A weightless cloud of small flowers that float in the air - this is how gypsophila, a perennial ground cover plant of the carnation family, is described. Its second name is tumbleweed - field and roll. There are more than one hundred species of this plant in the world. widespread in Australia, Africa, Eurasia. It deservedly enjoys the attention of gardeners because:
- has a beautiful creeping appearance, especially when butterflies land on it;
- used as decoration for flower beds;
- has pomp and lightness;
- does not require serious care.
The following types are popular with us:
- Creeping gypsophila.
- Gypsophila paniculata.
- Gypsophila splinter-shaped.
I would like to dwell in more detail on the first type of plant, which has characteristics characteristic only of it.
Description of the plant
Creeping gypsophila is a dwarf species and is rightfully considered the most unpretentious of all, since it can grow even on rocky terrain, which is why it is often called a mountain plant.
The bush has dark and narrow leaves located on a highly branched stem up to 20 centimeters in height, unlike other species, which can be over a meter. It can be up to 50 centimeters wide. The shoots seem to creep along the ground. That’s why the species is called creeping. The root system is powerful. The flowers are small, less than a centimeter in diameter. Their shade is white and pink. Flowering occurs in the first two months of summer, and then after dormancy in the fall. Planting of this species is used on alpine hills and lawns. The most famous varieties are: Monstrosa, Alba, Fratensis.
Planting and care
Whatever unpretentious flower If it weren't for gypsophila, the plant would feel good only on loose, well-drained soils. They can also be sandy and rocky, with normal acidity. Excessive moisture is detrimental to it. IN ideal the earth is mixed with sand and small pebbles, and a little lime is added. The planting site should be well lit sun rays, without shadow.
Caring for the plant will include loosening and weeding the bushes. So that they bloom actively and luxuriantly and decorate the home flower bed with their appearance. All weeds around are removed. In the dry season, gypsophila is watered directly under the root part, without affecting the leaves. The procedure is carried out in doses, avoiding excess moisture.
Bushes for good growth feed mineral fertilizers. This feeding is carried out twice a season. It is good to use mullein infusion in such cases. Never use fresh manure. It can destroy the plant.
After flowering, the bushes require pruning. Only a few stems remain at the root.
In winter, the plant is mulched with straw, sawdust or peat, or you can simply cover it with leaves.
Plant propagation
The plant can be propagated in several ways:
- seeds;
- cuttings.
To plant gypsophila, the prepared soil is well moistened. Seeds are placed on it and covered in a thin layer. The interval between seeds should be maintained at 10 centimeters. Then the container is covered with film and installed in places with good access to the sun. In three days the first shoots will begin to hatch. Closer to the month, the seedlings will have good leaves. Such seedlings are planted in the ground in May.
For cuttings, young shoots are cut into spring period. Take loose soil with a small addition of lime. Prepared cuttings are placed in it to a depth of two centimeters. Cuttings are germinated at temperature conditions at least twenty degrees. They create a greenhouse effect. Established cuttings are planted closer to autumn.
Possible problems
If gypsophila is poorly cared for, it can become infected with rust and gray rot. Root-knot nematodes may also form. To avoid such problems, bushes are regularly treated with phosphamide. If there are no results, they are dug up and the roots are thoroughly washed with hot water. Fungal diseases are combated by spraying with a solution of fungicides, such as Bordeaux mixture or copper sulfate.
Location in the garden
Creeping gypsophila looks good next to bright perennial plants. It is good to plant the plant next to the roses. They will look especially elegant together. Landscape designers love to decorate alpine slides with gypsophila, since the plant is not capricious and blooms almost all summer.
– beautiful flower, rightfully popular among flower growers due to its beauty, undemanding planting and care. You can purchase both annual and perennial varieties gypsophila.
The annual plant blooms during the summer season, then dies off, while the perennial varieties continue to bloom year after year. Gypsophila perennial is a tender and delicate plant, beautiful flowers which will fill your garden for a long time amazing beauty and harmony.
Perennial gypsophila: description of the plant
–This is a herbaceous subshrub plant of the carnation family, consisting of an abundance of white or pink-violet inflorescences. The bushes look like a "flower cloud", giving the plant a light appearance. Perennial flowers can be simple or double.
There are many types and varieties of this crop, the most common are gypsophila paniculata And creeping gypsophila. The perennial blooms every summer (in the middle of the summer season). Then, after a break, repeated autumn flowering is possible. The height of this plant can vary from 15 to 120 cm.
Did you know? Gypsophila is not the only name for this beautiful plant. This culture is also known for such interesting names, as in “baby’s breath,” “tumbleweed,” “plaster of Paris,” and “rocking.” The British nicknamed gypsophila "Baby's Breath". Ask why? All thanks to her gentle and light appearance.
Planting gypsophila
Perennial gypsophila is unpretentious, the requirements for its cultivation are quite simple. Planting and caring for the plant will not take much time, but its colorful flowering will delight you throughout the summer.
How to choose soil and location
An important step in planting gypsophila is proper preparation soil. The plant prefers light soil and does not like clay. Calcareous soil or any other non-acidic neutral soil will be optimal. The soil should be loose and well-drained, sandy if possible. A rocky surface would also be ideal.
Did you know? Gypsophila is translated from Greek as “lime-loving.” This is due to the fact that this crop prefers calcareous soil and does not tolerate damp places.
Description of the process of planting gypsophila seeds
Gypsophila is grown from tiny seeds. In September, seeds ripen on faded shoots of gypsophila, which are collected and dried. These seeds can be planted in spring. Gypsophila does not like frost, so sowing begins after the soil has completely warmed up in the spring. 
So, let's figure out how to grow gypsophila from seeds. Planting work is carried out in the following order:
- Before planting, you need to prepare the beds and moisten the soil well.
- Then the seeds are distributed over the beds and carefully covered with a thin layer of soil. The distance between seeds should be no more than 10 cm.
- Next, the sowing site is covered with film and left for several days in a sunny place.
- In autumn, grown plants can be transplanted to any site you choose, keeping a distance of about 20 cm between plants, and about 50 cm between tall varieties.
The soil is enriched with additional nutrients, which helps the growth process.
Sprouted sprouts are thinned out and left at a distance of 15 cm, so that in May, after the leaves appear, they can be transplanted onto permanent place.
Did you know?To ensure continuous flowering of gypsophila, among experienced gardeners another one is being practiced interesting way growing from seeds. Since gypsophila seeds germinate quickly (already on the 10th day after planting you can see young shoots), for continuous flowering the seeds can be planted sequentially - every two to three weeks.
Features of caring for perennial gypsophila
The question of how to care for gypsophila does not require careful consideration. Gypsophila has good resistance to the vagaries of nature. In order for the plant to please you with abundant and colorful flowering, it is enough to water it correctly and do not forget to feed it with fertilizers.
Rules for watering the "flower cloud"
In hot weather, gypsophila needs to be watered abundantly and regularly. Do not allow it to dry out; the plant does not like too dry conditions. Young bushes especially need timely watering. However, at the same time, it is necessary to exclude possible stagnation of water in the ground.
Water retention can cause rotting of the horses, the development of fungal diseases, which ultimately leads to the death of the plant. To help excess moisture leave freely upper layer soil, you should take care of a good soil drainer (trench, drainage, pipes).
Fertilizing and soil care
Gypsophila is fertilized only twice per season. However, if the bushes are provided with a sufficient amount sunlight and heat, then gypsophila does well without additional fertilizers. Excess feeding for the plant is undesirable. It is customary to enrich the soil with complex mineral fertilizers and organic matter.
Important!Among organic fertilizers In caring for gypsophila, mullein infusion is very useful and effective. But the use of fresh manure is strictly contraindicated for this crop. It can completely destroy your gypsophila.
In winter, to prevent the bushes from dying from low temperatures, it is advisable to mulch the soil under the plant with peat or humus. In addition, if your gypsophila is young and fragile, it should be taken care of separately in winter.
Is replanting and pruning required?
Over time, the creeping shoots of the plant form dense bushes, as a result of which your gypsophila will look unkempt. In addition, it must be remembered that this perennial crop It grows very quickly.
The perennial can even destroy weak plants growing in the neighborhood. That is why it is important to promptly limit the spread of gypsophila in the flowerbed.
It is recommended to carry out the pruning procedure when the plant stems look faded (after flowering). The bushes are carefully trimmed, leaving only 3-4 shoots at the base. Thus, after pruning, the bushes will become much more luxuriant.
In addition to pruning, it is advisable to replant the plant 2 years after planting. Young gypsophila bushes tolerate the first transplant quite easily. However, this procedure is not recommended in the future. Over time, as the plant takes root, replanting becomes more and more dangerous. However, gypsophila can easily grow up to 25 years without replanting.
Plant propagation: how to take cuttings of perennial gypsophila
In addition to the seed growing method, gypsophila is also propagated by vegetation, that is, by cuttings.
This method is especially effective if you are going to grow double varieties of gypsophila.
So, how to plant gypsophila from cuttings? Work should be carried out in late spring (late April or early May). It is necessary to have time to cut cuttings from young shoots of the plant before inflorescences begin to form.
IN open ground The cuttings must have time to take root before the onset of autumn. Therefore, to successfully propagate gypsophila, you need to follow these simple rules:
- the soil for planting should be loose, with the addition of a small amount of chalk;
- planting depth – about 2 cm;
- air temperature – about 20 °C;
- cuttings need to be provided with 12 hours of daylight;
- treat plants with a solution containing heteroauxin (root formation stimulator).
Important!For achievement optimal humidity cuttings must be covered with film. For this purpose, special polyethylene greenhouses are built.
Gypsophila and landscape design: how to choose neighbors “for little flowers”
Delicate gypsophila can make any composition at your dacha uniquely light and airy. Gypsophila paniculata is used to decorate borders and flower beds, mixborders and flower beds. And creeping gypsophila (miniature species) will look great on alpine hills, rocky slopes and rockeries.
Gypsophila (gypsophila, kachim) belongs to the carnation family. In appearance, the plant has a prostrate-branched stem, many narrow-shaped basal leaves and an abundance of pink, white and whitish-green small star-shaped flowers. The inflorescences are simple and velvety.
Features of the plant:
- prefers calcareous soils with good drainage;
- has pomp and lightness;
- preserves decorative properties in dried form;
- grows in well-lit areas;
- does not require serious care.
After the plant fades, in place of the flower a fruit is formed, similar to a single-locular multi-seeded capsule of a spherical or oval shape, inside which small round seeds are located.
Gypsophila belongs to the carnation family
In cultivation, gypsophila is unpretentious and is widely used in landscaping. Gypsophila paniculata L. is very popular among gardeners. A decorative flowering specimen can take the form of herbaceous shoots or subshrubs. The abundance of side shoots gives gypsophila a spherical shape, which is used as an addition or frame to a flower bed. A cut plant can decorate a bouquet made up of large and bright flowers, both fresh and dried.
The name of the shrub comes from its ability to grow on limestone. As garden plant choose annuals or perennial species gypsophila At the same time, perennial varieties are hardy and do not require special care.
To decorate the garden, gypsophila can be planted inside a green lawn. The airy haze of inflorescences can become a wonderful background spectacular roses, cannas, irises, since some flowering crops do not suit a background of bright greenery. Low climbing varieties are used to highlight the landscape boundaries of a garden plot, to design a border, alpine slides or rockeries. Rocky surfaces and rocky slopes strewn with small flowers look beautiful.
Gallery: gypsophila (25 photos)
How to plant gypsophila (video)
Rules for composing compositions with other plants
. Experts advise adding “gentle clouds” to the following floral arrangements:
- phlox;
- liatris;
- roses;
- marigold;
- lilies;
- yarrow;
- eschsolzia;
- elymus (wheatgrass).
Gypsophila is an unpretentious plant that does not require special care skills; it will not only fill garden plot“airy clouds”, but will also fill it with an extraordinary aroma.
Gypsophila looks great not only as an independent ornamental plant, but also surrounded by vibrant perennial crops
Description of types and varieties of gypsophila
In garden floriculture, there are more than a hundred types of gypsophila flowers, which can be grown as both annual and perennial herbaceous crops. As a rule, no more than 15 varieties are actively used.
Gypsophila wall
This species is common in European countries. Refers to annual plants. Forms a compact spreading shrub 30 cm high, rich in bright green linear leaves, with white or pale pink flowers. The duration of flowering can be increased by pruning the bush in mid-summer. In this case, it will bloom again. Low-growing shoots, collected into original bushes, are excellent for decorating walls. Looks great in hanging planters and in flower beds among a variety of flowering crops. Does well in conditions of regular watering and places partially protected from the sun.
Gypsophila wall
Gypsophila paniculata (paniculata)
A perennial plant with a spherical shape reaches 1 m in height and 1 m in diameter. The openwork is formed as a result of the branching of knotty stems and numerous small panicle inflorescences of a white or pink color palette, especially in the upper third of the bush. Pubescent elongated leaves are formed in its lower part. Depending on the variety, the inflorescences can be simple or double.
Paniculata reproduces in late April and blooms in July. Mature shrubs do not require shelter in conditions harsh winters, in contrast to young seedlings, which can be covered with spruce branches or wooden boxes.
Gypsophila paniculata includes several varieties:
- Snowflake. Reaches 50 cm. Characterized by densely double flowers.
- Flamingo. The flowering rose bush grows up to 120 cm.
- White holiday. Compact plant with white flowers.
- Pink holiday. Suitable for growing in flowerpots.
Gypsophila paniculata (paniculata)
Depending on the garden crop, the shape, color and size of the plant differ. The most used forms include:
- Terry;
- Bristol Fire;
- Rosenschleier;
- Pink Star;
- Rosie Weir.
Paniculata is widely used by florists to decorate dry flowers. flower arrangements and bouquets of roses. To grow flower specimens in your own garden plot, it is recommended to provide good drainage to keep the soil dry.
Features of growing gypsophila (video)
Gypsophila terry
Perennial herbaceous plant with small flowers collected in an elegant inflorescence. Used to decorate a garden plot. It can grow in one place for a quarter of a century, while growing rapidly. Flowers bloom in June–July. Although the individual is frost-resistant, it is recommended to cover young seedlings for the winter.
The plant must be sown in April - May in open ground, and for a permanent garden plot, plant 2 - 3 pieces per square meter. When planting, you should choose well-lit places with dry, permeable soil.
Gypsophila terry
Gypsophila repens
A dwarf species of gypsophila that can grow on rocky surfaces. Due to this feature, the bush is often called a mountain plant. The stem with shoots creeping along the ground reaches only 20 cm in height and 50 cm in width. The plant has narrow, dark-colored leaves and a powerful horse system. White or pink flowers, less than 1 cm in diameter, begin to bloom in the first month of summer. Flowering continues until the end of July. The plant blooms for the second time in autumn. Looks beautiful on lawns and alpine slides.
As ground cover plant For the foreground of a flower garden, gypsophila rose is great. Thanks to the formation of creeping shoots that form dense bushes, a flower cushion 15 cm high is formed.
Gypsophila repens
Gypsophila graceful
An annual crop up to half a meter high, it is most often used in flower decoration. It is characterized by a spherical branching structure, especially in the upper part of the plant. The narrow leaves are covered with a waxy coating and are located on smooth stems. Small flowers are connected in corymbose inflorescences, which appear in June - July and fade after 4 weeks. In order to artificially extend the flowering period, it is necessary to sow seeds at intervals of 2 - 3 weeks.
Graceful gypsophila is divided into several decorative varieties:
- Monarch;
- Covent – Gzrden;
- Elegance.
The advantage of this variety is cold resistance and drought resistance. For planting, it is recommended to choose light sandy loam, calcareous, non-acidic fertile soil.
Gypsophila graceful
Gypsophila splinter-shaped
A mountain species native to the Himalayas. Forms 10 cm air cushions. It blooms in late spring with lilac or white flowers with pinkish veins. Unfortunately, the beauty of a blooming crop can be enjoyed infrequently, since it blooms for periods every few years. Prefers to grow on slopes away from the sun.
Gypsophila splinter-shaped
Gypsophila pacific
The homeland of the herbaceous perennial is the steppe slopes of the southern part Far East. At the end of summer, numerous large pale pink flowers appear, collected in spreading paniculate inflorescences, on branched stems with gray-blue foliage.
It is preferable to plant the plant in loose soil without groundwater. During flowering it looks like a translucent pink cloud. Looks impressive both in the flower garden and as a bouquet cut.
Gypsophila plant (lat. Gypsophila), or tumbleweed, rocking, gypsum - a herbaceous plant of the Clove family. Translated, the name of the plant means “lime-loving”, since many species of this plant grow in nature on limestone. Gypsophila flowers include more than one hundred species of shrubs, herbaceous annuals and perennials growing in Eurasia, Northeast Africa and New Zealand. Both annual and perennial gypsophila are grown in garden culture.
The root of gypsophila is powerful, taprooted and branched, the stem is almost leafless, prostrate or erect, reaches a height of 20 to 50 cm, but some subshrub species grow up to a meter or even higher. The leaves are small, entire, lanceolate, oval or spatulate. Loose paniculate inflorescences, simple or double, consist of small flowers of white or white with green color, although some species (creeping gypsophila or Pacific gypsophila) have pink flowers. The fruit is a single-locular polysperm, ovoid or spherical in shape. Gypsophila seeds remain viable for two or three years.
Kinds
Gypsophila paniculata
- a perennial up to 120 cm high, quickly taking on the shape of a spherical bush. The stems are highly branched, pubescent narrow leaves are gray-green, flowers are no more than 6 mm in diameter, collected in paniculate inflorescences, simple or double, pink or white, depending on the variety. Varieties:
- – Bristol Fairy – white gypsophila, double, 60-75 cm in height;
- – Pink Star is also double gypsophila, but with a dark pink flowers;
- – Flamingo – double pink gypsophila 60-75 cm high.
Gypsophila elegans
- a spherical annual 40-50 cm high with highly branched stems, small lanceolate leaves and small flowers of white, pink or carmine color in openwork thyroid panicles. Blooms profusely, but does not last long. Varieties:
- – Rose – gypsophila with pink flowers;
- – Carmine – a variety with red flowers;
- – Double Star – low-growing variety 15-20 cm tall with bright pink flowers.
Creeping gypsophila (Gypsophila muralis)
a pure annual with a bush height of about 30 cm. The leaves are linear, opposite, dark green in color, small pink or white flowers are collected in panicles. Varieties:
- – Fretensis – a variety with pink flowers;
- – Monstrosa – white gypsophila.
Pacific gypsophila (Gypsophila pacifica)
- a perennial spreading bush up to a meter high with highly branched stems, gray-blue wide lanceolate leaves and flowers 7 mm in diameter, pale Pink colour.
In addition to the listed well-known cultivated species, Gypsophila ypsophila yascoloid, areciformes, tender and Patrena's gypsophila are of interest.
Care and conditions of detention
Even a novice gardener can care for gypsophila. You will only have to water the plant during dry periods, and the water should be poured at the root. Fertilizers should be applied, alternating organic with mineral ones, two to three times per season. For organic matter, use mullein infusion, but in no case fresh manure - gypsophila does not tolerate it.
How and when to collect gypsophila seeds.
In autumn, when the plant dries out, small boxes with gypsophila seeds, similar to brown grains of sand, appear in place of the flowers. The capsules are cut, dried in a room with good ventilation, opened and the seeds are poured onto newspaper or paper to dry and ripen, and when they are dry, they are placed in paper bags or cardboard boxes for storage.
Gypsophila in winter.
Perennial gypsophila is pruned at the end of autumn, leaving 3-4 strong stems at the root, then the remains of the bush are covered with dry leaves or spruce branches for the winter in case of a snowless winter or too severe frosts.
Reproduction
Sowing gypsophila seeds.
The gypsophila flower reproduces both by vegetative methods and by seeds. Annual gypsophila reproduces only by seeds, but there are also some perennial species that are grown from seeds. How to grow gypsophila from seeds? One-year-old gypsophila is sown before winter in open ground on a training (spreading) bed, and the following spring, the stronger seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place. Perennial gypsophila is grown by seedlings - seeds in early spring sow spaciously in seedling boxes to a depth of half a centimeter, cover the crops with glass and place in a bright, warm place.
Gypsophila seedlings.
When the seedlings appear after a week or two, they are thinned out so that the distance between the specimens is at least 15 cm, or they are planted one at a time in peat pots, and then gypsophila is grown with additional lighting, since seedlings require thirteen to fourteen hours of daylight for normal development, and in the middle of spring the days are still too short.
When to plant gypsophila.
When the seedlings have one or two true leaves, they are transplanted to a permanent place, and since perennial species can grow in one place for many years, planting perennial gypsophila requires a balanced approach to site selection. The best place for gypsophila - dry and sunny, with a low humus content and the presence of lime in the soil. If your garden soil does not contain lime or there is not enough lime, add 25-50 g of CaCo3 per m² of land so that the soil pH becomes 6.3-6.7. Do not plant gypsophila near groundwater - it does not like excessive moisture in the roots.
How to plant gypsophila.
If gypsophila is planted in two rows, then a gap of at least 0.7 m is maintained between the specimens, and 1.3 m between the rows. Make sure that the root collar does not end up underground when planting. The planted plants are watered. In two years, every second bush will have to be dug up so that there is only one bush per square meter. The root system of the dug up plants is cooled and transplanted to another location. This is done to increase the decorative value of gypsophila flowers, which are very good for cutting and as decoration in a composite bouquet.
Gypsophila blooms from seeds when the plant has formed at least 12 pairs of leaves, and best shape the plant reaches three years after planting.
Except seed method in the propagation of gypsophila they also use vegetative methods - cuttings, especially when it comes to reproduction terry varieties plants. Planting material cut from young shoots before inflorescences begin to form - in May or late April; however, you can select young shoots and cut cuttings from them in August. The substrate for rooting needs to be loose, with the addition of some chalk. The cutting depth is 2 cm, the temperature for successful rooting is about 20 ºC. In addition, cuttings need twelve hours of daylight and one hundred percent air humidity, which is achieved by constructing a greenhouse. Rooted cuttings are planted in open ground with the expectation that they should have time to take root before autumn.
Transfer
It is recommended to replant Gypsophila if it grows in your room once a year in the spring. When replanting, you should select a pot that is suitable in size. If the plant grows in your garden, then replanting is not recommended, since Gypsophila has a very long root and replanting can harm it. Immediately after the plant has been transplanted, it needs to be watered abundantly and it is advisable to provide it with partial shade. In order for the plant to take root well, additional air humidity is provided. After rooting, humidity is reduced and the plant is provided with adequate lighting.
Top dressing
Gypsophila prefers organic fertilizers, which should be applied to the soil immediately before planting. It will be very good if you add lime to the soil.
Diseases and pests
With insufficient care, gypsophila can be affected gray rot and rust, and root-knot or cyst nematodes. Nematodes are fought by repeatedly spraying plants with phosphamide with an interval of 3-5 days between sessions, but if this does not help, you will have to dig up the bush and wash its roots in hot water 50-55 ºC, since the nematode dies at a temperature of 40 ºC. For rust and gray rot, spray gypsophila with contact fungicides - Bordeaux mixture, oxychome or copper sulfate.
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Perennial gypsophila seems to be a very light and airy plant; planting and care, despite its external fragility, do not require special conditions. In landscape design, it acts as a picturesque decoration of any garden.
Features of the plant
Yours unusual name The shrub received thanks to its ability to grow on limestone. You can also find the names “tumbleweed” and “baby’s breath.” In the photo, the plant resembles a lush cloud or a spherical bush sprinkled with snow.
Blooming gypsophila
It has a powerful branched root system. The stem is erect, almost leafless. The height of an adult shrub, depending on the variety, ranges from 20 cm to 1 meter.
It begins to bloom in mid-summer to September. The inflorescences are paniculate, consisting of a large number of small white or pink flowers with green veins.
Growing a plant is not only for landscape design, but also for cutting – air flowers They look good both fresh and dried.
Varieties
Annual and perennial varieties are popular.
Gypsophila paniculata or tumbleweed
Broom tumbleweed is very popular. The plant can reach a height of 120 cm; over time, the bush acquires a spherical shape. The following varieties are widespread:
- Pink Star. Shrub with double dark pink inflorescences.
- Bristol Fairy. It is distinguished by white double inflorescences. The shrub can reach a height of 60–75 cm.
- Flamingo. Double inflorescences are pink. Shrub up to 75 cm high.
Pacific gypsophila is a massive, spreading shrub with highly branched stems and pale pink flowers. The height of the shrub can reach 100 cm.
Reproduction
There are several ways to propagate the plant:
- seedlings;
- seeds;
- cuttings.
The seeds ripen on faded shoots in boxes. After harvesting, they need additional drying. Seed germination persists for 2-3 years.
It is allowed to grow the plant in seedlings. To obtain seedlings, seeds must be planted under glass in a special container in early spring. After germination, the crops must be thinned out, leaving one seedling for every 15 cm. At this stage, crop care involves additional lighting, since for normal development the plant needs a 14-hour daylight hours. Seedlings are planted in a permanent place in open ground in May, when at least one leaf appears on each plant.
Propagation of gypsophila by seedlings
Propagation by cuttings is used to obtain double forms. This method allows you to get a large number of quality plants. Young shoots undergo cuttings at the end of spring. Growing young plants at the rooting stage should be accompanied by special care. Seedlings need to be treated with a heteroauxin-containing solution and covered with film. Optimal conditions For their survival, high humidity and light shade are required.
Propagation by cuttings is carried out in early May before the formation of inflorescences or in early autumn. To root them, it is advisable to use a loose substrate mixed with chalk. The cuttings are planted to a depth of 2 cm. The material takes root successfully at air temperatures within 20°C. During the rooting period, cuttings need special care– humidity at 100% and 12-hour daylight hours. Cuttings must be planted in open ground so that they have time to take root sufficiently before the onset of cold weather.
Preparing for landing
Before planting occurs, the soil must be prepared. It is important to provide good drainage to remove excess moisture.
Gypsophila will feel most comfortable in calcareous soil, but any other non-acidic soil will do as an alternative.
Also, planting should be preceded by soil fertilization, suitable option considered humus.
Landing
When planting a plant in open ground, it is advisable to give preference to sunny, dry areas with a low content of lime and humus. If there is not enough lime in the soil, up to 30 g of CaCo3 must be added to each m2 of plot, which will bring its pH value to 6.3–6.7.
The plant takes root best in sunny, dry areas, but planting in the shade will not harm the flower.
Gypsophila seeds are planted in spring, in specially prepared separate areas. With the same success they can be sown and late autumn. After six months, depending on the time of planting, the grown seedlings must be transplanted to a permanent place. There should be 2-3 sprouts per square meter of ridge.
Planting is carried out according to the following scheme:
- the distance between plants is 0.7 m;
- between each row you need to maintain a distance of 1.3 m.
Advice! When planting a plant, you need to pay attention to ensuring that the root collar is above the surface of the ground.
After planting, seedlings need abundant watering. As it grows, after 1.5-2 years, every second plant must be replanted, leaving one bush for each square meter.
Further care
A young plant needs regular watering, this will ensure abundant and long flowering.
Advice! It is advisable to avoid stagnation of water, as it leads to damping off and death of the plant.
An adult plant needs abundant watering only in dry weather. The stream of water should be directed at the root of the bush.
Perennial gypsophila is capable of growing to a significant extent; for this reason, cultivation must be accompanied by limiting its spread. If you do not provide it with timely care, it can destroy nearby plants. At a young age, the shrub responds well to replanting, but over time the roots deepen more and more, making this manipulation impossible.
Gypsophila in group planting
When propagated by seeds, the rows of gypsophila must be regularly thinned out - this has a beneficial effect on its decorative properties.
It is important to provide tumbleweeds with timely care before flowering - heavy bushes need additional support.
With the onset of autumn, caring for gypsophila involves complete pruning. There should be up to 4 strong stems left at the root. For the winter, the remains of the bush must be covered with spruce branches or dry leaves in case of severe frosts. The combination of pruning and timely feeding will stimulate the flower to form young shoots.
Fertilizer application
Fertilization of the soil is carried out 2-3 times per season by applying mineral and organic fertilizers in turn. A good option organic is mullein.
