Schisanthus Graham

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Schizanthus grahamii (lat. Schizanthus grahamii) - a representative of the Schizanthus genus of the Solanaceae family. Refers to annuals. It is found naturally in South America, mostly in Chile. Found mainly in the mountains (Andean Cordillera, otherwise the Andes). The species was introduced into culture in 1834. Nowadays it is actively used by gardeners and florists for decorating personal backyard plots. Used in breeding.

Characteristics of culture

Schisanthus Graham is represented by annual herbaceous plants no more than 70 cm high. They are characterized by strongly branching shoots, pubescent over the entire surface. The foliage is small, feathery, light green, like the stems, pubescent. The flowers are crimson-pink, often patterned with small spots of rich yellow color and crimson streaks. The corolla is two-lipped, and the upper lip of the corolla is shortened, due to which the flowers look very similar to butterflies, and some compare the flowers of the Schizanthus Graham with orchids.

It should be noted that all representatives of the genus can boast of long flowering, the schizanthus of Graham is no exception. As a rule, flowering occurs in the third decade of May - the first decade of June and ends with the arrival of frost. The peak of flowering occurs in the middle of summer, in July the bushes are completely covered with bright "butterflies", of course, with proper care and favorable climatic conditions. By the way, today there are several varieties on the market that are famous for a variety of flower colors - white, lilac, pink, etc.

Growing features

Most often, Graham's schizanthus is grown in seedlings. Sowing culture in seedling boxes filled with a moistened nutrient substrate is carried out in the third decade of March - the first decade of April. In warm regions, sowing seeds for seedlings can be carried out earlier, in which case the first flowers will delight already at the beginning of summer. Since the seeds of Schizanthus Graham are small, they are sown to a depth of 20-30 mm, after which they are watered with a spray bottle and covered with film / glass. The shelter is periodically removed for ventilation and watering.

The first shoots of Schizanthus Graham appear in about 2, 5-3 weeks. With the appearance of 3 true leaves on young plants, a dive is carried out in separate containers, preferably into peat cups. Landing in open ground is carried out after the threat of frost has passed, in different regions the dates differ. The optimal distance between plants is 20-25 cm. After transplanting, it is important to water abundantly, the soil around can be mulched to prevent rapid evaporation of moisture and frequent weeding.

Schisanthus Graham cannot be called a whimsical culture, but in order to achieve abundant flowering, it is important to observe certain conditions. It is recommended to plant plants in well-lit areas, protected from cold northerly winds. A thick shadow will negatively affect the health of schizanthus. You should not try to grow a crop in areas where a large amount of rainfall accumulates. It is not forbidden to plant plants in flowerpots and garden containers. The soil is preferable fertile, loose, well-permeable, the introduction of coarse river sand and peat is encouraged.

Subtleties of care

Schizanthus Graham is very fond of moisture, therefore it is very important to carry out regular watering with warm, settled water. However, watering is carried out so that water does not fall on the foliage, that is, to the very root. The culture also has a positive attitude towards fertilizers. Their absence can affect flowering. Before planting, complex mineral fertilizers are applied, the second feeding is carried out during the budding period with a universal fertilizer for flowering plants without the inclusion of nitrogen.