The genus of balsamans numbers about 400 plant species. Especially popular is Waller's balsam. Its distinctive feature are large numerous flowers that form bright spots in the flower garden. Extremely diverse colors of balsam Waller: flowers have white, pink, red and purple hues. There are also bicolour varieties. A lot of hybrids are created, differing in the height of the bush and the shape of the flowers. The cultivation of Waller's balsam, like most annuals, is produced by seeds or seedlings. To successfully cultivate Waller balsam, quality seeds should be purchased. The article contains recommendations on how to grow balsam from seeds.
Planting balsamin seeds
The seeds of the flower culture retain their germination for 7 to 9 years, but it is preferable to sow fresh seed. Those flower growers who do not yet have the experience of growing Waller balsam from seeds, it is important to know when to plant balsamin seeds. The sowing of Waller's balsam is recommended in March. For planting requires soil mixture consisting of garden land, peat soil, where small amounts of sand and vermiculite are added. The container intended for growing flowers and seeds should preferably be treated with "Fitosporin" or "Fungicide", as a gentle balsamin is often affected by a fungus. Seeds spread on the surface of the earth evenly, not very densely, and press with pads of fingers. After the sowing, the container is closed with a film and placed in a warm, bright place. The optimum temperature for germination is +21 ... +25 degrees. At low temperatures the seedlings slow down growth, at high temperatures, growth may stop altogether.
Growing Balsam from Seeds
By the end of the first week should appear sprouts. From time to time, it is necessary to carry out ventilation, removing the film and liquidating the condensate that forms. Sprinkle sprouts better in the morning using a spray gun as the soil dries. Experienced growers advise in cloudy weather and in the evening hours to organize highlighting.
With the advent of the first real leaf, fertilizing is introduced, for this purpose it is better to choose a complex fertilizer. It is important to comply with the dosage, as excess nitrogen leads to the stretching of the bush, and an excess of potassium - to the twisting of the leaves. The appearance of the second and third leaflets (and this usually occurs 2 to 3 weeks after sowing) is a signal for picks in peat pots filled with soil. You can use plastic cups, but they need to provide drainage holes. Each sprout needs an individual pot.
When growing Waller balsam it is extremely important to maintain a certain temperature regime: in the daytime + 21 ... + 25 degrees, at night + 16 ... + 18 degrees. After rooting the shoots, the film is removed to prepare flowers for planting in the open ground. Usually Waller's balsam gives abundant lateral shoots, but if this does not happen, then the top should be pinched. Than
In open ground, balsam is transplanted with the onset of stable warm weather, in conditions of temperate climate this is usually the beginning of June. Individual balsam at the time of transplantation is already blooming. For planting, choose a shaded area on the site. When growing in suspended flowerpots, it is also necessary to choose a place protected from direct sunlight. Planted seedlings at a distance of 25 cm. It is recommended to mulch the earth to maintain the optimal moistening regime.