Cockscomb is a common ornamental flower, named for its unique cockscomb-shaped flowers, the flower color is bright and rich, there are yellow, orange, pink, red, etc., the blooming flowers are layered, very pleasing to the eye. So how is the cockscomb grown?Today, I will share with you the planting methods and maintenance skills of potted cockscombs, hoping to help flower friends in need.
First, the planting method.
1. The time of sowing.
Cockscombs prefer warm, sunny conditions, so it is best to choose between April and May, when the climate is warm and suitable for seed germination.
2. Selection of seeds.
Seeds are very important for the growth and flowering of cockscombs, and they must be carefully selected. When choosing cockscomb seeds, we must observe the color and fullness of the seeds, and choose those new seeds that are mature and of good quality, and it is best to buy them from regular seed companies, in case they buy old rotten seeds, which will affect the seed germination or late flowering effect.
3. Materials and tools for breeding: cockscomb seeds, seedling pots, seedling soil, watering cans.
First of all: sprinkle a layer of seedling soil in the seedling pot, sprinkle the cockscomb seeds evenly on the soil surface, and then cover the seeds with a thin layer of seedling soil, covering about 2 times the depth of the seed diameter, and gently press the solid soil.
Secondly: Moisten the entire seedling pot with a watering can to spray water evenly to ensure that the soil remains moist.
Clause. 3. Put the sown seedling pots into plastic bags, which can create a warm and humid greenhouse environment, which is conducive to the germination and growth of seeds.
Clause. 4. Check the humidity every day, keep the soil moist but not too wet, and avoid water accumulation. When needed, gently spray water to maintain humidity. In general, the germination period of cockscomb seeds is about 5-10 days. Once the seedlings are unearthed, gradually reduce the humidity of the greenhouse environment and expose the seedlings to more light.
Fifth, when the seedlings have grown to 3-4 leaves and the root system is developed, the seedlings can be carefully transplanted into larger pots for maintenance.
Second, maintenance skills.
1. The choice of potting soil: the root system of cockscomb is mainly small fibrous roots, no thick taproot, in order to facilitate later management and maintenance, it is best to choose loose and breathable fertile nutrient soil or peat soil. Before transplanting seedlings, you can bury some organic fertilizer at the bottom of the pot as a base fertilizer.
2. Light: Cockscomb is a sun-loving plant, the demand for light is also very high, the daily light time is best not less than 4-6 hours, in order to produce more nutrients for the plant, flower buds can better differentiate and bloom beautiful flowers, otherwise the cockscomb is prone to poor growth, yellow and wilting.
3. Watering: The demand for water is great, it is not drought tolerant, and the lack of water will make the cockscomb yellow and lodging, especially in its growth and flowering period, so watering should take the principle of more than less, dry and watering. If you find that the potting soil is white or touch the potting soil with your hands, and find that the potting soil is semi-dry, you will immediately water it thoroughly, and you can't wait for it to dry before watering, so it is easy to dry the cockscomb to death. In summer, the temperature is high, the water evaporates quickly, and the frequency of watering should be increased. But also pay attention not to let the potting soil too wet or have stagnant water, the potting soil is too wet, the cockscomb is easy to grow, do not bloom or flowering is delayed, and it will be easy to rot the roots if there is stagnant water.
4. Fertilization: The growth of cockscomb has a relatively large demand for fertilizer, and it is necessary to pay attention to regular fertilization. When growing branches and leaves, you can apply a balanced nutrient solution of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, such as Hua Duoduo No. 1, when forming flower buds, pay attention to the top application of high phosphorus and high potassium fertilizers, such as Hua Duoduo No. 2 or potassium dihydrogen phosphate, according to the ratio of 1:1000, generally applied once a week, the nutrients rich in the fertilizer provide sufficient nutrients for the growth of cockscomb, which can make the flowers of cockscomb more large, luxuriant, and more colorful.
5. Repotting: Cockscomb is an annual herbaceous plant, sown in spring, blooming in summer and autumn, and it will slowly wither and die in winter, so it does not need to be repotted.
6. Harvesting: Cockscomb is suitable for harvesting seeds before and after white dew, and its moss is cut off during harvesting, and then placed in the vent to dry, and the seeds are cleaned and stored in bags.
In short, through reasonable planting methods and management measures, we can grow beautiful cockscombs and add some vitality and color to home life.