Suitable time and conditions
Picking petunias is practically a necessary procedure. During its implementation, the root system of this beautiful flower begins to develop more actively. Before moving directly into the open ground, the seedling must be dived correctly, this must be done several times. Many novice florists are interested in when to do this for the first time.
"Start" picking should be carried out as soon as the first 3-4 leaves are formed. It is required so that at this stage and in the future, the seedlings do not create inconveniences for each other and do not interfere with the growth of neighboring flowers. As for the picking of petunia shoots, it should be done only on the 15th day. Young and fragile seedlings should be dived further.
It is necessary to take into account the fact that a well-executed pick is incredibly useful for the root system of this popular and beautiful flower. Thanks to this procedure, the shrub begins to be more actively fed by all the substances it needs that are present in the content of the substrate. In addition, because of this, leaf blades develop well, many flower buds are formed.
When the procedure is completed, the container with flowers is placed on the windowsill. Some flower growers do it differently - they put the vessels on special racks, equipped with an addition in the form of illumination. Watering the soil here must be done as needed.
Do not forget about such an important point as top dressing.
An impressive level of density will not allow seedlings to grow fully. Most flower growers, in accordance with their preferences, choose the ones they like. varieties and their hybrid varieties, thus embodying a variety of ideas.
Thanks to petunias, a garden, vegetable garden or a simple balcony can become real works of art and will attract a lot of attention.
Possible dive errors and recommendations
Growing petunias can become difficult if transplanted seedlings are incorrect. Violation of the picking technology is usually allowed by novice gardeners who have no experience in growing such flowers.
Common mistakes include:
- Landing in non-sterile soil.
- Violation of the watering regime.
- Damage to the roots of shoots when removed from the soil.
- Unsuitable temperature for seedlings.
- Deficiency of nutrients in the potting mix.
- Violation of the technology of pinching the petunia.
To exclude such errors, it is enough to strictly adhere to the instructions for picking plants. The soil for planting should be sterilized by heat treatment in the oven or using antiseptic preparations.
Watering the seedlings is carried out at the root. At the same time, monitor the density of the soil. Surface loosening is allowed so that the liquid does not stagnate, and the roots receive a sufficient amount of oxygen.
In order not to harm the roots when picking, it is recommended not to plant the seeds too close to each other. The recommended distance is 3 cm. This will give the sprouts enough space. The starting pick can be skipped and carried out 3-4 weeks after the emergence of shoots.
One of the reasons why the procedure can be complicated is the violation of the seed sowing technology. Gardeners who are inexperienced in growing seedlings often place the planting material too deep. Many seeds do not germinate because of this. Those who manage to ascend, as a result, turn out to be weak and do not tolerate transplantation well.
The video shows how to eliminate common mistakes and correctly dive a petunia after germination:
After picking, one should not neglect mineral dressings that accelerate plant growth. After the first fertilization, the procedure can be repeated 1-2 times with an interval of 2 weeks. Subsequent feeding is carried out after planting the seedlings in an open area.
Petunia care after picking
Transplanting is stressful for seedlings, so that the seedlings quickly start growing, they need to be properly looked after. Water the petunia at all stages of growth so that the soil is moderately moist, do not allow complete drying out and waterlogging. Watered by sprinkling from a spray bottle or drip (from a syringe under the root). Water is used soft, settled, room temperature.
The daytime temperature should be at least 20 ° C, and the nighttime - 16-17 ° C. The lighting regime is not changed until the seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place. 2 weeks after the dive, the seedlings are fed with a complex fertilizer, including calcium, nitrogen and potassium, more often ready-made mixtures are used, for example, Agricola, Plantafol, Chistaya leaf, Aquarin, Solution, Uniflor-Micro, Kristalon, etc. Later, petunias are fertilized 1– 2 times a month (if the substrate is poor).
Attention! The flower should not be overfed, fertilizers must be applied after germination, picking and transshipment. Additional recharge will be required in case of weak development or a clear lack of individual elements, for example, with chlorosis .. To prevent the substrate from becoming compacted, moisture and air to pass through well, the surface is regularly loosened, carefully, without touching the roots
When petunias begin to actively grow shoots, pinch the growth point over 5-6 leaves, thus side branches will appear, the bushes will become more luxuriant. Seedlings are protected from cold draft. In about 20-25 days, the seedlings begin to harden, open the window for airing, transfer the container to the balcony, loggia or greenhouse. First, the conditions are changed for 10-15 minutes, then the time is gradually increased
So that the substrate does not become compacted, it passes moisture and air well, the surface is regularly loosened, carefully, without touching the roots. When petunias begin to actively grow shoots, pinch the growth point over 5-6 leaves, thus side branches will appear, the bushes will become more luxuriant. Seedlings are protected from cold draft. In about 20-25 days, the seedlings begin to harden, open the window for airing, transfer the container to the balcony, loggia or greenhouse. First, the conditions are changed for 10-15 minutes, then the time is gradually increased.
From the emergence of seedlings to transplanting into the ground, they constantly monitor the appearance of petunias, if they are affected by diseases and pests, they begin treatment immediately, otherwise you can lose all the grown flowers. Finally, we will give one more advice - it is better to pinch too long roots when transplanting, the root will become more branched. When picking, they do not rush, they do everything neatly, consistently and according to the rules, then the seedlings will be strong, will delight them with lush flowering until late autumn.
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Transfer of petunia seedlings
When the plants become cramped in containers (for example, in cassettes they are already closed by leaves), the time will come for the next transplantation - transshipment.
Dived seedlings of bush varieties can be planted immediately in open ground (at the appropriate time).
The selection of capacity at this stage depends on the type of plant:
- For bush petunias, a pot of 200-300 ml is suitable.
- Ampelous petunia - not less than 400 ml. According to gardeners' reviews, the optimal volume is 0.75-1 l.
If the seeds were planted in tablets, then the sprouts do not dive - they can be immediately planted with a peat ball in pots. Moreover, before the pick, the seedlings are not additionally fertilized, since the tablets already contain nutrients in the correct proportion.
The transshipment is done as follows:
- before starting the procedure, the soil in separate containers is slightly moistened;
- a centimeter layer of drainage is poured into the prepared pots (expanded clay, small pebbles can be used). Then the container is 1/3 filled with soil;
- the seedlings in a small glass are held by the stem and the glass is carefully turned over. The plant is removed along with the earthy clod and placed in a large pot.
- a new container is filled with soil, its surface is compacted and watered.
Why does petunia need a pick
The picking procedure, as a rule, means planting plants from a common container into separate and more spacious containers, in other words, it is transplanting plants onto a large feeding area.
Thus, the purpose of the pick is to give the plant the opportunity to develop better, gradually mastering large areas and spaces, thereby stimulating the development of the root system.
Petunia is very fond of diving. Even tiny "blooms", which have only 2 true leaves, after picking begin to grow even faster.
As for the number of picks, it all depends on your desire and capabilities.
- As a rule, most flower growers make only 1 dive - from the total capacity they dive into individual ones.
- But you can also make 2 picks - the first time, when the seedlings become cramped in the common container, cut it back into the common one, but already place each seedling on a large feeding area (at a distance of 3-4 cm from each other), and the second time - already in individual cup.
Video: when and how to dive for petunia - instructions for diving in stage 3
Is it possible to grow petunia seedlings without picking
Indeed, many novice florists ask themselves this question. In fact, it is not so easy to grow high-quality seedlings without picking.
We will not describe in detail (after all, an article on picking), just start.
Initially, the main difficulty is to sow the smallest petunia seeds as sparsely as possible. To do this, as an option, you can purchase pelleted petunia seeds, which are much more convenient to use for a single planting.
Video: petunia without picking - all stages of growing
When is it better to dive petunia according to the lunar calendar in 2018
Depending on when the seeds were sown, there will be different timing for picking. In order for the plants to actively grow and develop, all work with them is carried out on the growing moon.
In 2018, the days favorable for picking will be:
- in February - 18-20, 20-23, 25-27;
- in March - 5-8, 15, 19-22, 24-26, 28, 29;
- in April - 2-4, 4-6, 11-14, 18, 20-22, 24-27;
- in May - 9-11, 18-20, 22-24.
If we talk about the dates when it is undesirable to make a dive, then these will be the following numbers:
- in March - 1, 17, 18;
- in April - 1, 2, 16, 30;
- in May - 15, 28, 29, 30.
In addition, there are barren zodiac signs. When the moon passes through certain constellations, working with plants does not benefit them. Are considered sterile: Aquarius, Aries, Gemini, Leo, Virgo and Sagittarius. The constellation Aquarius is the most unfavorable. The barren days, when it is not recommended to dive for petunias, in 2018 include:
- in March - 13-15;
- in April - 9-11;
- in May - 6-9.
If you were busy on an auspicious day and did not have time to open the seedlings, do it on any other day that is not on the indicated lists. A pick on neutral days will have absolutely no effect on the seedlings - neither positive nor negative.
Step-by-step instructions for diving seedlings
Thanks to the picking, the florist manages to select high-quality material at an early stage, removing all sick and weak shoots that only take up space and are a breeding ground for diseases. Timely transplanting allows, if necessary, to slow down the growth of elongated plants. In principle, you can initially sow petunias in separate containers, and not in seedling boxes. Some growers do this, saving themselves time. But here you need to take into account some of the nuances.
When germinating, seeds need a minimum amount of loose, moist soil and a lot of oxygen. In containers, this condition is met, the roots receive a sufficient amount of water and air. In disposable glasses, pots, water stagnates, which is fraught with the development of a fungal infection. In addition, petunia seeds are very small and sowing them one by one is problematic. Therefore, the easiest way is to make a pick in a timely manner.
Preparation of containers
Since the root system of small seedlings is poorly developed, at the first stage of picking, you need to prepare small containers. It can be:
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plastic cups for 100 - 200 ml;
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plastic cassettes;
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peat tablets;
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egg containers.
Drain holes must be made in all containers. You can leave the petunia in the seedling boxes. In this case, it is recommended to maintain a distance of 5 cm between seedlings.
Soil preparation
Flowers love loose, fertile soil. Ready-made substrates for petunias or flowering plants are suitable for them. Since the flower is very delicate, it is afraid of moisture stagnation, experienced growers add millet, buckwheat husk or agroperlite to the soil. Such components improve the breathability of the earth.
If the bags with soil were outside or in a cool room, they should be brought into the house in advance. The earth should be at room temperature. Cold soil will stress the seedlings and worsen their survival rate.
At home, you can prepare the soil for petunias yourself. To do this, you need to mix peat with garden soil in a 1: 1 ratio. It is advisable to sift the resulting substrate, excluding pebbles, branches, roots of last year's plants in it. In ordinary land from the site, larvae, various insects and even pathogenic microorganisms can live. To exclude their effect on seedlings, it is worth using biological products or keeping the soil in the oven at 120 ° C for about an hour.
Transplant process
Before diving the sprouts, you need to prepare the tools. In addition to containers and soil, you will need a sprayer, a narrow spatula or a straight knife. It is also advisable to prepare a weak solution of potassium permanganate in advance. Enough 1 g of the drug per 1 liter of water. Followed by:
Using a spray bottle, moisten the soil in the seedling box and leave for half an hour.
Fill cups or seedling cassettes with substrate, after making a small depression and watering it. In moist soil, the root system acclimatizes and grows faster.
Using improvised means (spatula, knife, toothpick), carefully remove the seedlings from the ground. In order not to damage them, it is recommended to hold the plants by the leaves and retreat from the stems by at least 5 mm.
Dip the root system of the seedlings into a potassium permanganate solution. Disinfection will kill all pathogenic bacteria, preventing the development of disease.
Pinch the central taproot. Thanks to this, the root system will become more voluminous.
Transfer the seedlings to prepared containers.
Sprinkle with soil and compact well. From above you can spray the plants with water
It is important that there are no gaps in the soil. Voids contribute to stagnant water.
Some growers skip the stage with the disinfection of the root system. They dive for petunias without shaking off the earthen ball to minimize damage. This is justified if the plantings are not thick, the substrate is of high quality. If there are doubts about the health of the seedlings, it is better to disinfect them.
How to dive a petunia?
Petunia is a perennial plant that belongs to the nightshade family. On the streets of the city, you can find a hybrid petunia, which was obtained by crossing various species. It differs in a variety of shapes, shades and type of flowers:
- in shape: spherical, spreading;
- by color: white, yellow, cream, blue, blue, pink, purple, bright red, lilac;
- by flowers: small, large, terry, fringed.
In horticulture, there is such a thing as picking - replanting plants at a young age to provide a larger area of nutrition and growth.
An amateur gardener may wonder if it is imperative to dive a petunia.
Do I need to dive a petunia?
There is no definite answer to this question. Someone thinks that a dive will injure the root system of the petunia and it is better not to touch it at all. Others are of the opinion that it is necessary to dive, otherwise the plants will not have enough nutrients in the occupied area, which is fraught with rapid depletion of the soil.
In order for the petunia bushes to be large, grow faster and have a strong root system, a pick still needs to be done.
When should you dive for petunia?
As soon as the petunia has at least two or three permanent leaves, you can start picking. Due to the fact that it is possible to pick the plant, it forms its own root ball, as a result of which, when transplanted into the ground, the root system of the petunia is less injured.
How to dive a petunia correctly?
Before diving for petunia seedlings, you need to stock up on a large number of disposable cups or peat pots in which the seedlings will be located. Additional required:
- small spatula or blunt knife;
- sprayer.
The procedure for diving a petunia is as follows:
We take a glass, pour soil into it, consisting of a mixture of our own soil and purchased soil, designed specifically for seedlings.
Using a knife or our own finger, make a small depression in the middle.
Fill the resulting hole with water to soften the soil.
Using a spatula or knife, we begin to pull out the petunia seedling: stepping back 0.5 cm from the plant stem, immerse the spatula to a depth of 1.5 cm, grab the soil and take out the seedling.
We begin to shift the plant with an earthen lump into the soil prepared in a glass, fill it with soil on top, tamp it with our fingers on both sides, and sink it to the required depth.
Periodically it is necessary to spray the soil with water from a sprayer.
It is important to fill all the voids with earth. The growth point when picking should be open.
How to feed petunia after a pick?
After 4 leaves have appeared on each sprout, you can start feeding the plants. It is more convenient to add fertilizer to the water while watering. As a top dressing, nitrogen, potassium, calcium are used separately, and then in a complex. In this case, there should be more potassium than nitrogen. It is necessary to feed the plants every ten days.
Petunia care after picking
The temperature in the room with seedlings should be kept at 20-22 degrees for two weeks. It is advisable to place the seedlings near a window to get a lot of light. Two to three days after the pick, you need to start hardening
plant. To do this, it is necessary to ventilate the room more often. At very low temperatures outside the window, the petunia sprouts must be removed from the window, otherwise the seedlings will freeze.
If the room is too hot or dark, the seedlings will take root worse.
In the summer, petunia needs a lot of liquid.
Correct picking of petunia seedlings will preserve nutrients in the soil and improve stem growth, resulting in a beautiful plant.
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Procedure methods
To get strong petunia seedlings at home, you need to choose the right picking method. The option with several transplants is considered optimal, when a larger volume is chosen for the plant each time, soil is added and enriched, ensuring the development of the root system. The intervals between picks are at least a month.
Small containers
Small cups are used, leaving the root system free for sufficient development in width and length.Seeds planted in March are first picked in April.
Before planting in open ground, the procedure is repeated 1-2 more times, focusing on the condition of the seedlings and the timing of the proposed transplant to the site. The second and third time they just do the transshipment, trying not to damage the earthen lump with roots. Seedlings grown in this way are resistant to diseases and adverse weather conditions.
Large pots
Gardeners who do not have the opportunity to devote a lot of time to seedlings prefer to dive for petunias, using a voluminous pot for each plant at once. The option is good because the seedling has enough space for the development of roots before being transferred to the garden, only watering and temperature control are required.
However, saving time affects the quality of the seedlings - a large earthy clod often becomes strongly compacted, making it difficult for oxygen and moisture to penetrate to the roots. Light and loose soil, not prone to caking, is obtained by adding organic additives to the soil of peat.
Peat tablets
This method is most convenient for obtaining seedlings, since it requires minimal preparation. When picking such seedlings, they do not pinch the root rod, since a violation of the integrity of the peat ball threatens with serious damage to the petunia root system.
Such plants are transplanted by removing the cloth coating from the side surfaces of the tablet as carefully as possible, trying not to damage the visible roots. The seedling is transferred with a tablet into a large container, this will ensure quick adaptation and healthy growth.
Why do petunias dive
Often too dense sowing of seeds causes the plants to lack nutrients. Therefore, they stop growing and grow darker. This problem is solved by transplantation. It has several advantages:
- small containers are most supplied with water and oxygen;
- the best seedlings are visible, later they are sorted;
- an additional source of minerals;
- with the help of transplantation, they slow down the growth and development of the plant, preventing overgrowth;
- the roots are less often intertwined.
This makes the flowers easier to transplant to a permanent place. The video shows how picking makes it easy to get rid of unnecessary and decaying seedlings. Diseased sprouts are transplanted into another container, leaving only healthy specimens. The soil is completely replaced. As a result, the seedlings become more resistant to adverse conditions, they are less affected by diseases.
On a note!
A pick is necessary when there is a strong thickening of the planting material, from which the seedlings appear in a dense forest. It helps the flower grow.
