For what reason the seedlings of perennial lupine die and what to do
Lupine is a vivid representative of the legume family, which is appreciated by flower growers for its very beautiful flowering and light character. Under natural conditions, the plant is able to survive even in the absence of rainfall for a long time, therefore, when grown at home, it will not cause much trouble.
Ornamental varieties can most often be found in flower beds. perennial lupine with the most varied colors. Outwardly, lupine looks like an erect shrub or a small bush with a thick stem, beautiful leaves are attached to it with long stalks, resembling a spread palm with long fingers. During flowering, the bush releases a long (sometimes up to 1 m in height) peduncle in the form of a brush, densely covered with small flowers.
A characteristic feature of lupine are powerful rhizomes-rods with nodules that go deep into the ground, which transport nitrogen from the air to the soil. Usually perennial lupine is sown on a flower bed in autumn. With this method of cultivation, it blooms only the next year.
In order to see flowering already in the year of planting, it is recommended to use the seedling method. In this case, lupine will bloom at the end of summer.
How to grow lupine seedlings?
Seeds for seedlings can be sown in March. To do this, prepare loose and nutritious soil by mixing:
- one part of peat and sod land;
- half a part of fine sand.
To accelerate seed germination, you can also add chopped dry nodules from adult lupins to the soil mixture, in addition, pre-soak the seeds.
Make grooves, moisten them and lay out the seeds in such a way that the emerging seedlings are not cramped, because she does not like transplanting. Sprinkle with earth on top. Cover the container with foil until shoots appear. Ventilate and water periodically. Strong, healthy seedlings should be transplanted into the flowerbed, when 3 real leaves are formed on them. You should not postpone the transplant, otherwise you can damage the long taproot of the seedlings.
It is not recommended to grow varieties with white flowers through seedlings, since with this method of propagation, the white color, unlike purple and pink, is not preserved.
Mistakes when growing lupine
If you follow simple recommendations, it is not at all difficult to grow healthy seedlings. However, it sometimes happens that young seedlings begin to ache and wither. What could be the reason, and what to do when the seedlings of perennial lupine die?
Most often, unsuitable conditions, improper care or diseases become the cause of the death of seedlings, namely:
- Increased acidity of the soil. Seedlings develop chlorosis. Alkaline soil must be limed and thinned peat.
- A sharp change in weather conditions. Gentle seedlings do not tolerate return frosts poorly, therefore, with early planting in the ground, additional shelter may be needed for the first time.
- Excessive watering. Since lupine is a drought-resistant plant, water the seedlings sparingly. Constantly wet soil can trigger the development of fungal diseases. In case of their manifestation, it is necessary to treat the seedlings with fungicides.
- Lack of lighting. Seedlings should be placed in a well-lit place, otherwise they will stretch out. Weak bushes may not survive the subsequent transplant at all.
If lupine is damaged by plant pests, it is necessary to treat it with special insecticide preparations.