Scallop blight: cultivation, care and application

Among domestic plants with decorative and medicinal qualities, cesium is not the first in popularity, however, the unique qualities of a flower are highly appreciated by professional gardeners. In the circles of Russian amateurs of floriculture, the most widespread is the scallop intestine, which is also called the velvet flower or the cock's scallop. First of all, the plant is distinguished by unusual inflorescences, which can have different shades. Although the decorative qualities of cesium are best revealed in the summer, under proper conditions it is possible to grow it in winter. In addition, the velvet flower is able to produce a healing effect in the fight against certain diseases.

General information

Blossom crestal can be attributed to annual plants. It has straight growing green stems with a ribbed surface and ovoid leaves with pointed tips. Unlike the stem, the scallop leaves are smooth, and the shade can be not only green, but also dark purple. The paniculate inflorescence is formed by miniature flowers of different shades. By the way, the variety of juicy and saturated colors is one of the main decorative advantages that the comb-shaped comb has. The height of the plant is 30-70 cm, allowing it to decorate and small household gardens, and outdoor flower beds. The flowering period lasts from the middle of summer to the beginning of frosts. Seeds retain their germination capacity for 5 years.

Place for planting

Since the homeland of intactness is southern countries, it is desirable to grow it in a sunny place, which is protected from the wind. Slightly acidic and loose soil is preferable, but with special preparation, a good result is possible even in heavy ground. In the second case, a bit of sandy component should be added to the soil layer, which will ensure the looseness of the earth. In addition, the comb-shaped corn responds well to humus, and on any type of soil.

If you plan to land in the open ground, this should be done in the summer - early June. Especially this rule applies to young or unacclimatized seedlings. In the conditions of the slightest frost, the plant dies. But this does not mean that in the winter the planting of the flower is contraindicated. It all depends on the conditions that can be created in the room. The only thing that prevents the full development of intactness at this time is a lack of sunlight.

Temperature conditions

If the growing is supposed to be at home, the optimum temperature in the room will be 18 ° С. At the same time, 14 ° C is the permissible lower limit. Strangely enough, the scallop intestine, grown in the open air, is less demanding for temperature conditions and is able to withstand higher rates. Although the limits of negative readings on the thermometer remain relevant in this case. It is necessary to take into account the conditions of ventilation. For example, if the temperature exceeds 25 ° C, then the room needs to be ventilated.

Seed Growing

It is recommended to cultivate the whole seed with seeds, since the cuttings reproduction is not able to provide the very aesthetic properties for which this plant is loved.

The optimal time for sowing is the end of March or the first days of April. A week later, the "cock's comb" gives the shoots. It is not necessary to sow densely, it is better to observe intervals of 3 cm. The seeds are scattered over moistened soil, and then covered with a film, which is cleaned a week after the first shoots are found.

Growing sprouts

This method is recommended for more experienced gardeners, who are familiar with the care requirements, which presents a scallop intestine. Growing from seeds does not provide for special measures in the process of flower growth, but seedlings can give a satisfactory result only if the seedlings are carefully taken care of. Among the mandatory measures for care - to protect the fragile young seedlings from the sun. In the household, a newspaper is usually used for this purpose, with which young scallops are temporarily covered.

Planting of seedlings is done in a flower bed or on a flower bed with a certain step. For example, if planting large varieties is planned, then the gap should be 30 cm, and if the dwarf kisses - 15 cm. But in most cases, the scallop intestine is first planted in one container and passes the first stage of growth and development in the room. When the plant grows up, it should be dived into a pot up to 8 cm high. But it is best to plant the seedlings first in separate pots - if later it is planned to transplant to open ground, this approach will exclude possible damage to the root system.

Care and top dressing

The main problem in caring for a cockerel is the need to create greenhouse conditions. Breeders brought out many cold-resistant plant forms, but they also give the best decorative effect only in the optimal thermal regime. It is important to note that the comb comba, the cultivation and care of which is carried out on a balcony or in a home garden, is also very demanding. First, it should provide access to the sun, and secondly, regulate the nutrition of water. It does not need to be poured, but it is necessary to moderate the roots with moisture.

In fertilization and top dressing, the kiss is unpretentious. The best choice will be metered supply of phosphorus-potassium liquid fertilizer. Conversely, nitrogen fertilizing is not recommended, as they contribute to the increased growth of green mass. If cultivated corn dwarf dwarf, then the leaves with such nutrition completely eclipse the inflorescence. Also, to maintain a healthy and flowering species of scallop, you should regularly inspect its leaves and remove the dried flower.

Protection against diseases and pests

One of the most dangerous pests of cetaceus is aphids, which affects both leaves and shoots. The fight against it and other insects is effectively helped by the apes. To the common problems of fragile young seedlings is a black leg - to prevent this disease, you should again control watering. It should be done in the early morning and only on sunny days. The plant is sensitive to weather phenomena, on cloudy days it is possible to exclude watering procedures.

If the scallop intestinal nevertheless underwent the development of a "black leg", it is necessary to loosen the soil, fill it with ashes and minimize watering. The fact is that insufficient drainage or excess water can cause the development of fungal diseases. In addition, iron deficiency is dangerous, which leads to an increase in soil pH and hardwood chlorosis. Coping with this disease of intestinal infections will help with chelates (a kind of iron compounds).

Application

The main motivation of people who decide to make a cornflower comb is, of course, a decorative role. The plant looks attractive in the flower arrangement on the flower bed, and as an independent decoration on the balcony. It is also one of the species widely used in the compilation of ikebana. To do this, florists cut flowers before forming seeds and dry them in a cool dark place so that they retain their shape and shade.

It is famous for its integrity and healing qualities. In folk medicine it is used as a means to strengthen vision, treat blood diseases, to eliminate worms and to heal ulcers in the oral cavity. The plant is most interested in specialists because of the ability to fight cancer and diabetes. In particular, the use of scallop intestinal leaves is common in diabetes mellitus as an ingredient for salads, soups, side dishes, etc. There is another, more effective recipe that involves the use of dry leaves of the cock's scallop. For cooking, 2 tbsp. L. Dried leaves and 1 glass of boiled water. The leaves are poured with water and infused for about 30 minutes. The intensity of taking such a tincture depends on the disease and its severity.