The night beauty is a flower that is quite rare, although even a novice grower can handle it. This plant with a very exotic appearance is a member of the Niktagin family, which has about 60 species. Mirabilis is also surprised by the fact that he can be represented by a variety of colors and is capable of over-pollination. The diameter of one small flower is 3-3.5 cm. We will talk in this article about how to decorate your garden with this beautiful flower and how to grow mirabilis correctly.
Did you know? Mirabilis got its name for an unusual opportunity for flowers to dissolve the petals not in the afternoon, but closer to evening, and in the morning to “close” the bud.
When to sow Mirabilis
Mirabilis often requires proper cultivation, in particular from seeds. Before you begin the process of "feeding" plants, you need to know when to plant a flower. There are two favorable periods for disembarkation. If you decide grow mirabilis in a greenhouse, it is necessary to sow the seeds in early April in the semi-warm greenhouse / greenhouse. If you decide plant the seeds of Mirabilis simply in open soil, it is necessary to plant them in early May, when the soil is heated.
Important! Planting Mirabilis immediately in open ground is recommended only to residents of the southern regions.
For the seed method, it is possible to use both seeds purchased in stores, and seeds collected by one’s own hands after mirabilis flourishes.
How to prepare the substrate for planting
Before we talk about planting Mirabilis and how to plant this plant with seeds, you need to know in which soil it is better to plant it ...
If you decide to grow Mirabilis in the open field, then it is recommended to prepare the soil for planting in the fall, namely, to produce a little ash and just before planting. This will speed up the growth process.
The best mixture for planting Mirabilis will be a mixture of peat, humus / compost, turfy ground and sand. It is necessary to use these components in this ratio: 2 parts of garden (sod land) should be mixed with 2 parts of peat, one part of humus and 0.5 parts of washed dried sand. Mirabilis is unpretentious, so it grows in some gardeners even in loamy soils.
Important! Mirabilis does not tolerate too acidic substrate!
Favorable conditions for seedlings
If the night beauty when grown from seed has already been planted in the right soil, when planted in the first stage, then now you need to take care that the seedlings sprout well and give high-quality planting material.
Seedlings are best grown at room temperature (18-22 degrees). When you notice the first signs of germination, they must be rearranged to a well-lit place. When seedlings will be more, the weakest of them are removed and dive.
Did you know? The root system of Mirabilis grows in length and the best capacity for seedlings will be oblong, deep containers.
Sowing seeds for seedlings
Sowing mirabilis on seedlings is a crucial first step in growing a plant. This must be done clearly and correctly in order to get a healthy plant.
How to prepare seeds
Planting Mirabilis seedlings begins with the preparation of seeds Mirabilis before planting. The seeds are quite large, hidden under a rough shell. For early germination, they are prepared by soaking. Before proceeding to the germination of seeds, they must be disinfected in a solution of potassium permanganate, then rinsed with water and, to prevent drying, put on wet discs and cover. It is best to store these seeds in a washed food container in the refrigerator. They germinate pretty quickly, the main thing is to ensure that the seeds are always in a wet environment.
Important! Sprouting can be replaced by the process of scarification: just rub with a nail file or a soft emery seed coat, it should be done very carefully, without damaging the seed itself.
Planting seeds
Mirabilis plant is unpretentious, and the process of planting seeds is rather simple.
- Selected containers must be filled with a three-fourths landing substrate and compacted;
- Moisten the soil with a fungicide ("Fundazol", "Maxim", "Vitaros");
- You need to put two seeds in each container, you do not need to bury them;
- Sprinkle with a thin layer of soil;
- Seeds are watered from the edge and do it in such a way that they do not float to the surface;
- Cover containers with plastic or polyethylene and put in a warm place.
As you can see, the process is quite simple and interesting. If it turned out that you are going to plant several varieties, it is better to sign each container.
How to care for Mirabilis seedlings
Mirabilis seedlings should be stored in a warm, well-lit place and watered when the ground in the tank is dry. The first top dressing is carried out before planting in open ground with mineral fertilizers for seedlings containing elements that easily dissolve in water. Mirabilis seedlings must be placed in a bright place at room temperature.
Did you know? For a week or two before planting in open ground, seedlings must be taught to fresh air and take it outside for an hour and a half.
When can be planted Mirabilis in open ground
Planted seedlings can be after all the plants have taken root and grown strong. The most optimal period is the beginning of May, the time when the night frosts are over. However, experienced gardeners still recommend the first time to cover the seedlings for the night. It is important to observe the distance between the plants - at least 40 cm.
The main thing is to invest your love in every leaf, and Mirabilis will become a real decoration of your garden.