The nasturtium flower is a well-deserved choice of the garden. How to create the right conditions for nasturtium seedlings at home

garden flower nasturtium is a member of the genus of herbaceous plants, in wild nature found in Central and South America. The introduced crop was used in Europe and Old England as a culinary plant.

Today, the flower is grown in many summer cottages and garden plots, and is popular in landscaping terraces and balconies.

Description of the appearance and properties of nasturtium

As garden decoration Nasturtium is used for its vibrant green foliage and bright yellow, orange, pink, or red flowers. The flowers are bisexual, represent an inflorescence of five petals with a slight pleasant smell.

The stem of the plant is branched, juicy, curly, representing a miniature liana, some varieties look like a shrub. Nasturtium seeds ripen one and a half months after the plant has completely faded. At this time, you can collect ripe seeds. Part of the seeds that fell to the ground on next year will give rise. Hybrid seeds do not produce flowering plants.

Features of planting nasturtium

Despite the fact that nasturtium is an unpretentious plant, its cultivation requires compliance with certain rules of agricultural technology. Regardless of the type and variety, a feature of nasturtium is its weak root system, thanks to which the plant does not require a large soil volume. The shallow root allows it to grow on rocky soil structures with a small layer of nutrient soil.

In this case, in the garden or on the balcony you can admire the bright flowers in the lush greenery of the foliage.

"Important. When growing nasturtium seedlings, you should not use the method of picking seedlings, as a weak root system may not withstand this procedure and the seedling will die.

Nasturtium is grown in open ground:

planting seeds collected in autumn at the end of April in warm, moist soil;

For landing, you should choose places well-lit by the sun, protected from drafts and wind;
The composition of the soil affects the color of the leaves, the duration and splendor of flowering nasturtium. The plant grows well on lungs slightly acidic soils with good drainage;
During growth, nasturtium shoots need regular feeding mineral fertilizers, to which the plant responds with abundant color. Organics can cause burns and death of the plant.
The bright flowering of nasturtium is provided not only by top dressing. Regular, but fairly moderate watering is required for good flowering. Watering can be stopped only in case of wet weather conditions.

To make nasturtium delight with its flowers cozy corner garden or balcony, you need to monitor the condition of the plant. If necessary, trim the stems and remove faded buds.

Growing and transplanting seedlings

Planting nasturtium seeds should be done with the onset of warm days, in a well-warmed earth by the sun. This time falls on the end of April, the beginning of May. After the emergence of seedlings, flowering should be expected in a month and a half.

"Important. If you plant nasturtium in partial shade, in the soil, with a small amount nutrients, you get a flower bed with richly developed green leaves and not very bright and lush flowering.

The most effective cultivation of nasturtium in open ground through seedlings.

In order for the plant to suffer as little as possible when transplanted to a flower bed, it is necessary:

Use peat pots with dense walls to avoid soil movement, as a result of which the root system of the plant may be damaged;
Use containers for seedlings with a volume of approximately 200-250 cm 3;
Provide young seedlings with good illumination so that the seedlings do not stretch, as thin elongated seedlings can get sick even on permanent place there will be no abundant flowering;
Before planting in a flower bed, seedlings should be exposed to fresh air for hardening;
Be careful when planting seedlings in open ground to a permanent place.

If the seedlings are grown and transplanted with the fulfillment of the listed conditions, the guarantee is richly flowering flower bed will be provided.

"Important. The term of similarity of nasturtium seeds lasts for four years.

In the area reserved for planting nasturtium, make holes corresponding to the size of the container with the seedling. Keep the distance between the landing pits about 30 cm;
Seedlings should be carefully removed from the container along with a clod of earth or a peat cup and placed in prepared holes;
Landing should be plentifully watered with settled, warm water;
The soil under the seedlings should be covered with mulch, this will retain moisture in the soil and slow down the appearance and growth of weeds;
Planted seedlings should be covered at night cool time and from sun rays afternoon.

The unpretentiousness of nasturtium can be seen from the appearance of the first shoots of seedlings in the open field. Seedlings planted in a flower bed also show their resilience in a new environment. The first days it will be a little lethargic, but subsequently the plant bushes will grow and in two or three weeks the first buds will appear, then bright flowers will greet the morning. The main agrotechnical measures are not difficult.

A proper procedure for caring for seedlings is as follows:

Frequent, abundant watering of nasturtium bushes before flowering;
Subsequently, soil moisture is reduced, watering is carried out only when the topsoil dries. Strong moisture will lead to an increase in green mass and the absence of flowering;

Systematic feeding of plants is recommended at intervals of one week before the buds appear. Fertilizers for nasturtium should contain mixtures containing potassium and phosphorus.
Systematically pick off dying flowers. This ensures the stimulation of the formation of new buds. A few wilted flowers are left to form a fruit with seeds.

Measures to control pests and diseases of nasturtium

The main dangerous pests of the plant are aphids, cabbage moths, white butterfly, spider mite and a bear. Especially dangerous pest- a bear that destroys almost all plants. Basic protection measures:

Pollination of the plant with ash - effective remedy fight against cabbage moth, aphids, cruciferous flea;
Spraying nasturtium with alcohol with a mass fraction of 96% will help get rid of the spider mite;
Effective substances in pest control are special chemicals and biological preparations. Many of them contain components that not only destroy harmful microorganisms, but have the properties of a beneficial effect on plants.

Plants, especially weakened by improper agrotechnical conditions, are susceptible to diseases such as:

Bacterial wilt, in which weakened, withering lower leaves provoke the weakening of the entire plant and its death;
Gray rot, manifested by the appearance of gray spots with a brown tint on the leaves;
Rust with small brown or black spots that gradually grow on the plant.
Mosaic is a viral disease with bright, variegated stains on the leaves.

Any of the ailments found on plantings of nasturtium requires a thorough examination of the plants, the removal of specimens with visible signs of the disease. Diseased plants should be removed, the rest of the nasturtium bushes must be treated with fungicide preparations.

Nasturtium is a plant loved by many gardeners. His homeland is Central and South America. In these regions in natural conditions about 90 species of flower grow, and among them there are both annual and perennial. But in the garden, nasturtium is usually grown as an annual.

The plant is widely used in landscape design. The dwarf variety is suitable for creating borders, borders, and various flower beds. Long shoot nasturtiums are best grown in tall containers or hanging baskets. Curly varieties are used in vertical gardening. They decorate arches and arbors, fences and decorative garden elements. And some experts advise even masking unpresentable compost heaps with them.

Types and use in landscape design

There are different types of nasturtium. Among the most common are the following:

1. Large (high). She has two varieties - with erect stems up to 70 cm high and with creeping ones - they reach a length of 250 cm. The flowers are large, brightly colored. This species has become the basis for the development of many garden hybrids.
2. Bush. Compact plants that are often used to decorate flower beds or planted along garden paths. The variety differs in that such bushes keep the given shape well.
3. Climbing. It has long creeping stems and can be grown as a groundcover or on a vertical support. It turns out a lively floral carpet that looks spectacular throughout the summer. But this species also has an ampelous form, which, when grown in a container, forms a whole cascade of flowering shoots.
4. Dwarf - a plant with thin stems up to 35 cm long. Its differences are small leaves and flowers up to 3 cm in diameter, usually yellow with dark spots.
5. Terry - an ampelous variety that blooms spectacularly due to the unusual shape of the petals.
6. Low-growing - a compact plant with erect stems that reach 25-30 cm in height. It can also be grown at home.

Curly nasturtium is valued for its decorative effect and unpretentiousness. This term refers to several types at once, which include:

Foreign (or Canarian). The length of the shoots reaches 3 meters, the flowers are relatively small, 2 cm in diameter, differ unusual shape and nice yellow color. The flower is extremely demanding on heat and moisture - more than other varieties. The stems quickly wrap around the support, so this species is recommended to be planted near the gazebo or fence.
Tricolor. This variety has elongated flowers and a bright yellow color. They are small, but there are many of them. Shoots reach a length of 100 cm.
Outstanding (or Beautiful) - a plant with creeping shoots and dark red flowers.
Multi-leaved - shoots reach a length of 120 cm, with favorable conditions can form dense thickets. The plant produces numerous yellow flowers. But this nasturtium loses its decorative effect almost immediately after the end of the flowering period.
Five leaf. A plant with long shoots that reach a length of 300 cm. The flowers are small, greenish-red.
Azure. Quite a rare variety, the flowers are distinguished by a lavender color.

Despite the differences in species, the rules for caring for all plants are almost the same.

Varieties

Since the plant almost never goes out of fashion (and landscape design has its own trends that change quite often), breeders almost every year present new varieties and hybrids of nasturtium. The most popular are:

1. Vesuvius - a variety that grows in small compact bushes. Its strong erect stems with large leaves reach a height of 25-30 cm. As they grow, they become semi-creeping, and they can be used as an ampelous form. The flowers have an original color - their petals are not orange, but salmon-pink with orange impurities and dark red spots on the top of the petals.
2. Cherry rose - terry variety with stems reaching a height of about 30 cm. Its flowers have an unusual crimson-pink color.
3. Salmon - high terry variety. The plant is unpretentious, looks spectacular thanks to beautiful leaves and pink flowers. Blooms from June to August.
4. Day and night - compact bushes up to 30 cm high. The plant is distinguished by erect shoots with light green leaves. The name of the variety is a reflection of its unique coloration, a mixture of red and cream flowers.
5. Canarian liana - a variety of nasturtium Foreign. The long curly shoots of the plant reach a length of 3.5 m. The leaves of the representatives of the variety are small, light in color, but in shape they are completely different from the leaves of other varieties. These 5-7-segmented leaves and small flowers with a fringed edge are what made this variety popular.
6. A terry fairy tale is a variety mixture, because it contains flowers different shades. The height of the stems is 40 cm. The leaves are bright green, preserving the decorative effect of the plant even after the end of the flowering season.
7. Alaska is another mix. These are low compact bushes with rather dense foliage of marbled white-and-white color. The flowers are large and can be of different shades.
8. Yeti - a variety of climbing nasturtium with a shoot length of up to 2 m. The color of the plant is noteworthy - white and cream, with yellow spots in the center.

Not all varieties tolerate frost equally well. Therefore, they need to be chosen taking into account not only the color and length of the shoots, but also climatic conditions. For example, in Siberia, planting dates are later, and not all species will take root there (for example, Foreign nasturtium is extremely demanding on temperature).

Beneficial features

Beyond purely decorative properties nasturtium in the garden has and practical value. In addition to Foreign, all other types of plants are useful for the garden. The fact is that the smell of their leaves repels most insect pests.

Nasturtium bushes protect vegetable beds from cabbage whiteflies and whiteflies. But, unfortunately, the plant is very fond of aphids. For nasturtium, this is fatal, but for other inhabitants of the garden it will be a plus. Therefore, sometimes experts advise specially growing several bushes in the vicinity of those vegetable and ornamental crops that are particularly affected by aphids.

In addition, many gardeners try to plant nasturtium between tomato beds, next to potatoes, cabbage, pumpkin, cucumbers or beans. Nasturtium nectar is a bait for beneficial insects, which are necessary for plant pollination. In addition, just like marigolds, nasturtium is a nematocidal plant, that is, it expels nematodes from the soil.

Growing and care rules

For most types of nasturtium, the seed method of reproduction is used. But not for everyone it will be the most effective. For new varieties and hybrids, as well as for terry varieties, the vegetative method is used, that is, cuttings.

Sowing seeds is required to be carried out according to all the rules. Yes, you need to soak them first. To do this, the seeds are placed in hot water for 15-20 minutes, and then soaked in the usual way for a day.

Many novice gardeners are interested in how to properly plant nasturtium - seedling or seedless method. In fact, both options are correct. If a method without seedlings is chosen, then holes are prepared in open ground, 2-3 seeds are placed in each to a depth of just a couple of centimeters. The distance between the holes is about 20-30 cm.

AT middle lane In Russia, the sowing time is the end of May, when there are no more frosts. In more northern areas, this should be done later, depending on weather conditions. But there are ways to help protect seedlings when they are at their most vulnerable. Where return frosts are possible, the germination process is accelerated artificially - before sowing the seeds, the soil is shed hot water. Then the already sown area is covered with a special non-woven material, and at night - also plastic wrap. Watering should be moderate, water - warm. In such regions, young plants open only in early June.

Growing without seedlings has its advantages. Such plants are most often more resistant to disease, although they bloom later.

It is necessary to sow seeds for seedlings in April - May. For this, it is recommended to use peat pots. They are planted on seedlings in the same way as in open ground - 2-3 pieces to a depth of 2 cm. On average, at room temperature, they germinate in two weeks. But in order to obtain high-quality seedlings, it is also important to ensure the correct light regime. Due to the lack of sun, the seedlings will be very stretched, and after planting in a flower bed, they can get sick for a long time.

Planting seedlings is carried out in June, and a month later the plant begins to bloom.

Nasturtium care consists mainly of moderate watering and weeding. When mulching, weeding is not needed. Watering is important after the planted nasturtium begins to actively develop. During the flowering period, its volume should decrease, since with excess moisture there will be many leaves, and few flowers. You need to make sure that the soil does not dry out.

To keep the plant looking well-groomed, it is important to regularly remove dried flowers and shoots, but only if the seeds are purchased separately. If the owner of the site wants to collect them on his own, you need to wait until the fruit forms in place of the flower. In this case, you need to immediately start collecting, since fully ripened seeds quickly fall off, and self-seeding occurs.

A real find for a novice gardener is the modest nasturtium. Simple and undemanding, it is able to give the garden a sea of \u200b\u200bjoyful and bright colors. solar colors. Charged with its positive energy and inhaling a pleasant unobtrusive aroma, you can no longer refuse the pleasure of seeing this flower in your area. We will tell you in detail how to grow nasturtium from seeds, when and how to plant, water, fertilize, so that even a beginner can cope with this task.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum) is an annual or perennial plant of the Nasturtium family, it can be herbaceous or semi-shrub. The homeland of nasturtium is Central and South America, therefore our climate is cold for it and it cannot winter with us, respectively, and is grown only as an annual.

The ancient name of this plant "capuchin" is very characteristic, as the flowers resemble monastic hoods.

Nasturtiums came to Europe in the 16th century and won the hearts of many flower lovers. Not only the shape of the flower is beautiful - a bright cup with a spur at the bottom, consisting of five orange-yellow-red large petals, the leaves are also very decorative. They are alternately arranged on a fleshy stem, have a rounded shape, and, as it were, are slightly covered with a wax coating. In a group planting, they form a pretty openwork greenery. Nasturtium blooms from July until the first frost. The fruit consists of three rounded wrinkled seeds that remain viable for 5 years.

Scientists have now recorded about 90 types of nasturtium, but in our climate only a few are used for decorative floriculture.

Nasturtium big(Tropaeolum majus) - the most common species in our country. Stems are fleshy, brittle, climbing varieties creeping (250-300 cm), and in bushes slightly creeping erect (20-70 cm). Thyroid rounded leaves irregular shape rather large (up to 8 cm), the lower part is slightly smoky. The flowers are simple or double, fragrant, of various shades of yellow-red. Gives a good self-seeding. Large nasturtium has many varieties. For example, Peach Melba nasturtium (40 cm), undersized Ladybug nasturtium (25 cm), and Cherry Rose nasturtium (40 cm) are very popular.

Nasturtium large "Peach Melba"
Nasturtium large "Cherry rose"

Climbing forms are vividly illustrated by the "May" nasturtium, with yellow or orange-salmon double flowers on three-meter shoots, as well as the fast-growing winding "Yeti" nasturtium (2 m).

Of the varietal mixtures, the Day and Night nasturtium (40 cm) is very effective, which includes seeds of two contrasting shades of nasturtium: lemon-cream and dark red. Another mixture of "Nymph" with two-meter shoots is also popular.

Shield nasturtium

Shield nasturtium(Tropaeolum peltophorum) - a perennial shrub up to 4 m tall, grown in our area as an annual, although it blooms in its homeland all year round. Green, dark-colored leaves have an irregular rounded shape. The flowers are similar to large nasturtium, deep red, there are varieties with golden and orange color. But of the varieties we have described only undersized (25 cm) "Lucifer".

Nasturtium cultural(Tropaeolum cultorum) - this species combines hybrids derived from nasturtium large and shield-bearing. They represent annual plants with shield-shaped leaves of purple or green color. Fragrant flowers are simple or double, medium in size (up to 5 cm), can have any shades of yellow-red. Plants of this species can be dwarf (15-20 cm), compact (up to 50 cm), climbing or creeping (up to 4 m).

Of course, this species is replete with a variety of varieties. Very original miniature (20-25 cm) nasturtium "Alaska". The climbing mix "Out of Africa" (or "African Queen") with marbled leaves will surprise you.

Nasturtium cultural "Alaska"
Nasturtium cultural "Out of Africa" (or "African Queen")

This species has varieties with particularly long shoots. For example, the Long Climbing nasturtium grows up to 3.5 m, and the Python variety even up to 4 m.

Nasturtium cultural "Margaret Long"

There are special, densely doubled varieties that are simply magnificent, but they only reproduce vegetatively. These are soft apricot "Margaret Long", fiery red "Hermina Grashof", golden yellow "Darjeeling Gold".

Nasturtium foreign(Tropaeolum peregrinum) - climbing herbaceous plant, grows up to 3.5 m. This species is very different in leaf and flower shape from traditional ones. The leaves are strongly dissected, and small (4 cm) flowers are rich yellow with greenish spurs and corrugated carved petals. A fast-growing species, but the seeds in our climate may not ripen. It is sold under the names "Canarian Liana" or "Canary" nasturtium.

Nasturtium foreign "Canarian liana"

Nasturtium small(Tropaeolum minus) or dwarf - a herbaceous plant, has low branched stems (15-35 cm) with a groove. The leaves are traditionally rounded, small, located on long cuttings. Small yellow flowers (3 cm) have dark spots, velvety upper petals and a slightly curved spur.
There are nasturtiums and tuberous species. AT temperate climate some of them are grown as annuals. it tuberous nasturtium(Tropaeolum tuberosum), nasturtium multifolia(Tropaeolum polyphyllum), beautiful nasturtium(Tropaeolum speciosum), nasturtium tricolor(Tropaeolum tricolorum).

Nasturtium multifolia
Nasturtium tricolor

Tuberous nasturtium has a variety known to us - Ken Aslet.

Reproduction methods

Tuberous nasturtium and others similar species reproduce by dividing the tuber, but since they are practically not used in our area, we will not consider this process in detail.

The root nasturtium of interest to us can be propagated by seeds and vegetatively. Vegetative propagation carried out by rooting young cuttings. To do this, use wet sand or just water. This method is rarely used, in cases where it is necessary to propagate rare specimens or to preserve valuable varietal characteristics.

The easiest and most common way is to grow nasturtium from seeds.

Nasturtium seeds

Seeds can be collected from existing plants, the main thing is not to miss the moment. At first, the fruits are greenish, and as they ripen, they turn white. When the three seeds that make up the fruit begin to separate, they must be plucked. In all the species described above, the seeds ripen well, the only exception is foreign nasturtium. Its seeds ripen already plucked. Store well-dried nasturtium seeds in paper bags.

It is important to remember that when propagating with self-collected seeds, as with self-sowing, some varietal features may be lost. First of all, this applies to terry specimens; it is better to purchase their seeds in specialized stores.

Nasturtium in the country will not only decorate the landscape, protect other plants, but also bring practical benefits. Firstly, it is edible, most often used in cooking as a spice. Secondly, it has medicinal properties. It has long been used to treat scurvy. It is also a wonderful antiseptic, gives a good antitussive and expectorant effect. Used in traditional medicine for the treatment of kidney diseases, has a positive effect on blood circulation. Strengthens hair.

In addition to useful properties, there are also contraindications. Nasturtium should not be used (or done very carefully) by people suffering from gastritis or stomach ulcers. Since its use, like most spices, leads to irritation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

Now you know what a wonderful nasturtium flower it is, in addition to being highly decorative, useful properties She is also very easy to care for. We told you how to grow nasturtium correctly. Now you need to buy seeds and wait for the onset of warm days so that a magical flower that absorbs the sun settles on your site.

Gardeners in Russia and neighboring countries grow cabbage with pleasure and quite successfully. But the "set" is usually limited to varieties white cabbage different term ripening, broccoli and cauliflower. Meanwhile, we already have popular types of cabbage that ripen earlier, and bring less trouble when growing. In this article, we bring to your attention 5 types of cabbage that you may not have heard of yet, but which are definitely worth growing.

The long-awaited April does not always bring pleasant surprises with the weather. But sooner or later, all work in ornamental garden will start in April. From simple household chores and clearing plant debris, cutting dry curtains and mulching the soil to laying new flower beds, you will have to take care of a lot. Landings come to the fore in April. Bushes, trees, creepers should be planted this month. But do not forget about the care of seedlings.

Among the variety of tomato varieties, as a rule, only two groups are distinguished: indeterminate and determinant. But the tomato world is divided into more diverse “clans”, which are not only interesting to know about, but also useful. Tomatoes are divided according to the method of cultivation, ripening time, leaf shape, fruit shape, size, color ... Today I want to talk about the varieties that form the most colorful group under the beautiful name "Bi-color" (Bi-Colour).

Charming April, with its delicate flowering and the first dazzling greenery, is a very capricious and changeable month. Sometimes he unpleasantly surprises with a winter atmosphere, and sometimes pleases with unexpected warmth. In April, work starts on the beds, and a full season begins in the greenhouse. Sowing and planting in open ground should not interfere with the care of seedlings, because the quality of the crop depends on its quality. Moon calendar useful plants especially favorable at the beginning of the month.

spring sanitary pruning allows you to form a beautiful crown, stimulates the formation of a high yield. Trees easily tolerate it, recovery is very fast, wounds heal well. The main goal is the formation of the crown, the removal of broken and dried branches during the winter. Especially needed winter pruning in the first four years after planting, when skeletal branches are laid. Optimal time spring pruning - from the beginning of winter to the beginning of spring.

Extreme sensitivity to low temperatures makes zinnias flyers, which are usually grown through seedlings. But on the other hand, in sowing, and growing young zinnias, there is nothing complicated. They are hardy and low maintenance plants that are easy to grow from seed. And if you also collect your own seeds, you will get one of the most “economical” flyers in your collection. Bright baskets of inflorescences color the garden with a special cheerful canvas.

A wide range of cucumber hybrid seeds is presented on the domestic market. Which varieties to choose to get the maximum yield? We have identified the best hybrids, according to the buyers of Agrosuccess seeds. They were Meringue, Zozulya, Masha and Director. In this article, we will tell you about their advantages. Since absolutely all hybrids of cucumbers do not have flaws: they do not turn yellow, they have many ovaries, the fruits are not large, they are resistant to diseases.

Eggplants are tall erect plants with wide dark green leaves and large fruits that create a special mood in the beds. And in the kitchen, they are a popular product for a wide variety of dishes: eggplants are fried, stewed and canned. Of course, growing a decent crop in the middle lane and to the north is not an easy task. But subject to the agrotechnical rules of cultivation, it is quite accessible even to beginners. Especially if you grow eggplant in a greenhouse.

Lenten charlotte with apples and cinnamon with vegetable cream is a simple pie that is suitable for fasting people, this pastry can also be included in a vegetarian menu. There are situations when dairy products need to be replaced with vegetable ones, then vegetable cream prepared on the basis of vegetable fats comes to the aid of housewives. The taste of cream goes well with apples and cinnamon, the baking powder makes the dough fluffy and airy, the cake is simply delicious.

Buying a blooming orchid, lovers exotic plants wondering if it will bloom just as well at home and whether it is worth waiting for it re-bloom? Everything will be - and grow, and bloom, and delight for many years, but on one condition. As for any indoor plants, for an orchid, initially you need to try to create conditions acceptable for growth and development. Sufficient lighting, humidity and air temperature, a special substrate are the main points.

Noble lush greenery, unpretentiousness, the ability to purify the air of dust and pathogens make nephrolepis one of the most popular indoor ferns. There are many types of nephrolepis, but any of them can become a real decoration of the room, and it doesn’t matter if it’s an apartment, Vacation home or office. But only healthy, well-groomed plants can decorate a room, so creating suitable conditions and proper care is the main task of flower growers.

The right herring under a fur coat - layers in turn, the order of which depends on the taste of the dish. It is important not only to put the fish and vegetables in a certain sequence. Great importance has also the preparation of products. Never boil vegetables for this snack the day before, they will lose some of their taste in the refrigerator overnight, they will become insipid. Boil vegetables 2-3 hours before cooking and cool them until room temperature. You can also bake carrots, beets and potatoes in the oven in foil.

In the garden first-aid kit of experienced gardeners, there is always crystalline iron sulfate, or ferrous sulfate. Like many others chemicals, it has properties that protect horticultural crops from numerous diseases and insect pests. In this article, we will talk about the features of using iron sulphate for the treatment of garden plants from diseases and pests and other options for its use on the site.

Many people cannot imagine their diet without ripe tasty tomatoes. Moreover, the variety of varieties allows you to choose the one that is most to your taste. There are varieties that are called salad, that is, it is better to use them in fresh. These include the Honey tomato, whose name speaks for itself. In 2007, the Honey variety was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation. "Agrosuccess" offers seeds from the best breeders in the world that have passed additional testing

Retaining walls are the main tool for working with complex terrain on the site. With their help, not only create terraces or play with planes and leveling, but also emphasize the beauty of the rockery landscape, the change in height, the style of the garden, its character. Retaining walls allow you to play with raised and lowered platforms and hidden areas. Modern dry or more solid walls help to turn the disadvantages of the garden into its main advantages.

A little modest, but at the same time bright and memorable - all this can be said about nasturtium in the garden. Even despite the fact that most gardeners prefer to grow more exotic species plants, nasturtium does not become less popular from this. This is due not only to its outstanding appearance and diversity. color schemes, but also with unpretentiousness, resistance to various negative influences.

Nasturtium or Capuchin large (some know this plant by that name) belongs to the Nasturtium family. The culture is distinguished by single flowers of small or large sizes painted in various colors. Most often found nasturtium with pink, crimson, yellow or scarlet flowers. But also flowers can be painted in apricot, cream, salmon or cherry.

On a note! The diameter of semi-double or double flowers can reach 8 cm, but, as a rule, they do not grow more than 5 cm. Each flower has 5-7 petals and a funnel-shaped tube. The plant is distinguished by its delicate and delicate aroma.

Most species of nasturtium have large, rounded, shield-shaped leaves, although plants with palmate, entire, or alternate leaves can also be found. Their surface is glossy, and the stems can be upright, curly, branched or creeping - it depends on the variety of nasturtium.

Varieties

There are several types of nasturtium, each of which differs in its color, leaf and flower shape, and method. decorative use. Consider some popular types.

Table. Common types of nasturtium.

Species name, photo	Description
	Based on the name, it is easy to guess what the peculiarity of this plant is. We are talking about low growth (from 15 to 30 cm). Dwarf (or small) nasturtium has small yellow flowers and the same small leaves. Most often it is grown to decorate balconies or window sills.
	annual bush plant grown by gardeners for landscape design. It is considered a compact flower, so it is often used to decorate garden paths.
	A chic plant grown as an ampelous or ground cover crop. Has long stems and lush flowers, therefore, housewives often decorate their flower beds with climbing nasturtium.
	A popular plant that breeds like vegetatively and with the help of seeds. There is another name - super-terry nasturtium. In most cases, it is grown as an ampelous crop due to its bright double flowers.
	With the help of this type of plant, gardeners create vertical gardening and also form a hedge. The length of the shoots can reach 3 m, the diameter of the flowers is from 3 to 6 cm. There are many varieties of climbing nasturtium, including those with double inflorescences.

Optimal sowing time

There are only three ways to propagate flowers: seedlings, cuttings and seeds. Among them, the simplest is sowing nasturtium seeds in open soil, but if you decide to do this business in the spring, it will be more efficient to sow the crop for seedlings, and then plant the latter in open ground. Thanks to this cultivation, growth is greatly accelerated. Optimal period for sowing seeds - the end of March or the first half of April. If you live in cold regions, then it is better to plant seeds in early May.

On a note! Some varieties of nasturtium - for example, terry - can be grown from cuttings. To do this, before planting, they should be rooted in wet sand. This is a good way to keep decorative and external features plants.

Growing nasturtium

Nasturtium belongs to unpretentious crops, but for lush and long flowering, you need to take care of creating optimal conditions for a plant.

Nasturtium - seedling cultivation

Soil preparation

For the growth of flowers, a moderately fertile and light soil with a slightly acidic environment is perfect. The soil must also have good drainage properties. If you plant this plant in a well-fed organic fertilizers soil, then it will not bloom and delight with its bright appearance. In this case, nasturtium will "fatten". But if you plant a crop in too poor soil, then the plant will lose its decorative qualities: the leaves will be small, and the stems will grow bare.

In addition, there is a possibility that when planting a plant in heavy soil, its root system will soon begin to rot. As a result, the flowers may die. Therefore, you need to take into account the preferences of the culture when planting and leaving. The soil should be moderately fertilized.

Seed preparation

Nasturtium seeds do not require any preparatory measures before planting, it is enough to buy a package of seeds of the variety you like, open it and start sowing. But you can also collect the seed yourself. To do this, collect the seeds as the plant wilts - during this period they just ripen.

You can find out when to start collecting seeds by evaluating them appearance. When ripe, the seeds change their color from green to whitish, and are also quite easily separated from the peduncle. Try to collect the seed before it falls to the ground. Use small cardboard boxes to store seeds.

Lighting Requirements

Nasturtiums are light and heat-loving plants, so a well-lit place is required for planting. When growing plants in a semi-shaded area, instead of lush and long flowering, a lot of green mass awaits you. It is also necessary to protect the flowers from drafts, as they will interfere with normal growth.

On a note! Even slight temperature changes can adversely affect plants. Also, severe frosts can kill nasturtium, and any cold will adversely affect its appearance.

Sowing seeds in hot sawdust

Step 1. Put it on the bottom plastic container a small amount of sawdust. In this case, granules are used for cat litter. In fact, these are the same sawdust, only in compressed form.

Step 2 Pour the granules with boiling water so that they swell well. This should happen in seconds.

Step 3 Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon and check if there are any hard lumps left. Top up with a little more water if necessary. As a result, you should get a thick slurry.

Step 4 Open a pack of nasturtium seeds and plant them in hot sawdust, carefully falling asleep with your fingers. Optimal distance between seeds - 2-3 cm.

Step 5 After planting all the seeds, cover the container with cling film. You can also use a regular plastic bag for this purpose.

Step 6 After 4-6 days, the plant should respond to such conditions and soon you will see the first shoots. Once this happens, remove the container from the package. Now it's time to transplant the plants from the container into individual pots. Do this carefully so as not to damage the root system.

Aftercare

Proper care of nasturtiums consists of regular weeding and watering. During the period when the plant is actively growing, it especially needs frequent watering. This period ends with the beginning of flowering - then it is necessary to reduce the frequency of watering. It is necessary to focus on the condition of the soil - if it began to dry out, then moisten it. At the same time, remember that abundant watering can lead to poor flowering of the crop or its absence.

To ensure air access to the root system and maintain moisture in the soil, weeding should be carried out periodically. You can resort to mulching if you do not have time to do weeding. Regularly remove wilted flowers - this will ensure a well-groomed and beautiful appearance of your garden dweller. By following this procedure, you can also provide lush bloom nasturtiums.

On a note! As you have already seen, growing nasturtium is a simple task that even a novice gardener can handle. And providing optimal conditions for growth and the right place for planting will certainly lead to inevitable success, that is, to abundant flowering.

Transplanting seedlings into the ground

Despite its unpretentiousness, nasturtium is considered a rather delicate plant, so the transplant process should be approached with caution and accuracy. Various disturbances can harm the superficial root system, because it is too sensitive. To prevent this from happening, a plant transplant must be carried out together with an earthen clod, trying not to destroy it at the same time.

Necessary certain time to adapt the plant after transplanting, so do not despair if the nasturtium looks a little lethargic at first. Regular watering and time will definitely bring the plant back to normal.

Disease and pest control

The peculiarity of nasturtium is that this plant is not attacked by Colorado potato beetles, whitefly, cabbage and other omnivorous pests. Therefore, many gardeners plant a crop next to cabbage beds or near nightshade crops. But as for other insects, for them nasturtium plays the role of an excellent honey plant.

Diseases also affect the culture not very often, but still it happens. Most often, the plant is affected by bactericidal wilt, accompanied by weakening of the leaves, and, as a result, the death of the plant. Rust may form on the plant in the form of spots or stains of brown or black. Gray root rot is usually accompanied by the appearance brown spots on nasturtium leaves. Also, flowers can be exposed to the ringspot virus, while the leaves become covered with small spots.

The appearance of any of these diseases should be a signal for the removal and burning of affected plants. After that, be sure to treat the hole with a special weak solution of potassium permanganate. It is advisable to use a hot solution - it is more effective. Healthy plants should also be treated. For this purpose, you can use Oksihom, Topaz, Ridomil and other insecticides.

On a note! An excess of moisture can provoke the development of diseases. And loosening the soil and regular weeding will protect nasturtium from infection.

Decorative uses

Nasturtium is a unique plant used as a border plant or to decorate garden paths. Plants planted in small groups will look very nice. In addition to decorating the garden, housewives grow nasturtium in garden flowerpots and put it, as a rule, in the bedroom or living room. This arrangement is associated with a calming and pacifying effect on the human body. Often you can find a balcony or terrace, decorated different varieties nasturtiums. If we talk about combining with other flowers, these are definitely bright double flowers.