Balsam garden, which has long been chosen by summer residents, refers to the plants of the family Balzaminov. There are annual and perennial species. These gentle purple, white, pink flowers can be seen in all its glory from May to the first frosts. In height, balm garden can reach from 15 to 75 centimeters, and the diameter of the bush is 15-45 centimeters. In the people of this handsome man is often called "wet Vanka", so before the thunder or rain his leaves give out droplets of water.
Cultivation and care
The most important condition that is necessary for flowers balsam garden to grow well, is the right choice of a place for planting. Both annual and perennial garden balsam prefer good lighting. If you grow it at home, then place the pots on the windowsills on the south side. In the garden it is still worth keeping them in the sunny and open areas. It is here that the garden balm will grow and blossom well. In the hot noon, however, the bushes should be covered. Note that the plant loves and warmth, so dropping the temperature below 5 degrees provokes a halt in growth and the development of diseases.
In spring, when there is active growth, it is necessary to feed plants with mineral fertilizers. It is best to do this in cloudy weather, in the morning or late evening. That will save the root system of balsam from burns. With the same purpose before fertilizing plants are watered. When the balsam blossoms, it is better to use phosphorus- and potassium-containing fertilizers. At the end of summer, the feeding is stopped. These rules apply to both garden and room balsam.
Landing
To ensure that in the future care for balsam garden does not cause difficulties, planting should be carried out in light and fertile soil. However, with the degree of fertility, it is important not to overdo it, as instead of flowering the plant will actively gain green mass. But the transplantation of balsam should be done annually.
Concerning the reproduction of garden balsam, it is allowed to grow from seeds and cuttings, which is more effective, so high germination of planting material is not different. Seeds should be sown at the end of February, and the seedlings should be stored in a warm room, providing wick watering and good lighting. In the ground, grown plants can be dived in late April - early May, when the earth warms up.
As cuttings use apical shoots of 8-10 centimeters in length. Immediately after cutting, they are placed in a container with water or moistened sand. In two weeks they are well rooted, so you can transplant them into the ground. If the conditions are suitable, then in three to four months you will see that your young balsam is ready to please with flowering.
Pests and diseases
Most often, balsam diseases are associated with pests such as whitefly and spider mites . You can get rid of them with the help of insecticides.
Improper care for balsam leads to the appearance of gray rot. Affected plant should be transplanted to another location and
Sometimes this plant weakly blooms, withers, its stems stretch, the flowers fall off, and the roots rot. In this case, watering and lighting should be corrected.
In general, care for balsam garden is not difficult. Even new horticulturists can easily grow a magnificent bush with bright and delicate flowers on the plot, which will not only raise the mood with their appearance, but also serve as a personal weather station, warning of the rain with small droplets on the leaves.