Garden balsam: a description of the flower and its cultivation, how to save it in winter

The main feature of garden balsam is its long and abundant flowering, for which it is valued by many flower growers and gardeners. Because of this characteristic feature, the plant has a second name - diligent Lisa. On the territory of Russia, this flower appeared only at the end of the 19th century and is now an integral part of front gardens, flower beds, lawns and fences.

Description of the plant

Garden balsam is a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches 50 centimeters. The countries of Asia and Africa are considered the birthplace of the flower; in the Northern Hemisphere, year-round growth is ensured by greenhouse conditions.On one bush there can be more than 50 flowers, which differ in shades. Balsam blooms at the end of spring and can last up to ten months.

Characteristics of varieties

Flower growers have identified about 400 species of balsam, but only a few varieties grow in the Northern Hemisphere.

Tom Thumb

Relates to dwarf species, as it reaches a length of only 25 centimeters. It has bright flowers and is distinguished by long flowering, which stops only with the onset of cold weather.

Camellia

This variety is bred on the basis of ordinary garden balsam. It is a tall species, therefore it is often used for decorative decoration of trees. Provides protection from pests.

Waller

The most popular, versatile variety of balsam. Flowering continues until the first frost. The flowers are quite large and bright, but the stems are fragile and prone to damage. Can grow in shady places.

Exotic Dwarf

This kind of flower is usually used for decorating a balcony. Exotic - these are small bushes that grow up to only 20 centimeters and have bright buds. Flower shades range from pinkish to purple.

Terry

This perennial grows from 15 to 40 centimeters in height and boasts a rich variety of shapes. The leaves of such a balsam are distinguished by an unusual, rounded heart-shaped shape. As a rule, this catchy flower is grown at home.

Roly wet street

This is a common garden balsam - the most popular type. This plant can reach 70 centimeters, the color varies from light to bright shades. Flowering begins in early summer and continues until the first cold weather. Differs in the increased thermophilicity.

Impreza

The plant is used for planting on a balcony or in special hanging boxes. The flower is small in height - only 20 centimeters. The color of the flowers is pale pink. Differs in abundant flowering and large buds.

Site selection and soil preparation

Balsam is suitable for a site that will be protected from strong gusts of wind, drafts and constant sunlight. Flower beds are best placed in partial shade, near fences or fences, trees and shrubs. The plant does not tolerate acidic and heavy soil, and also requires site preparation: drainage is required, loosening and deoxidation of the soil with limestone. Fertilizer mixtures should not be applied.

Planting methods

Planting a balsam can be done in two ways, but quite often a houseplant is propagated by cuttings, and the seeds do not wait for the seeds to ripen.

Seeds

This method is suitable for regions with early spring and warm autumn. The original inoculum can be stored for up to eight years. Balsam should be planted when the soil has warmed up to 20 degrees.

Preparation of seed

Immediately before sowing, the material should be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate (15 minutes) in order to disinfect. The wet seeds are then placed on a wet cloth spread out on a small saucer and placed in a warm place.

Plant pattern

To begin with, make small holes (2 centimeters), place the seed in moist soil and sprinkle on top. Next, the seat should be sprinkled with a spray bottle and fertilized with mulch. At the end, the sowing is covered with a film. After ten days, shoots will appear, and the coating is removed.

Seedlings

The safest way is to get seedlings and then place them in the garden.

Timing

Seeds for seedlings are planted in late winter or early spring. However, for cold regions, with late spring, the sowing dates are shifted - the soil should have time to warm up enough.

Seed preparation

Seeds are prepared in the same way as when growing seedlings of another flower crop. Will require disinfection treatment and storage in a separate container.

Post-emergence care

As the seedlings grow, it is important to monitor the soil moisture, since the substrate should not be allowed to dry out too much. And also the air temperature should not fall below 22 degrees. As soon as sprouts appear, the film is removed and the pots are put in a sunny place.

Lighting

Seedlings from the first days require additional lighting. On cloudy days, you will need to turn on phyto or conventional lamps.

Sprinkling soil

As the roots grow and begin to become bare, it is necessary to periodically add loose, light soil on top of them.

Irrigation

Strong sprouts need to be watered only through the pan. Otherwise, the risk of developing gray rot or a fungal infection that can kill the plant is not excluded.

Picking

Picking should be carried out as soon as the first leaves appear. Balsam seedlings are divided into separate containers - usually, these are cups. After this procedure, you should increase the temperature, add lighting and watering more often. However, it is recommended to grow balsam seedlings using the pick-free method.

Pinching

A week after planting, pinching of the crowns is mandatory in order for the crown to begin to branch. It is important that at least four large sheets are formed. If this is not done, the plant will be small.

Terms of planting in the ground

In the open ground, mature specimens should be planted with the onset of warm weather. If you do this in late spring, flowering will begin in June. The air temperature should be maintained within 19-23 degrees. Planted seedlings will be able to adapt within a week.

Outdoor care

After planting, the plant will need careful care, adherence to the irrigation regime and the application of fertilizer mixtures.

Pinching

When planting specimens in open ground, you will need to pinch the roots a little. This procedure is necessary for the development of the top, active growth, branching and the formation of a lush balsam flower.

Biofungicides

Immediately before planting, a solution of biofungicides must be added to the planting holes. It can be Trichodermin, Planriz or Fitosporin. The introduction of drugs provides protection of plants from fungus and other diseases. It is also recommended to add Kornevin.

Swaging

It is recommended to slightly compress the soil around the young plant - this action can increase traction.

Spraying

Balsam will require spraying, which is recommended to be done with a fine spray. This procedure will help reduce the temperature, which is extremely important during periods of drought and extreme heat.

Irrigation

Water the plant should be twice a week, in an average amount, avoiding extreme dryness of the soil. However, it is important to consider that the flower, although it loves sufficient watering, does not tolerate constant fluid stagnation. If there is not enough water, the leaves will begin to fade.

Feeding

Feeding should be done at the same time as watering. For balsam, flower fertilizers that are intended for geraniums are suitable. However, this flower does not tolerate high concentrations of nutrients. Therefore, the doses of fertilizer mixtures are halved.

What to grow in the garden

Almost any variety of balsam is suitable for a garden plot and front gardens. Both simple and terry forms of flowers are suitable. Breeders specially bred garden varieties of this plant. The New Guinean variety, Exotic, Camellia, Tom Tamb looks elegant and unusual.

Problems and diseases

Like other representatives of the flora, balsam is susceptible to disease and pest attack:

1. Rot is the result of abundant watering and stagnant fluid.
2. Spider mite - will need treatment with chemicals or soapy water.
3. Whitefly - causes leaf fall; processing also required.
4. Viral mosaic - aphids cause yellow spots; will need treatment and treatment.
5. Ring mosaic - leaves are affected, and then the whole flower. Fungicide treatment needed.

Balsam belongs to heat-loving plants, so a number of measures will be required to preserve this flower in winter. In autumn, bushes are dug up and transplanted into heated greenhouses - so they can bloom all year round. The optimal temperature regime for a greenhouse is 15-20 degrees.

Decorative Features

Garden balsam is often used in landscape design. On the garden plot, it looks more profitable in group plantings. You can use a bright and spectacular bush in different ways: form a fence, arrange flowers in a separate flower bed, make a border planting.

Thanks to a riot of colors, a dense crown and a variety of shapes, the plant is the best suited for creating amazing compositions.

Reviews

Elena

“For the second year I have been growing balsams in the garden. Some varieties did not take root, I was looking for a suitable one for a long time. But now every summer I admire their flowering - even prolonged rainfall does not spoil the appearance of the plant.”

Veronica

“The market suggested growing garden balsam. Now I have flowers of bright coral color. Their main advantage is that they can bloom in the shade; do not require special care. Once I had to fight a spider mite.”

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