6 spectacular flyers that I advise to sow in March

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In March, most of the flowering annuals are sown, which need a seedling method of cultivation. Typically, these flowers from seedlings to flowering takes no more than 80-90 days. In this article, I would like to dwell on interesting summers, which are slightly less popular than ageless petunias, marigolds, zinnias and other common flowering plants, but they have no less advantages. And they are also worth trying to plant for flowering in the next season.

1. Verbena

Many gardeners are well aware of Verbena, but nevertheless she does not meet it in flower beds too often. Nevertheless, the abundance of modern hybrids attracts to try this or that color in the garden or on the balcony.

The name verbena combines several species common in decorative floriculture. Most often growers grow hybrid verbena. This type of verbena has erect, not very branched bushes, on the tops of which corymbose inflorescences bloom, consisting of many small, nail-shaped flowers.

Verbena is usually two-colored, and against the background of dark petals (purple, burgundy, bright red, purple), there is often a contrasting white spot in the center of the flower. But verbena also has monophonic varieties (pure white, red, purple and others). The hybrid has a particularly interesting color. Peaches & Cream. Its flowers are striking with a very rare delicate peach color, which changes in intensity as the flower dissolves.

In recent years, ampoule series of verbena have also appeared - Obsession. These plants do not form very long lashes, but nevertheless their stems are not as vertically oriented as in bush varieties, and they are not averse to going down a little outside the flowerpot.

In addition to the unusual shape of the bush, the series is interesting in its original colors with a smooth transition of shades, which gradually lighten as you approach the center of the corolla.

Flowering hybrid verbena begins in mid-June and early July and continues until frost. The only significant drawback of this flower is the high susceptibility of powdery mildew and its attractiveness to insect pests. Whenever I tried to plant verbena, powdery mildew inevitably started on it and aphids settled. Therefore, this plant is not suitable for busy gardeners, because it requires special attention so as not to overlook the next misfortune.

Nevertheless, according to manufacturers of modern hybrids, many new lines are devoid of these shortcomings and are more resistant to powdery mildew. Therefore, if you liked verbena, it makes sense to try the latest in their own conditions.

Recently, an unusual type of annual verbena has also appeared on sale. Imagingwhich was offered as an ampel plant. This unusual verbena has thin, dissected foliage and medium-sized corymbose inflorescences from monophonic purple flowers with a pleasant aroma.

To my surprise, the plant did not immediately manifest itself as an ampelous plant. Until mid-summer, thin long stems grew exclusively upward, reaching a height of about 40 centimeters. And only after that, under the weight of the inflorescences, the stems finally sank and began to hang from a hanging planter, however, the tips of the shoots retained vertical aspiration. This species did not suffer from powdery mildew and problems with harmful insects.

Sowing verbena for seedlings

It is better to sow verbena seedlings at the very beginning of March. Seeds of medium size and outwardly look like even broken sticks about 5 mm long. When sowing, they are slightly buried by half a centimeter. It is well watered and sprinkled on top with dry soil, which prevents the formation of a crust.

Sunlight is not required for the germination of verbena, therefore it is better to remove the containers covered with cellophane in a dark place with a temperature of 25-28 degrees.

The first shoots usually appear after 5 days, but sometimes germination takes 2 weeks. Also keep in mind that verbena seeds often sprout unevenly, and sometimes individual seedlings emerge 1-2 weeks after the first seedlings.

In seedlings, verbena is prone to black legs, so watering should be careful, regular and not too plentiful. After the appearance of 2x-3x pairs of real leaves, seedlings are dived into separate containers. For better tillering, seedlings are best nipped. You can plant verbena in a permanent place as soon as the threat of freezing frost passes.

Continuation of the list of spectacular summers, which I advise to sow for seedlings in March, read on the next page.