Clarkia is a genus of annual plants that delight gardeners with their lush and abundant blooms all summer. The culture got its name in honor of Captain William Clark, who in the 19th century brought plants from the California coast to the countries of the Old World.
To date, there are over 30 varieties of culture.
Description
In its natural environment, Clarkia is found in the northern part of the American continent, as well as in Chile. The culture is an annual plant, which, depending on the variety, is medium or tall - its length varies from 35 to 90 cm. The stems are erect, strongly branched, abundantly pubescent with short but dense villi. Leaf blades are bright green in color, may have a bluish bloom. The shape is elongated, oval, the arrangement of the leaves alternately. The flowers are axillary, can be simple or double, the diameter reaches 3 cm, the color can be very diverse. Usually they are collected in inflorescences of spicate or racemose type, a single arrangement is rare. The petals may be entire or three-lobed; the calyx is usually tubular. The fruit is an elongated capsule.
How is it different from Godetia?
Clarkia is very similar to godetia, the similarity is so strong that some botanists even considered these cultures for a long time to be a variety of the same plant. However, they are different cultures.
Claritia flowers are small, like miniature roses, as if strung on stems-twigs. In godetia, the flowers are quite large, elegant, satin - the size of each is 6–8 cm, they are terry or simple. Both cultures can have a wide variety of shades: white, pink, as well as scarlet, purple, lilac and bluish.
The height of the bush also differs. Clarkia grows up to 30–90 cm, while the length of the godetia stem does not exceed 30–40 cm.
Despite the differences, gardeners often plant these plants together. They argue that cultures harmoniously complement each other in a flower bed.
Species and varieties
To date, there are about 35 varieties of clarkia, but only four varieties are of interest to breeders - it was they who became the basis for obtaining a large number of decorative garden forms.
Terry
The height of this annual bush reaches 36 cm. The stems are branched, the leaves are elongated, dark green. The flowers are double, the diameter is 3-4.5 cm, they can have a wide variety of shades: from pure white to deep carmine.
Fantasy
Another beautiful plant that has a lush color. The height of the stems is up to 75 cm, the flowers are axillary, in most cases double, can have a wide variety of colors. This variety is widely used to decorate the club, it looks beautiful as part of group and single plantings, and is often used for cutting.
Pretty
Among gardeners, it is better known as omitted. This is a short variety that grows only up to 40 cm. The leaf blades are elongated, narrow, solid, pointed at the end. The flowers are small - up to 3 cm in size, can be double or simple. Their distinguishing feature is the division of the petals into 3 lobes. The tint palette is the most diverse. Flowers are formed singly or in small groups in the axils of leaf blades. Clarkia Pretty usually blooms before the rest of her "sisters" for a couple of weeks.
Because of the original shape of the petals in the United States, this variety is often referred to as "moose antlers." It was he who became the basis for breeding the Ariana variety, which is in great demand among flower growers. A feature of the variety are two-tone flowers of white and purple hues, the height of the bush is 40–50 cm.
Graceful
The second name is "marigold", in the natural environment it is found in California. The height of the bush is 50–90 cm, the stems are quite strong, branching, woody near the base, but at the same time thin. The leaves are dark green, have a characteristic bluish tint, the shape is slightly elongated, the edge is rarely serrated. The characteristic reddish veins are visible on the leaf blades. Clarkia flowers of this species are small -3–3.5 cm, collected in racemose inflorescences. The tint palette is rich: there are bright scarlet, milky white and pale pink varieties. The first flowers appear in mid-June and delight their owners until October.
Clarkia graceful has become a "parent culture" for breeding several popular varieties:
- "Albatross"- this is a bush 6–7 cm high with snow-white velvety flowers;
- Salmon Perfection- tall plant 90–100 cm long, double flowers, pale pink;
- "Sun"- a variety that grows up to 65–70 cm, salmon flowers, grow singly in the axils of leaf blades;
- Orange- srednerosly bush 55-65 cm long, flowers of deep orange color.
Clarkia of the Joy variety is very popular with domestic gardeners. Its erect branched stems grow up to 50–60 cm. The diameter of the flowers is 3–4 cm. Flowering begins in June, the plant is covered with flowers profusely from bottom to top. The tint palette can be very diverse: from rich pink to raspberry shades.
No less love enjoys the variety "Brilliant", it is a branched lush bush 65–80 cm high. It blooms very profusely and for a long time - from the first days of July until the end of September. The flowers are velvet, the color is red-pink.
Growing from seed
Optimal timing
In spring, sowing is best done in the first half of May, in which case the first flowering can be expected as early as mid-July, and it will last until the end of September.
Autumn planting is allowed, while seedlings are placed in open ground at the end of September. As a rule, by the time the frosts begin, the sprouts have time to get stronger and in this state they can already overwinter under cover. When planting in autumn, flowering can be achieved much earlier - already in the first days of June.
Sowing
Traditionally, Clarkia is grown by seed, it can be seedless or seedling. In the first case, the seeds are planted directly in the ground. Before sowing seeds, it is very important to prepare the site: it is best to apply peat in advance in a proportion of 1 kg / sq. m., as well as 1 tbsp. l. superphosphate and potassium sulfate (for the same area). The substrate with nutrients is prepared at least a couple of weeks before planting.
Seeds are placed in holes, 4-5 pieces each, the distance between the holes is maintained at the level of 30-40 cm.
It is not necessary to deepen the seedlings too deeply - it will be quite enough to press them to the ground and send them a little bit with earth.
The first shoots appear after a couple of weeks, during this period they can be swooped down, but you should not get carried away with seating, since a blooming clarke in a thickened planting will look much more spectacular.
Seeds can be planted in the fall, the seedlings are perfectly preserved under a layer of snow, but even if the seedlings do not have time to germinate before the onset of frost, there is nothing dangerous in this, in early spring, as soon as the snow melts, they will sprout together, and you will only have to thin out the plantings.
seedling care
When growing clarkia in seedlings, at the very first stage of its life cycle, the plant is protected from temperature fluctuations, return frosts and cold showers. That is why most flower growers still prefer to grow seedlings first, rather than plant seeds directly into the ground. Usually these works begin in the month of March, then you can achieve flowering in early June.
Clarkia seeds are placed in a slightly acidic substrate, slightly pressed down with a plank, sprinkled with water from a spray bottle, covered with a plastic bag or glass to create a greenhouse effect, and then placed in a bright, warm place, but keep in mind that direct UV rays should not penetrate there. As soon as the very first sprouts appear, the greenhouse can be removed, but the container itself, before moving the seedlings to an open area, should be placed in a dry, heated place, always with high-quality ventilation.
When the seedlings form the first full-fledged leaves, it should be swooped down.
Landing in open ground
It is very important to choose the right place for the culture - one that excludes drafts, otherwise the stems of the shrub may break.
The flower develops best on fertile soil of medium or light density. Of course, this plant is very unpretentious and can grow on loam, but then flowering will be scarce and short-lived.
For future seedlings, it is necessary to prepare an earthen mixture: take a universal substrate for seedlings and add rotted manure, clean river sand, and peat in equal amounts to it.
In order to reduce the risk of infection with fungal infections, the prepared soil can be calcined in a preheated oven or steamed in a water bath.
Clarkia is planted in open areas in May. If the land is not suitable for cultivation due to a pH mismatch, the substrate can be acidified. For this, 60 g of sulfur / sq. m. or lightly watered with a solution of citric acid (at the rate of 1.5 tablespoons per bucket of water). If the earth, on the contrary, is too acidic, then it must be limed before planting. Greasy soil should be additionally mixed with sand.
Clarkia is planted in the following sequence: first, young seedlings are taken out of the container, but not one at a time, but in small groups. You need to take them together with a lump and plant them in the holes, fill the voids with a substrate prepared in advance. The distance between the holes is maintained at the level of 30-40 cm, a stick or an ordinary rail should be stuck near each plant - in the future it will serve as a support for thin stems.
Different varieties are best planted at a short distance from each other, then they can pollinate among themselves.
How to properly care?
In order for Clarkia to please you with its healthy and lush flowering for a long time, you must follow simple rules for caring for this plant.
Watering
In hot summer weather without heavy rainfall, clarkia require regular moderate watering as the soil dries up - usually this is done twice a week. However, keep in mind that in no case should the plant be flooded, otherwise the roots will rot. For to prevent this unpleasant phenomenon, it is best to plant the crop in well-drained soil.
The wet substrate should be slightly loosened - this improves the flow of air to the roots.
If the weather is rainy and cool, then it is better to stop watering completely.
Water must be poured directly under the bush, preventing the liquid from getting on the leaves and flowers, otherwise burns may appear on them under the rays of the sun.
Fertilizer
Top dressing for Clarkia should be applied twice a month, especially at the stages of budding and flowering. It is best to use ready-made mineral complex compositions that can be bought at any store.
This plant especially needs top dressing in dry, little rainy weather. In order to achieve more lush flowering, you can add a little crushed wood ash to the ground.
pruning
In order for flowering to be longer and more spectacular, all fading inflorescences must be removed in a timely manner, otherwise the plant simply will not have the vitality left to produce new peduncles.
The same applies to withering dried stems, shoots and branches.
Seed collection
Clarkia tends to reproduce by self-sowing, therefore, even at the time of flowering, 3-4 large flowers should be selected, after pollination, wilting and at the very beginning of fruit formation, its “isolation” should be carried out. To do this, wrap the fruit with a clean bandage and fix it to the stem, but not too tight. In this way, the seeds ripen, but the gauze does not allow them to scatter - this eliminates the risk of self-seeding.
After the flower wilts, the seed material ripens for about a month, the finished boxes look dark brown, they need to be collected and dried naturally, and then placed in paper envelopes or matchboxes for storage.
Wintering
Clarkia is characterized by high resistance to frost, however, when planting in autumn, in order for the flower to be better preserved, it must be covered with mulch (you can use moss, fallen leaves, hay or coniferous needles).
In all other cases, you just need to cut off all parts of the bush in the fall and dig up the roots in order to prevent the development of fungal infections in the ground.
Diseases and pests
The culture is highly resistant to diseases and insect pests, however, some care errors can cause fungal and viral infections, in particular if planted on loamy soil, this often leads to rust. Fungal infection manifests itself in the form of yellowish-brown spots with a clearly defined border on the leaves. In most cases, pathology becomes the result of an excess of moisture or excessive application of nitrogen-containing fertilizers. For resuscitation, it is best to use fungicidal preparations, for example, Bordeaux liquid gives a good effect, spraying is done twice a day.
Excess moisture often provokes the appearance of downy mildew, in which case dark or colorless rounded spots form on the back of the leaf, and the leaf blades themselves are deformed. To combat the fungus, any fungicides are used.
Summer flower beds are fragrant with aromas, bloom with all colors. What you will not meet in the flower beds - salvia, phlox, modest pansies.
Among all this splendor is an elegant Clarkia, an annual with a bright and varied color: white, pink, lilac, red, purple flowers.
Types and varieties of clarkia
At the beginning of the 19th century, American captain William Clark, during an expedition, discovered unknown plants on the North American continent, among them - Clarkia. Since then, the flower has been named after the captain, and its unpretentiousness and beautiful appearance have made it a favorite plant for flower growers and landscape designers.
In the nature of North America, there are more than 30 species of plants, but in landscape design only graceful clarkia (pictured) and pretty clarkia are used in landscape design.
Clarkia graceful - an annual flowering plant, low - no more than 90 cm, begins to bloom 2 months after the first shoots appear from the ground, flowering continues from July for a month and a half.
It is often used to create flower beds and flower beds in city parks, gardens, terraces and balconies.
They use it in bouquets - when cut, the clarkia can stand in a vase for up to two weeks.
Various varieties differ in color:
- Albatross - white;
- Gloriosa - bright red;
- Salomon Queen - salmon;
- Diamond - pinkish;
- Feuergarbs - orange;
- Apple Blossom - soft apricot and others.
Pubescent Clarkia is a low-growing variety, up to 40 cm tall. Coloring can be varied. Undersized clarkia often decorates flower beds and mixborders in parks and gardens.
Clarkia Brewery is also a low-growing variety, but they love it not for this, but for double flowers that look like spread wings of a butterfly. Flowers have a strong aroma: passing by the flower garden, you find yourself in a sweet cloud, it envelops you from head to toe.
Landing and care
Clarkia is unpretentious, growing flowers does not require special care and labor. You can plant seeds (they are very small in Clarkia) in early to mid-April for seedlings or in May - directly in open ground.
The plant is frost-resistant, so sometimes seeds are sown before winter.
In a week or two, sprouts will appear. When planting in open ground, seeds are sown in groups - 4-5 in a nest, keeping a distance of 30-40 cm between them, and when growing seedlings, plants dive, placing 3-4 seedlings in a container, so they are then transplanted into the ground.
The plant is unpretentious and subsequently requires simple care, common to all annuals: weeding, loosening the soil, watering. Top dressing is carried out twice a month with mineral fertilizers - Rainbow, Kemira. Organics are undesirable for her.
Clarkia loves open sunny places, dry, loose, maybe even not too fertile, slightly acidic soil. The light of the flowers of the graceful clarkia is necessary, otherwise the greenery will be thick and lush, and the flowers will be small.
Oddly enough, but Clarkia, planted directly in the ground, and not seedlings, blooms more profusely, the flowers are larger.
Plant diseases
Excessive moisture for Clarkia is detrimental - the root system is affected by the fungus, the plant develops slowly. It is resistant to pests and diseases, but sometimes it is affected by a mealybug, its presence can be determined by noticing a cotton-like plaque on the grassy part of the plants.
To fight, you can use the means:
- Confidor
- Aktara
- Fitovermu
When affected by a fungus on the leaves of clarkia, you can see spots that look like rust, bordered by a brown border. In the fight against the fungus, spraying the plant with Bordeaux liquid or fungicide Oxyh will be effective.
Clarkia in autumn
Clarkia is an annual, but to prolong its flowering, wilted, faded buds can be removed. Leave only bushes from which it will be possible to prepare seeds for planting next year.
Pinching the tops of flowering plants will accelerate the ripening of seeds.
It is not difficult to collect seeds - it is enough to tie the most beautiful and largest flowers immediately after withering with gauze so that after ripening the seeds do not fall to the ground. In a month, the seed box will turn brown, it can be cut off, the seeds poured out, dried and prepared for sowing next year.
However, Clarkia reproduces well by self-sowing, and if you plan to get a beautiful flower garden next summer, it will be enough to thin out dense growth in the spring.
Simple care will allow you to grow a beautiful flower garden that will be decorated with Clarkia flowers. Often brightly colored clarkia are placed next to daisies, lilies, phlox - it is able to create a color spot in a flower bed or a border along the path. Its bright spots can be seen from afar.
Clarkia will decorate the balcony of the apartment in the summer. In any place - whether in a park, square, garden or front garden, there is a place for thin stems with beautiful flowers.
Photo of clarkia graceful
Clarkia is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the fireweed family. This genus is very close to godetia and some botanists combine these two plants into one genus. Such a flower was named after Captain W. Clark, who brought it to Europe from California in the 19th century. In nature, this plant can be found in Chile and in the western part of North America. This genus unites about 30 species, while only 3 are cultivated.
Clarkia is a herbaceous annual that can vary in height from 0.3 to 0.9 meters. On the surface of upright branched shoots, there is often a pubescence consisting of short villi. Sedentary alternately arranged leaf plates have an oval-elongated shape and a light gray or rich green color. Axillary flowers can be double or simple, they have the correct shape, reach a diameter of 35 mm. And they can be painted in different colors. As a rule, they are part of the apical inflorescences, which have a racemose or spike-shaped form, but sometimes there are single flowers. The flower has a tubular calyx, the corolla includes 4 three-lobed or solid petals, tapering at the base into a nail. The fruit is an elongated polysperm.
Growing clarkia from seeds
Sowing
Such a plant is grown from seeds in two ways: seedless and through seedlings. If cultivation is carried out in a seedless way, then the seeds are sown directly in open soil. Sowing is done in April or in the first days of May, it can also be done in late autumn before winter. When preparing the site for sowing, for every 1 square meter, 1 kilogram of peat and 1 large spoonful of superphosphate and potassium sulfate must be added for digging. The seeds of the plant are quite small, they are sown in nests of 4 or 5 pieces. In this case, the distance between the nests should be from 20 to 40 centimeters. It is not necessary to bury the seeds in the soil, they should only be pressed down a little and sprinkled with a thin layer of soil. The first seedlings may appear in half a month, and you will need to thin them out, however, it should be noted that during flowering, the Clarkia looks much more spectacular in a dense bush. If sowing was done in the fall, then sometimes the seedlings also have time to appear before winter sets in, while they are well preserved under snow cover. When shoots appear in the spring, they will definitely need to be thinned out like carrots.
Growing through seedlings
If Clarkia is grown through seedlings, then young seedlings will be reliably protected from cold rains, frosts, sudden changes in temperature and strong winds. It is recommended to sow seeds in March, in which case the Clarkia will begin flowering in the first days of June. Sowing seeds is carried out in a slightly acidic substrate. It is unnecessary to deepen them, but you should only press down with a plank and pour from the sprayer. Cover the container with glass and put it in a warm and well-lit place, but there should not be direct sunlight there. After the appearance of the first seedlings, the shelter should be removed. The container must always be in a dry, warm place with good ventilation. Picking is done very early, after the appearance of the first true leaves.
What time to plant
Clarkia is transplanted into open soil in May. In the event that the soil on the site does not have a pH suitable for this plant, then this can be corrected. In order to acidify the soil, you can use one of three methods:
- add 1–1.5 kilograms of peat per 1 m 2;
- add 60 grams of sulfur per 1 m 2;
- pour the soil with a solution consisting of a bucket of water and 1.5 large spoons of citric or oxalic acid.
In the event that the soil is excessively acidic, then lime is added to it. If it is greasy, then this can be corrected by adding sand for digging. It is also necessary to fertilize the soil, and about what fertilizers to use for this, it is said in the section on growing clarkia in a seedless way. Site preparation should be done at least half a month before planting.
How to plant
It is necessary to plant seedlings not one at a time, but take a plant from a container in small groups along with a clod of earth. Then this group is planted in one hole. It should be noted that the distance between the holes can vary from 20 to 40 centimeters. Adult plants will need support, as they have very thin shoots, so do not forget to stick a long rail or stick near each hole. Different varieties of Clarkia should be planted away from each other, as there is a high probability of their cross-pollination. When the bushes are planted, they need to be watered and pinched a little so that they grow more bushy.
Growing a Clarkia is relatively easy, and even a beginner can easily handle this task. Watering should be done only when there is a long dry hot period. At the same time, watering should be done only a couple of times in 7 days. At other times, rainwater will suffice for such flowers. When watering, it should be noted that the liquid should be quickly absorbed into the soil, and not stand for a long time around the bush. Top dressing should be done only during the period of bud formation and flowering, and complex mineral fertilizer is recommended for this. The frequency of top dressing is 1 time in half a month. From fertilizers, it is recommended to use Rainbow or Kemira, while organic matter cannot be applied to the soil. In order for the flowering to be long and lush, it is necessary to remove fading flowers in a timely manner.
Of the harmful insects, a mealybug can settle on the Clarkia. It is possible to understand that a bush is infected with this pest by the presence of a waxy cotton-like coating, which may be on the aerial part of the plant. To destroy this insect, it is recommended to treat it with confidor, actara or fitoverm.
In the event that the soil is loamy in the area where Clarkia grows, this can contribute to the development of a fungal disease. The fact that the bush is infected can be understood by the specks of a rusty-yellowish color with a brown border, which are placed on the leaf plates. To get rid of this disease, you should treat the bush with a fungicidal agent (oxych or Bordeaux liquid). If you plant this flower in suitable soil and properly care for it, then it will have a very high resistance to both diseases and harmful insects.
After flowering
This plant is able to multiply without your participation by self-sowing. In the spring, you will only need to carefully thin out the seedlings. If you need seeds, they can be collected very easily. When the plants bloom, you will need to note the most showy flowers. When they begin to fade, they will need to be put on gauze bags. The seeds will become mature 4 weeks after the flower has withered, while the color of the box should turn brown. Cut off the boxes and pour the seeds out of them onto a newspaper. These seeds can be sown before winter or poured into a paper bag, where they will be stored until the next spring.
Wintering
When the Clarkia blooms, the bushes, if desired, can be cut to the surface of the soil. And during the autumn digging of the site, it will be necessary to remove the remains of plants and burn them. It is not recommended to throw them away, as pathogenic microorganisms or fungi may appear in such plant residues.
Types and varieties of clarkia with photos and names
Only three types of clarkia are cultivated by gardeners, namely: marigold clarkia, or graceful clarkia; pretty clarkia, or pubescent clarkia; Clarke Brewery.
Clarkia graceful, or marigold (Clarkia unguiculata, Clarkia elegans)
This species can be found naturally in California. Branched lush annual plant in height can reach 100 centimeters. Thin rather powerful shoots from below are woody. On the surface of oval greenish-gray leaf plates there are red veins, their edge is unevenly sparsely serrated. The flowers have the correct shape and a four-centimeter diameter. They can be terry or simple and have a different color: red, pink, white, purple and blue. They are placed one by one in the leaf axils. Germination of small seeds lasts about 4 years. Blooms profusely in July-September. This species is often grown in mid-latitudes. Most popular varieties:
This species is dwarf. Upright branched shoots in height can reach 0.4 m. Long narrow whole leaf plates are green in color. They are pointed towards the top, and narrow towards the petiole. Flowers can be double or simple. They can be located both singly and be collected in small groups in the leaf axils at the top of the stems. Of particular interest is the shape of the petals, which are divided into 3 lobes, rather widely spaced. In this regard, in America this species is also called "elk horns". Flowering begins half a month earlier than that of the graceful clarkia.
Clarkia Brewery (Clarkia breweri)
Recently, this species has become increasingly popular with gardeners. This annual cold-resistant plant can reach a height of up to half a meter. The shape of the flower is similar to a butterfly, and in diameter it reaches about 30 mm. The flowers have a pleasant strong smell and are part of loose inflorescences. The Pink Ribbons variety has pink flowers with petals resembling ribbons, a bush can reach a height of about 0.3 m. The shoots of this variety are branched, and it blooms very luxuriantly.
Other types of clarkia grown by gardeners are actually Godetia.
Clarkia (lat. Clarkia) is an annual herbaceous plant of the cypress family. Depending on the species, the height of the plant varies from 35 cm to 1 m. The shoots are upright, often branching, can be bare or pubescent. Leaf plates are oblong, arranged alternately, their color is rich green with a bluish tint.
When the Clarkia Blooms
Clarkia falls during the summer months. Specific timing depends on the type.
Spike-shaped or racemose inflorescences are located on the tops of the shoots; single flowers can huddle in the axils of the leaves. The calyx is tubular and the corolla is four-lobed or consists of 4 separate petals. Flowers simple or double. The color scheme is represented by snow-white, pink, lilac, red-purple shades.
Growing clarkia from seeds
Clarkia reproduction involves an exclusively generative method (). Before sowing, the seeds should be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate to disinfect from diseases.
Planting clarkia seeds in open ground
It is carried out in the spring (from March to the second half of May) or before winter (approximately at the end of October). A month before sowing, you will need to dig up the site, add 1 kg of peat or humus for digging, 1 tablespoon of potassium sulfate and superphosphate (per 1 m² of area).
Spread the seeds over the surface of the soil, close with a rake. When sowing in winter, the seeds should be covered with a layer of soil about 2 cm thick (mulching can be done with a layer of compost or humus). In the spring, thin out seedlings, leaving a distance of about 30 cm between individual plants.
Growing seedlings at home
When and how to plant seeds
To get strong plants that successfully take root and bloom earlier, you will need. Sowing can begin from late March to mid-April..
- Fill the containers with light nutrient soil, moisten with a fine sprayer, spread the seeds over the surface of the soil, sprinkle with sand (layer no more than 0.5 cm).
- To create a greenhouse effect, you need a film shelter, you can cover it with a piece of glass.
- Provide an air temperature of 15-16 ° C and bright diffused lighting.
- Raise the shelter daily to ventilate.
- Shoots will appear in about 12-15 days.
- During this time, spray the soil with a fine sprayer, preventing it from drying out.
- When sprouts appear, remove the shelter, water sparingly.
- After the formation of two true leaves, plant them in separate containers, try to keep an earthen lump so as not to damage the root system.
Clarkia reproduces quite successfully by self-sowing. In the spring, you only need to thin out the seedlings, adjust the plantings (you can transplant young plants to the place where you need to).
Plot for growing clarkia
Clarkia requires an open, well-lit area to grow.
The soil should be light, permeable, slightly acidic. Dilute heavy loamy soil with sand.
To acidify the soil, one of the following options should be applied (per 1 m²):
- 60 grams of sulfur;
- 1-1.5 kg of peat;
- Spill with a solution: 1.5 tablespoons of citric or oxalic acid per 10 liters of water.
If the soil is highly acidic, lime should be added. The introduction of a nutrient composition is indicated in the section on growing clarkia from seeds.
Planting seedlings of Clarkia in open ground
Clarkia in open ground is carried out in May, when constant heat is established.
- Make holes of such a size that 2-3 seedlings fit into each - they do not interfere with each other, and the plantings will look more magnificent.
- Transfer seedlings along with an earthen clod.
- The root neck should be flush with the soil surface, press the soil around the seedling with your palms, water well.
- To stimulate growth, pinch the tops of the shoots.
- Keep a distance of 20-40 cm between individual holes.
Mature plants will need support, as thin shoots can lie down or be damaged by strong gusts of wind. Insert the pegs, stretch the ropes between them, to which the clarks are tied as they grow.
How to care for clarkia in the garden
Watering
Clarkia is resistant to drought, waterlogging of the soil leads to the development of diseases. The plant is quite content with natural precipitation. Watering will only be required during a period of prolonged drought, while applying a moderate amount of water at intervals of 4-5 days. Avoid stagnant moisture.
top dressing
From the moment the buds are set, fertilizers begin to be applied. It is absolutely impossible to use organic matter; feed with complex mineral fertilizers (Rainbow, Kemira, etc.). Feed every 15 days.
pruning
In order for the flowering to be long and lush, wilted inflorescences should be removed in time. Leave only the amount needed to collect the seeds.
Seed collection
For the subsequent collection of seeds, leave the most spectacular flowers. When they begin to fade, put gauze bags on them so that the seeds do not accidentally wake up when the seed pods spontaneously open. The seeds will ripen 4 weeks after the flower wilts, the seed box will turn brown. Cut them off, put them on a newspaper, dry them. Store in paper bags in a dry, dark place.
Clarkia after flowering
After flowering, cut off the shoots at the root and remove them from the site (it is better to burn). During autumn digging, get rid of plant residues, as they can cause the development of pathogenic microorganisms.
Diseases and pests
When growing clarkia in heavy loamy soil, rust damage is possible. Yellow spots with a brown border appear on the leaf plates.
From overmoistening of the soil, downy mildew can occur. Leaf plates will become covered with whitish or brown spots, begin to curl and dry out.
In both cases, cut off the affected areas, treat with a fungicide (you can use Bordeaux mixture).
Soil dampness can also cause root rot. In this case, the plants will die.
Among pests, mealybugs and aphids are dangerous. Requires insecticide treatment. In the fight against aphids, an infusion of garlic or citrus peels has proven itself well, make a solution with water in a ratio of 1 to 10.
In order to prevent diseases during budding, spraying with Bordeaux mixture is carried out. Choose a suitable site for growing the plant, do not thicken the plantings, stick to moderation in watering, then no diseases and pests are terrible for the plant.
Clarkia in landscape design
In colorful flower beds, snow-white daisies, asters, combine with phloxes will be suitable partners for Clarkia. Favorably clarkia look against the background of lilies, low rose bushes.
You can grow Clarkia in flowerpots that will be used to decorate balconies, verandas, arbors.
Clarkia in floristry
After cutting, the Clarkia inflorescences remain fresh for 15 days, while the buds open gradually.
Types and varieties of clarkia with photos and names
Clarkia graceful or marigold Clarkia unguiculata syn. Clarkia elegans
A species popular in cultivation in temperate latitudes. The stems are branched (due to which the bush looks lush), as they grow from below, they become woody. Leaf plates are oval in shape with sparsely toothed edges, have a greenish-gray tint, covered with reddish veins. The flowers are regular in shape, about 4 cm in diameter, the colors can be white, pink, red, blue. Corollas are placed singly in the axils of the leaves. Blooms tirelessly all summer.
The best varieties:
- Albatross - the height of a branched bush is about 75 cm. Corollas are terry, snow-white.
- Purpurkenig - the height of the plant is 80-90 cm. Double flowers of a carmine shade reach a diameter of 3.5-4 cm.
- Salmon perfection - the plant grows up to 90 cm. The flowers are double, up to 3.5 cm in diameter, have a pink-salmon hue.
Clarkia pretty Clarkia pulchella
Dwarf species with upright branched shoots about 40 cm high. Leaf plates obovate with pointed tops. Corollas simple or terry. They gather at the tops of the shoots in corymbose inflorescences, they can be located singly in the axils of the leaves. The corollas are divided into 3 lobes, which are fairly widely spaced. In America, this species is often called "moose antlers". The flowering period begins half a month earlier than the previous species.
Arianna variety is popular.
Clarkia Brewery Clarkia breweri
A species that is gaining more and more popularity in horticulture. This annual is quite cold hardy. The bushes are compact, half a meter high. In shape, the corollas resemble butterfly wings, the diameter is about 3 cm. The inflorescences are loose. Flowering is accompanied by a strong aroma.
A popular variety of Pink Ribbons - the corolla consists of petals-ribbons. Tiny bushes are about 30 cm high, the shoots branch well.
Clarkia is considered a fairly attractive elegant plant that has a long flowering. In appearance, it is a bush, completely strewn with beautiful fluffy inflorescences resembling roses. Inflorescences delight with a variety of shades, brightness. There are varieties of solid color, two-tone, even with speckles. Gardeners fall in love with her at first sight. The topic “Clarkia growing from seeds when to plant” becomes relevant for everyone who wants to acquire a charming beauty.
Belongs to the fireweed family, is an annual. Reaches a height of 60 cm, has branched stems, oval-shaped leaves. All flowers form inflorescences at the top of the bush. More than 30 varieties of clarcia are known.
Interesting! The name of the flower was due to its discoverer - the English priest Clark.
Species and varieties (height)
Among gardeners, three types of culture are popular:
Graceful (marigold) . California is considered the homeland. It is a lush branched annual, reaching a meter in height. The stems are hardy, thin, slightly woody towards the bottom. The leaves are purplish-green in color, have red veins, and are oval in shape. Inflorescences reach a diameter of 4 cm, can be simple, terry, purple, scarlet, turquoise, white. Seed material remains viable for up to 4 years. Abundant flowering lasts from early July to late September.
Particularly popular are such varieties as:
- purplekenig - a fluffy variety of scarlet color, inflorescences have a diameter of 3-4 cm, a bush 85-90 cm high;
- albatross - double flowers of a snow-white shade, bush height about 75 cm;
- salmon perfection - terry soft orange inflorescences with a diameter of 3 cm, the bush reaches a height of 90 cm.
Pretty (furry) . It is a dwarf species. Only 40 cm high, the leaves are long, rich green, slightly narrowed. Buds can be simple, terry, single, form inflorescences. It starts flowering 10-14 days earlier than elegant Clarkia.
Pleasant (Brevery) . This species is gaining popularity due to its resistance to cold. It reaches a height of 50 cm. The inflorescences resemble butterflies, 3 cm in diameter, and have a light alluring aroma.
Informative! Recently, breeders have been developing new hybrid varieties. The emphasis is on unusual colors, the combination of several shades in one inflorescence.
Features of growing from seeds at home
Even a beginner can grow seedlings from seeds. The main thing is to follow certain rules. Then the result will not keep you waiting. The most common recommendations:
- before sowing, it is imperative to prepare a wooden container with a special substrate and a lid;
- the container is placed in a well-lit place, however, it is protected from direct sunlight;
- if necessary, additional lighting for seedlings should be provided;
- after the appearance of the first shoots, the cover is removed, the seedlings continue to grow with open access to air.
When to plant a Clarkia for seedlings
Seedlings grown in seedlings are protected from unstable temperatures and frosts. It is for this reason that most gardeners do not risk planting seeds directly in open ground. Seeds are planted in the second half of April, after a month the crops can already be transferred to a permanent place of growth. However, it is worth paying attention to the climatic conditions of a particular area of \u200b\u200bresidence. If May is still accompanied by frosts, then planting seedlings is recommended to be postponed until a steady warming occurs.
Preparing seeds for sowing
The grains of the culture are quite small. However, experienced gardeners still select the largest, whole seeds from the grains. Such actions explain four reasons:
- The larger the seed, the more nutrients it contains. Due to the presence of nutrients, the percentage of germination increases.
- From large grains shoots appear faster. Some flower growers note the acceleration of growth by almost half. Early shoots give earlier flowering.
- If the selected seeds were large, then the mature plant has large inflorescences, attractive flowers that are great for bouquet arrangements.
- Bushes grown from selected seeds have strong immunity, show resistance to temperature changes, and are less likely to suffer from pests and various diseases.
- Before sowing, seeds can be treated with a light solution of manganese. This contributes to the disinfection of grains, increases germination by almost 90%.
Know! When sorting seeds, you can use tweezers or a special sieve or sieve.
What containers are needed for sowing
Gardeners for growing seedlings use individual containers, cups, large wooden boxes, peat tablets. Peat tablets are left when planting seedlings in a flower bed. Thus, maintaining a set of essential trace elements. Seedlings suffer from excessive moisture, so watering is done as the soil dries out.
Soil (composition, characteristics)
For growing seeds, it is recommended to use slightly acidic loose sandy soil. Additionally add complex mineral fertilizers, humus, ash. You can also use a ready-made factory substrate designed specifically for growing young seedlings.
To protect future seedlings from fungal infections, black leg, the substrate should be calcined or steamed in a water bath.
Important! Fatty soil adversely affects the culture. In such a soil, it is necessary to add sand, peat.
Seed sowing technology
When sowing seedlings, a certain sequence of steps is followed:
- Containers of small height are filled with prepared moistened soil.
- The grains are scattered over the surface of the soil, with light pressure they are pressed into the ground with a spatula or a wooden plank.
- Crops are irrigated with warm water, covered with glass or film.
- The containers are left in a warm place, but protected from direct sunlight.
Seedling care
When shoots appear, the glass or film can be removed. Before transferring seedlings to open ground, seedlings should be in a warm room with good ventilation. Favorable room conditions allow seedlings to grow strong, healthy. After all, it is completely protected from temperature changes, cold rainy days. Also, seedlings can be transferred to a greenhouse, subject to optimal temperature conditions.
Seedling care (hardening, picking)
Seedlings do not need hardening. Grown in a comfortable climate, it is quite hardy, has good immunity. Given the timing of the landing, she is not threatened by cold nights.
If the grains were planted in a common large container, picking is done after the appearance of the first two leaves. During picking, do not leave single sprouts. The culture grows better in a bush, therefore it is recommended to transfer it in separate containers, taking into account the further growth of the future bush.
Important! It should not be tightened with a pick. The older the plant, the higher the risk of injuring it during transplantation.
Terms of planting seeds in open ground
Resistance to cold allows you to plant seeds directly into the ground. Gardeners call this method without seedlings. You can plant both in spring and autumn, leaving for the winter. Without seedling method allows you to get the strongest viable culture. The stems of such a flower are elastic, dense, the inflorescences are large.
Seeds are sown in late April early May. The site intended for sowing requires preliminary preparation, which is carried out no later than two weeks before planting.
When planted in autumn, sprouts appear long before the onset of the first cold weather. Seedlings covered with snow are able to survive the winter. If the seeds did not have time to germinate before the cold snap, they will sprout in the spring. Overwintered seeds require the same care as those planted in the spring.
Since the seeds are quite small, they should be sown in groups of 5, keeping a distance of 20-40 cm between groups. The first shoots appear after 15-20 days. When the seedlings grow, they need to be thinned out, thereby forming future bushes.
Know! The thicker the planting, the more spectacular the Clarkia looks during flowering. Therefore, do not make seedlings rare.
Choosing a landing site, soil
The beautiful appearance of the culture directly depends on the conditions of detention. This variety is quite unpretentious, but for proper growth and development, the correct location of the culture on the flower garden is necessary. An important factor is to ensure the optimal composition of soil quality.
This flower needs a sufficient amount of light, it should be planted in an open sunny area. In a shady place, growth will continue. It will even become overgrown with dense greenery, but will give small lonely buds. This species is also not afraid of drafts.
Proper planting requires good drainage. In the presence of groundwater passing close to the soil surface, it is recommended to arrange bulk beds before planting bushes. The soil should be loose and light. Before planting, you can fertilize with humus, mineral fertilizers. It is advisable to do this in advance so that the soil has time to be saturated with minerals.
Remember! Poor soil will never produce beautiful, worthy buds. Inflorescences will be single, rather small.
Soil moisture is an important factor. Here it is appropriate to observe the golden mean. For Clarkia, excess moisture is detrimental to overdried soil.
Flower care (watering, fertilizing, tying)
If you immediately install small pegs near the holes, this will greatly simplify care. As the seedlings grow, they will be able to lean on the stakes with stems. When planting several varieties, it is recommended to make a decent distance between the beds. This is due to the ability of culture to pollinate.
Basic care consists of:
- timely proper watering;
- getting rid of weeds;
- top dressing;
- soil loosening;
- removal of wilted buds.
During the rainy season, there is no need to additionally water the seedlings, the amount of precipitation that nature gives is quite enough. The dry season requires systematic but moderate watering. It is recommended to water at intervals of 4 days. After watering, the water should not stagnate, but is quickly absorbed. During the break between watering, the top layer of the earth should dry well.
For long, abundant flowering, fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is required. Top dressing is carried out once every two weeks. Organic fertilizers are strictly prohibited.
Bushes should be regularly inspected, dried leaves and buds should be removed. Gardeners also recommend removing extra seed pods. After such simple manipulations, culture will give new beautiful buds for a long time to come. These recommendations serve as a good prevention of diseases and pests. When growing tall varieties of a flower, one should remember the need to tie up the stems of the plant.
Important! The amount of moisture should be carefully monitored. If the roots are constantly in dampness, then they will certainly be affected by rot.
Clarkia graceful from seeds when to plant
Clarkia graceful is the most sought after plant species. Like other representatives of this species, it does not require special care, quickly sprouts, and is resistant to diseases.
You can plant crops already in March, then in June the seedlings will delight with the first buds. Loose nutrient soil is prepared for sowing. Before planting, the seeds are soaked in a weak solution of manganese. This will help prevent the occurrence of various kinds of infections and diseases.
Seeds are sown in groups, not deepening much. Before the emergence of seedlings, the crops are covered with a film, put in a warm place. Every day the film is removed to remove unnecessary condensate, as well as ventilation. After the appearance of the first leaves, the film can be removed completely.
After waiting for May, the seedlings can be transferred to the ground. It is important to transfer the sprouts without damaging the root. Before planting, you should properly prepare the site, dig, fertilize the land. The holes are placed at a distance of 20 cm. If you plant bushes in groups, then during flowering you will get a chic bouquet.
This species loves sunny areas, does not tolerate shade. The stems of clarkia graceful are quite thin. Therefore, additional support is needed.
Interesting! Clarkia graceful does not differ from its counterparts in the rules of care and cultivation. All recommendations are relevant for any type of this plant. But it was the graceful Clarkia that gardeners fell in love with.
Possible problems
The culture shows resistance to pest damage, rarely gets sick. The most common cause of disease is a violation of the basic rules of care.
Planting seedlings in heavy loamy soil provokes the development of fungal diseases, accompanied by the formation of brown spots on the leaves. Seedlings can hardly tolerate an excess of mineral fertilizers.
Diseases and pests (treatment)
When spores of a fungal infection enter the nutrient medium, they affect the root system. The presence of a fungal infection is accompanied by the presence of brown spots that grow rapidly. During reproduction, the spores of the fungus spread throughout the plant.
A gray coating with a certain fluffiness forms on the rotting part. Such a plaque is an accumulator of fungal spores. After ripening, the spores will spread, thereby causing irreparable harm to the entire flower garden. After the lesion, the culture cannot be treated, it should be removed from the flower bed. The place of stay is treated with a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture.
Young seedlings may be affected by garden flea. This happens when the flower garden is located directly near the garden beds. Fleas, jumping, move from one culture to another, feed on the juice from the leaves.
Very rarely there is a defeat by a dangerous mealybug. A small worm has a yellow-orange color, camouflaged under a white blanket, similar in appearance to cotton wool. It takes a lot of effort and energy to fight this pest. The use of drugs such as "Fufanon" or "Karbofos" is recommended.
Know! The affected plant should be removed from the flower bed to prevent the spread of infection to other types of flowers. The remains of stems, roots and leaves must be burned. Only this will guarantee the complete elimination of the disease.
Plant care during and after flowering
In leaving, Clarkia shows modesty and unpretentiousness. In order for the culture to please with abundant beautiful flowering, all that is required is to control the level of moisture, timely removal of buds after flowering.
Given the ability to self-seeding, there is no need to collect seed. If such a need is present, then you should choose bushes with the most beautiful large buds, collect seed from them. Since Clarkia is an annual, after flowering, the stems are cut to the very root, and the remaining roots are dug up in autumn.
How to collect seeds
The culture has an excellent ability to reproduce by self-seeding. With such reproduction, all that is required is with the onset of spring is simply to thin out the shoots that have appeared. Those who wish to collect the seed of their favorite species on their own need to wrap the box with seeds with a bandage or gauze cloth. Seeds ripen about a month and a half after flowering. In this case, the boxes with grains acquire a light shade.
The mature box is cut off, the seeds are carefully removed. This should be done with extreme caution, because the grains are quite small, with one awkward movement you can scatter them. The collected seed should be dried well for several days, it can be sown even in winter. Already with the onset of the new season, you can admire the flowering. You can also save the grains until spring by transferring them to a paper bag.
Remember! Hybrid varieties rarely sprout with the properties of the mother plant. Therefore, it is better to purchase breeding species again.
Clarkia in winter
In winter, Clarkia does not require special care. If the sown grains managed to sprout in autumn, then they will be able to calmly spend the winter under a layer of snow, and in early spring they will begin increased growth.
There are times when the flower does not have time to bloom. Then it can be carefully dug up, while maintaining the integrity of the root system, transplanted into a spacious pot. The container is transferred to the room, preferably to the east or west side with diffused light, they continue to take care of it as a normal room view. By resorting to such a trick, it becomes possible to extend the flowering period, however, after flowering, the culture will still dry out.
Combination with other plants
Combined with other cultures, Clarkia creates amazing beauty that pleases the gardener's eye. A win-win option is the neighborhood with asters, lilies, daisies and phlox.
It looks very colorful next to red roses of short stature. Great for bouquets and flower arrangements. The cut flower remains fresh for up to 10 days and gradually dissolves the formed buds.
Informative! Clarkia is often confused with Godetia. Only Clarkia graceful, pretty and Brewery are representatives of this species. All other plants are not included.
Clarkia is the most unpretentious plant. And her chic buds do not leave anyone indifferent. With the study of the issue of Clarkia, growing from seeds when planting can be handled even by a beginner, and a flowering flower bed will be a reason for delight.