Snowdrop narrow-leaved
The narrow-leaved snowdrop is a bulbous plant that belongs to perennial early flowering flowers. Snowdrops come in different types, which differ in size, shape of flowers and leaves, but they all look like a gentle calling card of spring, peeking out from under the snow cover.
Content:
The narrow-leaved snowdrop is the smallest type of snowdrops. It can be grown in containers, gardens and greenhouses. Is growing snowdrop not quickly, thin green leaves are formed on it, and flowers in the form of bells are scattered on thin stems.
Conditions for the growth of snowdrop
Snowdrop requires special care. When growing narrow-leaved snowdrop, it is necessary to take into account such important points:
- Location.
The best place to grow a snowdrop is a garden, because there you can recreate the natural and favorite conditions. Snowdrop loves partial shade, humidity and cold, but the ambient temperature should not be lower than thirty-five degrees.
- The soil.
The soil should contain compost or humus and peat, loam and sand. It should be nutritious, loose and well-drained. The plant absolutely does not tolerate plots of land in which water stagnates.
- Weeding.
The main enemies of the snowdrop are weeds, so you need to regularly destroy them. Weeds take away the necessary nutrients from snowdrops, and also contribute to the reproduction of various pests.
It is very important to eliminate weeds in advance, even before planting flowers. You can do this manually or with a herbicide. Alternatively, you can use polyethylene for several months, which spreads over the plot of land, where snowdrops will later be grown. Mulching also plays an important role. For this, straw, compost or shredded bark are used.
- Fertilizers.
Since snowdrops are wild flowers, they can do without feeding, but they will bloom with it longer and more beautiful. Plants need fertilize, using soluble fertilizers for bulbous plants, in winter and autumn, since it is at this time that both the plant itself and its root system are actively developing in snowdrops.
Nitrogen fertilizers in large quantities are undesirable, since they increase the number of leaves rather quickly. And because of this, in wet weather, which is characteristic of early spring, there is a possibility of a fungal disease. On the other hand, phosphorus fertilizers will be useful, which favorably affect the flowering of snowdrop. Fertilizers with potassium will have a positive effect on the health of the bulbs.
- Pests and diseases.
A moldy mildew may appear on the surface of snowdrop leaves, which occurs due to the presence of honeydew secreted by aphids, scale insects or mealybugs. This plaque is removed with a damp cloth. It is also important to prevent the appearance of the above pests. This mold is not particularly dangerous, but it spoils the beauty of the plant.
Planting and breeding snowdrops
Snowdrop bulbs are best planted in the summer, for example, July, or in early autumn, since during this period the plant is completely dormant. In the case of a warm autumn, you can plant a snowdrop in October and early November.
To choose the right one bulbs for planting, you need to pay attention to how dense and heavy they are, whether there are overgrown roots and stems on them, how the shells are preserved, whether the bottom is not damaged and whether there is mold. If roots and stems have already appeared, the bulb should be planted as soon as possible.
It is important to remember that snowdrop bulbs do not tolerate long-term drying. If it is not possible to plant immediately, they need to be sprinkled with sawdust and put in a plastic bag with holes (perforation). In this case, the bulbs can be stored for up to three months.
Snowdrops should be planted to a depth of no more than ten centimeters, keeping a distance of seven centimeters between the plants. It is best if you plant several pieces in one place at the same time (about 3 or 4). After planting, the snowdrops need to be watered abundantly, wetting the soil heavily. After about one to two weeks, the bulbs will begin to take root, but seedlings will only appear in late winter or early spring.
It is necessary to propagate the narrow-leaved snowdrop in the spring, when its leaves turn yellow. Do not prune even with green foliage. The snowdrop must store up essential nutrients through the process of photosynthesis. The plant is dug up, divided, leaving five bulbs in divided parts, and immediately planted in a permanent place.
Yes, caring for and growing a snowdrop does take time and effort. But it's worth it, because the beauty and tenderness of this beautiful flower never left anyone indifferent.