground.

Dimorfoteka in landscape design

In sunny areas, Cape marigolds will be an ideal element of rockeries, and flower growers also use a dimorphotheque for growing in boxes on balconies.As companions, pelargonium, ageratum or petunias are selected for them. But even in monoplants, the dimorphotheque looks self-sufficient.

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