Statics: growing from seeds

Statica, growing from seeds which often does not bring the desired results, is still quite a rare plant in our flower gardens. In some sources, another name for this flower is mentioned - Kermek. Unlike many European countries, where this plant has been used for many years not only to decorate flowerbeds, but also to create beautiful bouquets of dried flowers, in the CIS countries, flowers have been grown relatively recently.

Distribution of the cermex is most likely constrained by one of its features: this herbaceous perennial plant is most often grown as an annual one. The statics, growing of seeds of which annually presents certain difficulties, is an excellent plant that deserves our attention. Its height reaches 50-90 cm. Very strong stems are ribbed and slender. Its leaves are gathered in a large, very decorative basal rosette. The small flowers of the Kermek are collected in 3-4-flowering spikelets, forming the corymbose large inflorescences. Often their diameter is 8-12 cm. The corolla itself has a light color, and all the elegance of the inflorescences is attached to calyx flowers, painted in various shades. This plant is photophilous, thermophilic, drought-resistant. Kermek is undemanding to the ground, but prefers light, loose, limed soils. This plant does not like waterlogging, so do not zealous with its watering. It differs from many other ornamental plants with its inflorescences, which simply amaze with the abundance of flowers. There are varieties with blue, white, yellow, lilac, pink, red, blue, apricot and carmine shades. The flowering of the Kermek continues from July to September. Its ability in cut form to keep its juicy coloring for a long time is amazing.

That is why this plant has long been used as a dried flower. Its dry twigs look great both in bouquets of fresh flowers, and in ikebana and dry bouquets. To preserve the juicy color of the inflorescences, the stems are cut immediately after blooming and dried in a shaded cool place. There are several low-growing varieties, the height of which is 25-40 cm. They look great in group plantings in mixborders and rabatkah.

How is the statue cultivated? Cultivation from seeds in the open ground often ends pitifully, as they do not germinate. What is the reason for this? The seeds of the statue are very small, under unfavorable conditions they simply can not germinate in open soil. It is best to sow them in March in a warm greenhouse or boxes that are at home. After 11-14 days, the seeds germinate. Only 3 months after sowing, the statue blooms magnificently. Cultivation from the seeds of Kermek seedlings makes it possible to plant strong seedlings in the open ground in June. The distance between the seedlings should not be less than 30 cm, because a strong density of planting leads to grinding of the inflorescences. Pour kermek in dry weather. The plant is responsive to mineral top dressings (3-4 per season).