Why do amateur gardeners like small and nondescript gypsophila flowers so much? Each individually is of no interest. But from many small flowers a lush, like a weightless ball is formed, which invariably causes admiration. This is gypsophila. Growing from the seeds of this plant is possible both at home and in the open field.
Gypsophila grows well in sunny areas with carbonate soils (does not tolerate acidic soils), where there is a slight slope, and with groundwater at a depth of more than 60 cm. This plant is quite frost-resistant, tolerates winter without shelter even in northern regions, but cannot tolerate dampness in winter.
Creeping gypsophila, popular with gardeners, has a large root, thick and taproot, which goes deep into the ground. This plant does not tolerate transplanting and cannot reproduce by division.
Seed propagation
According to the experience of those in whose gardens gypsophila settled long ago, only simple varieties can be grown from seeds. Terry species reproduce by cuttings, their inflorescences are male sterile.
Gypsophila, grown from seedlings of which is carried out in April-May, sprouts 10-14 days after sowing. They can be transplantedto a permanent place in June or July.
A very popular and favorite variety of flower growers is a perennial gypsophila. Growing from seeds of this plant produces strong seedlings that bloom in the second year. He loves moderate watering, fertilizing with mineral fertilizers or mullein with an interval of once every two weeks. Responds well to the alternation of organic and mineral water.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings are possible only when young shoots appear. This usually happens in April or May. In August, after cutting, you can also start cuttings. In the spring, cuttings are cut when the internodes have not yet lengthened.
Shoots on which inflorescences have already formed are not suitable for cutting and planting.
Cuttings are cut from the top of the plant, the shoot should be about 5 cm long. They are planted in greenhouses. The substrates used in this case are very different.
It is important that they are loose enough to retain moisture. In addition, the soil must be disinfected from pathogens and pests. It is good to add a little chalk or slaked lime to the ground. It is better not to reuse the substrate, and if necessary, it must be disinfected.
Cuttings are planted to a depth of 2 cm. During the period of root formation, you need to monitor the moisture content of the substrate. It should not dry out or be too wet. Suitable temperature for cuttings is 20°.
Duration of daylight hours - at least 12 hours. cuttings shouldshade from the scorching sun. During this period, it is better to maintain high humidity near the rooting shoots. When the roots appear, then it needs to be slightly reduced. In such climatic conditions, the root formation process will be completed in 30 days.
Gypsophila cuttings that have already taken root, after 2 weeks, need to be transplanted to their permanent place. It is desirable that the plants have time to take root before the onset of cold weather.
After planting, the seedlings are watered abundantly, in the future - moderately. Gypsophila perennial with excess moisture can be subject to various diseases, with drought it develops weaker.
Adult plants are watered very abundantly before flowering, and during the flowering period, watering is slightly reduced and watered only under the root. Gypsophila is able to endure long-term drought, but in this case, her beauty suffers.
In conclusion - advice. Before flowering, gypsophila can be fed foliarly. When the shoots grow to a length of 5 cm, the plants form bushes, leaving about 7 shoots on them.
