Aquilegia seedling care: what to do to keep it strong and healthy
Florists who grow aquilegia from seeds are often faced with the fact that the bushes are frail and often die after transplanting. And although this plant is characterized by a fragile appearance, proper care of aquilegia seedlings will help avoid losses. After all, sowing seeds and getting seedlings is only half the battle. True, unpleasant surprises cannot be avoided at this stage. The seeds do not have good germination, they germinate reluctantly and for a long time. Therefore, it becomes so important to protect those plants that were still able to ascend. To do this, they need to provide a comfortable environment and pay attention, especially at the initial stage.
Aquilegia seedling care after germination
Adult aquilegia bushes are distinguished by good drought and frost resistance, which cannot be said about seedlings. Delicate and fragile seedlings with graceful, almost invisible, stems, need warmth and moisture. It is especially important for them to have regular watering, otherwise the plants will quickly disappear, and it will not be possible to bring them back to life.
So, when all the seeds sprout and it becomes clear that there is no point in waiting longer and nothing will grow, the first step is to remove the film.
Now the seedlings must learn to survive without a greenhouse, but they should be helped by providing:
- good lighting, bright enough, but diffused;
- a comfortable temperature not lower than 15, but not higher than 18 ° C (if it is colder, the seedlings will start to hurt and die, if it is warmer, they will begin to stretch).
With late sowing of seeds (in April), the seedlings will have enough natural light and on a light window. If the landing was in February, you cannot do without additional lighting.
Every 3-4 days, the seedlings must be watered, not allowing the soil to dry out completely. A couple of such "punctures" - and the seedlings will not recover. In this case, watering is best done either through a pallet or using a spray bottle. If you pour from a watering can directly under the bushes, there is a risk of damaging them, because the stems are very thin.
Seedling picking: is it necessary and how to do it
Given the fragility of young plants, the question of picking is quite understandable. In addition, in aquilegia, the root system is presented in the form of a long rod, which can be easily damaged during transplantation. But do not forget that the flower seeds are very small. It is most convenient to sow them directly into a common container. With low germination, when 3-4 bushes sprout from the bag, the pick can be skipped. Several plants will have room in the group container. In this case, the transplant is carried out immediately to a permanent place when the seedlings grow and get stronger.
In the case of good germination, picking is indispensable. Thickened crops will lead to stretching of seedlings. In a common container, it can stay no longer than it forms a pair of true leaves. Then the aquilegia begins to actively grow roots and needs space.
You can dive in two ways, depending on the timing of sowing seeds:
- directly to the garden bed (with late sowing);
- in separate cups for growing (with early sowing, when it is not yet possible to plant in the ground).
Before picking, the seedlings must be shed well. It is convenient to take a small lump of earth with a spatula and transfer it into a glass. Moreover, if there are a couple of bushes there - it's okay.Two or three plants will not interfere with each other if the pot is spacious enough.