2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Gomphrena dispersa - flower culture; a representative of the Gomfren genus of the Amaranth family. Outwardly, the species has similarities with the more popular representative of the genus - globular gomphrena (lat. Gomphrena globosa), which is the same dry flower.
Characteristics of culture
Scattered gomphrene is represented by plants that are endowed with weeping or creeping thin stems that grow actively subject to the rules of care, a good location and favorable climatic conditions. Surprisingly to many, one copy is able to cover a fairly large area, but not less than one square meter, therefore, experienced gardeners and florists recommend keeping a large distance between plants - at least 60-70 cm. If an amateur adheres to the idea of creating a profusely blooming carpet, you can plant plants at a distance of 30-40 cm.
The flowers of the culture in question resemble a carnation, they are small in size and endowed with filmy bracts of a rich, delicate or light pink color. As a rule, flowers form oval or elongated heads, which reach 3-5 cm in diameter. Developed inflorescences, in turn, are very beautiful. They are often used to create winter bouquets and in the Japanese art called ikebana. It is worth noting that scattered homphrene is a warm and light-loving culture, because its origins originate in the tropics, where it grows in natural conditions.
Growing features
Propagate gomfrena scattered by sowing seeds. In the middle lane, only through seedlings, in the southern regions - into open ground. Sowing for seedlings is carried out no later than the second decade of March under glass or plastic wrap until the emergence of seedlings with regular ventilation. The grown and matured seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place in open ground in early June, otherwise young plants can destroy night frosts, to which the culture, alas, is unfavorable.
It is worth noting that the sowing of scattered gomphrene is recommended to be carried out in a high-quality nutrient substrate, consisting of a universal mixture and clean fine-grained sand. The inclusion of vermiculite in the mixture is encouraged but not required. The seeds of the culture cannot boast of large sizes, therefore, they cannot be buried. It is enough to scatter them over the surface of the substrate, press down and spill abundantly using a spray bottle. A regular watering can will not work as it will wash away the seeds.
The optimum temperature for quick and friendly shoots is 20C. In this case, the location should be well lit. In early spring, additional lighting is required. As a rule, seedlings appear in a couple of weeks. With the appearance of two true leaves on the seedlings (after about 14-18 days), the seedlings are dived in separate containers, the best and most profitable solution will be peat pots with a diameter of about 5 cm. The transplant substrate is pre-flavored with a portion of liquid mineral fertilizers, which contribute to rapid growth.
Before planting seedlings in open ground, the plants are hardened, and the soil is carefully processed. By the way, the soil for successful cultivation must be loose, moderately fertile, light, neutral. It is important to remember that scattered gomphrene, like other members of the genus, is sensitive to transplants, which is why it is recommended to dive into peat pots. A couple of weeks after planting, young plants must be fed with mineral fertilizers, but in a low concentration.
Caring for the species in question does not require special skills and knowledge. The main thing is that it should be regular. It is recommended to water scattered gomfren in moderation, avoiding waterlogging. Particular attention should be paid to watering during drought. Top dressing is not required. Of course, if the soil is mercilessly depleted, you should take care of fertilizing. It is only extremely important to monitor the concentration, if you overdo it, most likely, the plants will begin an enhanced set of green mass, instead of pleasing with abundant and rich flowering.
