Original varieties and hybrids of cosme
Wide-open multi-colored "daisies" of cosmos against the background of feathery "dill" foliage can be found in almost any front garden and flower garden of multi-storey buildings. We love this flower thanks to its cheerful, cheerful inflorescences (popularly called "cheerful guys"), continuous flowering, the ability to self-seeding and high vitality with minimal maintenance.
Terry varieties of cosme
Thanks to the efforts of breeders, among the numerous varieties of cosme, double varieties began to appear, as well as plants of a rare color unusual for space and undersized compact forms.
Terry cosmos now only vaguely resemble ordinary "cheerful guys". So, the flowers of the cosmos variety "Cranberry Double Click" in the half-release are more like small peonies or carnations. The color of the petals wavy at the edges of the deep purple color. In full dissolution, a bright yellow contrasting center is exposed in the center of the flower. And in this form, the flowers of the cosmos begin to resemble a terry rosehip.
An additional originality is given to them by the fact that the reverse side of the dark crimson petals has lighter pink colors, and as it dissolves in each flower, you can observe a play of shades that is unique for each flower.
This variety is tall and reaches a height of 90 centimeters. Also, like the usual kosmeya, terry cultivars give good self-seeding, however, seedlings can have varying degrees of terry - from densely double, like parent flowers, to simple ones.
Kosmeya with scabio-shaped flowers. Lyudmila Svetlitskaya
Cosme varieties with scabio-shaped flowers
Certain varieties of cosmea do not have the usual bright yellow reed flowers in the center of the inflorescence and resemble scabiosa or terry echinacea in shape. The flowers of these varieties are smaller than those of other cultivars, nevertheless, the original shape makes this plant a welcome guest in flower beds.
Varieties with scabiose-shaped flowers are not often found on the market, but sometimes they come across in a mixture (for example, a mixture of cosmos "Harmony").
Cosmos with lemon flowers
Kosmeya "Xanthos" is a unique variety that won the Gold medal at the international competition of ornamental plants "Fleroselect 2016". This cosmeya received a high award due to the lemon-yellow color of the petals, which is unique for this kind of space.
The height of this cultivar is 60 centimeters, the diameter of the flowers is small (6 centimeters), but the flowering is more abundant than that of large-flowered varieties. Such a discreet color gives the cosme a natural look, and the flower will look great in natural mixborders.
Kosmeya "Xanthos"
Compact varieties of cosme
The high growth of old varieties of cosmos (up to 120 centimeters) is rarely attributed to the advantages of space, therefore, breeders, along with expanding the palette of inflorescence colors, sought to create plants with undersized compact bushes.
The result of the selection work was the ‘Casanova’ variety series, the main advantage of which is considered to be low, aligned, compact and branched bushes with a height of a little more than 30 centimeters.
The variety series is presented in four colors: 'Casanova Pink' (pale pink with small burgundy markings at the base of the petals), 'Casanova Violet' (solid crimson flowers), 'Casanova White' (pure white) and 'Casanova Red' (rare among cosmey bardo -red tint).
The most widespread kosmeya with feathery foliage and multi-colored daisies belongs to the double-feathered kosmeya species.But space has another slightly less popular type - sulfur-yellow kosmeya, which is distinguished by wider shares of carved foliage, as well as a bright orange or rich yellow color of inflorescences.
Among the varieties of this type of cosme, there are several interesting novelties with compact low bushes and bright double and semi-double flowers. Variety "Mandarin" is distinguished by deep orange double inflorescences, as well as low uniform bushes 25-30 centimeters high.
Another interesting undersized series "Cosmic" also does not exceed a height of 30 centimeters, its bushes are spherical and look great in a container. The diameter of semi-double flowers is 8-9 centimeters. The series includes three colors: yellow, light orange and orange-red.
Calendula (medicinal marigold) and its unusual varieties
Most often, for the first time, calendula in the garden is started as a medicinal plant that has a wide application profile, both internally and externally. Some gardeners also often sow these plants in the aisles, as they believe in their ability to protect plants from diseases and pests. After that, this unpretentious annual, thanks to its ability to self-sowing, settles in the garden for a long time and here and there blooms its bright orange flowers, which are often ignored.
Terry calendula. Lyudmila Svetlitskaya
The breeders did a good job on this everyday flower, creating amazing densely doubled varieties, after seeing which, it is very difficult not to get excited with the desire to settle calendula in your flower garden.
Lush inflorescences of some varieties are somewhat reminiscent of chrysanthemums (calendula "Radio" with narrow needle-like petals), while others are similar to scabiosa or echinacea (calendula "Kabluna").
The unexpected colors of some varieties are also pleasantly surprising, which, although they vary within the yellow-orange color range, have shades unusual for calendula, for example, gently lemon (Citrongelb variety), Voskhod calendula with orange-pink-peach petals and dark center, or calendula "Sunset" - pale yellow with expressive notches along the edges of the petals.
Most varieties of calendula, like the natural species, have an average height of up to 60 centimeters. And among modern varieties there are also undersized forms, in particular, the "Pigmy" series does not grow higher than 15 centimeters in height and also has dense double flowers.
There is no consensus as to whether the varietal calendula is a medicinal plant, like its more modest progenitor. Most likely, as a result of the selection of the most double and large-flowered specimens, the medicinal properties were partially lost. Therefore, for medicinal purposes, it is still better to use the natural look.
Terry calendula, as well as simple calendula, gives very abundant self-seeding, but seedlings usually do not retain their color and a high degree of terry.
Reproduction
Reproduction of marigolds can be carried out in two ways: growing seedlings from seeds or direct sowing in open ground. The sowing procedure itself is described above.
It is believed that the breeding procedure is best done in the spring, in particular at the end of March. If you do this, then you will enjoy bright flowering plants in your garden at the very beginning of summer - in June
However, it is important to remember that marigolds do not tolerate subzero temperatures, so if you live in a climatic zone where frosts still persist at the end of March, then the sowing procedure should be postponed.
If you decide to sow flower seeds directly into open ground, then you should wait until June (or at least May). The first young shoots should appear 7 days after sowing.
Rejected varieties and hybrids
Rejected or French marigolds are characterized by strong, branchy, medium-sized shrubs, abundant flowering and unpretentiousness.Numerous colorful varieties of this variety are planted in beds or borders, they form monochromatic groups on lawns, and are placed in outdoor flowerpots and balcony boxes.
Naughty Marietta
Marigolds grade Naughty Marietta or Naughty Marietta
Translated from English, the name of these French marigolds sounds like "Playful Marietta". Indeed, the joyful, scenic variety is one of the best in its category. The bushes are compact, rounded, with lush dark green foliage, reaching a height of 40 cm. Orange-yellow ligulate flowers adorn large burgundy spots closer to the center, small tubes are collected in a dense golden-brown center. Inflorescences, scattered over the entire surface of the bush, create the impression of numerous mischievous eyes. Despite its simplicity, the flowers are quite large - up to 5 cm in diameter, with delicate petals of a silky shiny texture. Flowering is very long - from early summer to mid-autumn.
Rusty Red
A spectacular fantasy variety forms dense bushes up to 40 cm in height, usually about 30–35 cm. Inflorescences 4.5–5.5 cm in diameter, double, with several rows of burgundy-brown reed flowers with a thin golden border. Tubular flowers are elongated, collected in a dense convex head of orange tone. The peak of decorativeness falls in July-August; to extend the flowering period, cultivation through seedlings is desirable.
Orange Flemme
Very beautiful time-tested marigolds grow up to 30–40 cm tall and are characterized by original pompom flowers. The shoots are strongly branched, tough, covered with cut dark green leaves. Ligulate velvety burgundy flowers are arranged in one row, long tubular golden flowers form an expressive round chrysanthemum-shaped head. Flowering begins early - in June and lasts until autumn frosts.
Planting and leaving
First of all, it is important to note that marigolds are plants that do not need special specific care. They are quite unpretentious and picky.
Thanks to these characteristics, they are chosen by many gardeners. In addition, the plants have an unusual and rather attractive appearance. Experienced gardeners also note the fact that flower seeds retain their germination for 4 years.
Before starting the direct sowing procedure, it is necessary to select a suitable container for this.
Particular attention should be paid to the size and volume of the pot. For sowing, you can use an ordinary box designed for seedlings.
At the bottom of the selected sowing container, you need to make holes that are not too large (this can be done with an awl, knife or any other means at hand). Next, we lay out a drainage layer on the bottom, which will ensure the release of excess moisture, as well as free air circulation. As a drainage mixture for marigolds, coarse sand, expanded clay and charcoal are usually used. The bonus of using such a composition will be the fact that the mixture described above, among other things, prevents the occurrence of various fungal diseases.
You can plant marigolds in almost any soil - in this respect, plants are completely unassuming. You can use the land that is sold in flower shops, or you can make your own potting mix. If you choose the second option, then use ingredients such as peat, humus, soil from the garden and sand. Also, a little fungicide is often added to the composition.
Before planting seeds, they must be kept in a solution of potassium permanganate for about 15 minutes. This manipulation will allow you to grow healthy seedlings. Also, the seeds need to be soaked by wrapping them in a damp cloth. The duration of such a procedure should be 2 days.
After all the manipulations, you can start disembarking. In a prepared container, the seeds are placed at a short distance from each other (at least 2 centimeters).After sowing is finished, do not forget to sprinkle the seeds with potting soil and water as well. You need to keep the container in the dark at an air temperature not lower than 22 degrees Celsius.
After you notice that young sprouts have appeared, you need to rearrange the container in a bright place and change the temperature (lower it to 18 degrees Celsius). In the process of transplanting a plant, do not forget to fertilize. The best option in this regard would be compositions with a high content of nitrogen and potassium.
After the plant is transplanted, it is necessary to carry out all the necessary care measures.
- Watering is recommended 2 times a day. Be careful not to overdo it with the amount of water - otherwise, decay processes will begin and the plant will die.
- After transplanting marigolds into open ground, do not forget to carry out regular and systematic weeding. It is imperative to remove weeds, because they absorb useful and mineral components of the soil, which are necessary for the normal growth and development of your young plants.
- Loosening should not be neglected. This procedure will provide air oxygen access to the plant roots.
- Top dressing must be applied during the growing season.
Zinnias - the most original varieties and hybrids
The magnificent beauty of terry zinnias has long acquired its loyal fans who are ready to plant these flowers from year to year for more than one decade. But many growers consider zinnias to be outdated “grandmother's” flowers, which have no place in a modern garden. Other claims often made to zinnias are long, ankle stems with minimal branching.
Modern varieties and hybrids of zinnias are more interesting and are devoid of many of the shortcomings of their predecessors. Lyudmila Svetlitskaya
Modern varieties and hybrids of zinnias are more interesting and are devoid of many of the shortcomings of their predecessors. Therefore, it is likely that this flower will survive the second wave of popularity and, in addition to its main role - decorating flower beds, will perform in a new role - a pot plant for balconies and terraces and an annual for a natural mixborder.
Modern low-growing varieties of zinnia
Particularly noteworthy are low-growing varieties of zinnias, for example, Profusion zinnias. This variety series was bred with the participation of narrow-leaved zinnia and has a number of unique characteristics: very low compact bushes (15-30 centimeters in height), having strong branching without additional formation, and very abundant continuous flowering, and the petals change their color over time
The "Profusion" series represents two types of flowers - densely double (the name of the variety has the prefix ‘Double’, for example, ‘Profusion Double Fire’) and simple inflorescences with one row of reed flowers (for example, ‘Profusion Apricot’).
The first option is a spherical shape of neat low bushes covered with many printed spherical inflorescences - ideal for garden flowerpots and balcony boxes. They also look great in carpet flower beds.
While the latter often play an atypical role for zinnias - garden dwellers, and in particular, mixborders in a natural style. Although in container culture and in a traditional flower bed, they look just as great.
And yet, their modest, discreet beauty, close to the appearance of wild wildflowers, is very conducive to the inclusion of these zinnias in natural compositions. The pale orange, white and yellow colors available in this series will look most harmonious in natural mixborders.
Also, two types of inflorescences (classic densely double and simple, or semi-double) are represented by the undersized Zahara series. Distinctive features of this series: resistance to fading of colors, as well as the presence of original two-tone colors among the colors.For example, white with a raspberry center ‘Zahara Starlight Rose’ and orange with a yellow tip ‘Zahara Sunburst’.
The height of the variety series "Zakhara" is from 30 to 50 centimeters.
Cactus zinnia. Lyudmila Svetlitskaya Zinnia "Candy". Lyudmila Svetlitskaya Zinnia scabiosoid. Lyudmila Svetlitskaya
Tall zinnias of unusual colors
But classic tall zinnias can also acquire new fans, thanks to the appearance of varieties with an unusual color or flower shape. For example, scabiose zinnia (Candy Mix) looks very original. Its inflorescences are indeed very similar to scabiosa or to some varieties of echinacea, thanks to the rounded raised cap in the center of the inflorescences.
No less interesting is the "shaggy" cactus-like zinnia with narrow, slightly disheveled petals, and the pompom, which has medium-sized, dense, ball-like heads.
Also noteworthy are the unique colors of zinnias, such as lime-green (zinnia "Isabellina") or motley, when the petals are dotted with elegant chaotic splashes and strokes (mixture "Lollipop").
Description and characteristics of the variety
The Hobbit F1 cucumber bears fruit with fruitful, abundant bouquets. The parthenocarpic hybrid belongs to the group of ultra-early varieties, cultivated in open areas and in protected beds.
Ripening begins 37-40 days after germination.
The fruits from the originators "Partner" and "Siberian Garden" have the following characteristics:
- length 8-10 cm;
- weight 75-90 g;
- gherkin type;
- elongated cylindrical shape;
- dense, elastic texture;
- tubercles are small, frequent;
- the skin is thin but strong;
- taste with notes of sweetness (there is no bitterness);
- small-seeded pulp, rudimentary chambers.
Gherkins have a presentable appearance, differ in marketability. They are suitable for fresh dishes - salads, cuts, look beautiful in jars, are saturated with spicy aromas, retain elasticity and crunchy properties.
The Siberian Garden offers a parthenocarpic with the following characteristics:
- limited growth of lashes (comfort in care);
- self-pollination;
- female flowering;
- bundle fruiting;
- 1 node for 5-6 zelents.
Varieties of dwarf zinnias
Zinnia "Profusion"
One of the most unpretentious zinnia varieties with a high degree of adaptation to various growing conditions. Four colors from this series have won the All-America Selection test for annuals: orange, cherry, red and white.
The height of the bushes is from 15 to 30 centimeters, the diameter is up to 35 centimeters, the bushes are spherical, strewn with flowers. The flowers are small, up to 7 centimeters in diameter, but very numerous. They can have both one-color and two-color colors. The variety series is subdivided into double (Profusion Double) and non-double flowers (Profusion).
Zinnia "Profusion Apricot". Lyudmila Svetlitskaya
Zinnia "Zakhara"
The variety has larger flowers compared to the Profusion series and blooms about 20% more profusely. Introduced in 2009, it immediately became known for the highest leaf spot resistance of the zinnias. One of the colors in the 'Starlight Rose' series won the prestigious award and was also used in landscaping during the Beijing Olympic Games.
Plants of average height 30-45 centimeters, well-branched with an even habit. The diameter of the bush is 25-35 centimeters. At the same time, zinnias of the Zakhara variety can be planted a little closer to each other than other varieties, due to their resistance to fungal diseases. No need to worry about airing the bush and touching foliage. The variety series includes many colors, which are monochromatic or bicolor.
Zinnia "Zahara Starlight Rose" (Zahara Starlight Rose). Lyudmila Svetlitskaya
Zinnia "Dreamland"
An interesting dwarf variation for lovers of just the same "grandmother's" zinnias.With its large and densely double flowers and the shape of the petals, it is very reminiscent of the old varieties and seems to be their reduced copy. For several years in a row, this new variety has amazed gardeners with the early and prolonged flowering of large flowers on compact bushes, no more than 35 centimeters in height.
Flowering begins just 6 weeks after sowing, and after 8 weeks of planting, they form a dense carpet covered with bright flowers of various colors. All shades of this series look harmonious in the garden, and cut flowers can stand in a vase for more than a week.
Zinnia "Dreamland mix". Parks brothers greenhou
Zinnium "Swizzle"
The series is one of the largest and brightest among the dwarf zinnias. The height of the bush does not exceed 35 centimeters with the same width of the bush, the plant branches very actively. The main advantage of the series is very bright bicolor flowers 10 centimeters in diameter. The 'Cherry and Ivory' zinnia has bright red petals near the center, ivory in the middle, and a thin red border at the very tips.
The 'Scarlet & Yellow' color scheme combines red and bright yellow with a brighter center. The petals of the Swizzle zinnia are thin and pointed, which makes it look like a chrysanthemum. Despite its short stature, this zinnia is also used for cutting and stands in a vase for a long time.
Zinnia "Swizzle Cherry and Ivory" (Swizzle Cherry and Ivory). JJL GREENHOUS
Zinnia "Aztec Sunset"
This unique hybrid was not created on the basis of the graceful zinnia we are used to, it is a representative of another species - Zinnia haageana. The judges of the International Organization Fleuroselect, which unites breeders of ornamental plants from different countries, were fascinated by the Aztec Sunset Zinnia and gave the new hybrid the highest marks.
The main advantage of the series is its double flowers, whose polypetality is rather high and stable, in contrast to the previously existing varieties of this species. The color of zinnia "Aztec Sunset" is dominated by warm sunny shades of yellow, gold, orange and burgundy, which are most often represented by two-tone combinations.
Exceptional compactness and high disease resistance are the finishing touches for the perfect portrait, making this zinnia a Fleuroselect Gold Medal winner. The height of the bushes is only 15-20 centimeters, the width is 25 centimeters. The spreading bushes are almost completely covered with a carpet of small bright pom-pom flowers.
Zinnia "Aztec Sunset". Fuglebjerggaard
Dear Readers! If your flower beds are not yet decorated with dwarf zinnias, plant them in your garden soon. Their brightness, unpretentiousness and resistance to adverse conditions will conquer you from the first season!
