The incredibly beautiful flowers of Sanvitalia, growing in the wild in Central America, can now be grown in our latitudes. This genus includes both annuals and perennial species. The plant received its name in honor of the botanist Sanvitali, a native of Italy. The peculiarity of the vanity is that it does not grow in height, but spreads out thick branches from the stem, spreading the earth around itself at a great distance. Some types of sanitals form thick spherical pillows, others more resemble overgrown bushes. Leaves in sanvitalia have a saturated dark green color, large in size, and their shape is ovate. And at the very beginning of summer the plant starts to bloom with small, but very colorful flowers, which up until November pleases the eye. If the autumn is late and the temperature does not fall below +5, then the bloom will last. There are also varieties with large double fluffy colors, painted in white, bright yellow or orange.
Rules for growing seedlings
Cultivation of sanvitalia is carried out by sowing seeds. Planting material is characterized by high germination. Of course, if you purchased a quality product that was stored in the proper conditions. Begin preparation for the cultivation of sanitals from seeds with soil preparation. To make the plant feel comfortable, the substrate must be fertile, light, loose. It can be prepared on its own, mixing three parts of the clay soil with one part of the coarse sand. Sand before this should be thoroughly washed. Sow seeds can be both in a common container, and in individual cups. Do not forget to provide good drainage, since roots with excess moisture tend to rot. After you have deepened the seeds in the substrate to a depth of 0.5-1 centimeter, sprinkle them with soil and sprinkle water with a sprayer. Then cover with a film or glass. In a well-lit place at a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees shoots will appear after 13-15 days. From time to time, ventilate the greenhouse, water the seedlings every two days. When they get stronger and get a pair of leaves, they can be transplanted into the open ground.
Pick up a well-lit place for the landing of the sanvital. Prepare pits depth no more than 10 centimeters, on the bottom of which lay a few pebbles or a handful of expanded clay. The fact is that the access of oxygen to the roots of the plant will ensure its full growth and development. Then sprinkle the roots of the seedlings with soil and pour abundantly.
Care for Sanvitalia
After growing the seedlings and planting them on the site, care for the sanitation will take much time and effort. During the first two weeks after planting in the open ground, the seedlings should be watered sparingly, so that the roots can be well strengthened. Then watering is gradually increased. Focus on the soil around the plant. If it is wet, but not flooded, it means, for the time being, to water the sanitis early. Twice a month bushes can be fertilized with liquid fertilizing, but without them sanitalia feels good. But if you
Magnificent Sanvitalia flowers look great in workouts , on alpine slides , along curbs. If there are large stones on your site, then the sanitary plant planted near them will grow rapidly, beautifully entangling them with their creeping branches. If you want, you can plant the plant in a hanging flowerpot with which you can decorate gazebos, balconies and verandas.