Eustoma in Siberia: suitable species, planting and care

Eustoma is a beautiful and graceful plant that is popular with gardeners. Is it possible to grow a flower in Siberia under unfavorable climatic conditions? How to properly plant and care for eustoma? What diseases is the plant susceptible to? Read more about this in our material.

To date, scientists have identified about 60 species of eustoma. Despite such a great variety, for self-cultivation and cultivation in any climatic conditions (even in Siberia), gardeners use 2 of them: large-flowered type and Russell's eustoma. Each of these species includes several varieties of plants, which we will now talk about. When choosing a specific variety of eustoma, many gardeners prefer tall representatives. Varieties such as Aurora and Echo fall into this category. Their height can exceed 0.7 meters. Aurora is considered the largest variety as it can grow up to 1.2 meters in height. In addition, it blooms quite early, which is why many gardeners prefer this plant.

The height of the Echo variety does not exceed 70 cm. At the same time, this plant is characterized by increased branching and bushiness. Flowers can be painted in a wide variety of shades, or even combine multiple colors. The plants described above are perfect for growing in your own garden. However, if you want eustoma to grow in your apartment, then you should choose smaller varieties. These varieties include Vernost, Mermaid and Florida Pink.

In order for the plant not only to take root, but to actively grow and develop, it is important to ensure that all the necessary planting and care rules are followed. For example, One way to plant a plant is to plant it outdoors. However, before starting this process, it is necessary to sow seeds for seedlings. This procedure is recommended in early spring. If everything is done correctly, then the eustoma will begin to bloom in the summer.

It should be borne in mind that for planting plants use containers or boxes... Also consider the fact that the potting soil in which the plant will be planted must be sterilized and also contain a small amount of nitrogen. The process of growing seedlings itself consists of several stages. Experts recommend sticking to each of them. First, you need to evenly distribute small seeds over the entire surface of the earth. After that, the container should be covered with plastic wrap, which will help create the effect of a greenhouse (glass can also be used for this purpose). Do not forget that the plant needs access to clean and fresh air, so it is imperative to leave a hole for this.

On a regular basis seedlings need to be sprayed with water from a spray bottle so that the plant does not dry out... However, in this sense, you need to be especially careful.In the event that condensation constantly collects inside your makeshift greenhouse, and the ground remains moist, then the spraying procedure may not be necessary. The first eustoma seedlings will appear in 14 days. It is important not to miss this moment, as it is imperative to remove the film or glass from the container. For the prevention of diseases, seedlings can be sprayed with special medicinal solutions, for example, "Fitosporin".

After full leaves appear on the seedlings, the plants should be planted in separate pots (this will happen about 90 days after planting the seeds). A already in late May - early June, eustoma is allowed to be transplanted into open ground. However, this procedure should be done with great care so as not to damage the root system. Outdoor planting is not the only way to grow eustoma. The plant can also grow at home in a pot. The landing procedure itself is similar, only the timing and some details change. So, first you need to take into account the fact that the planting process is carried out in July. A specially designed container is also used for this.

If you want your eustoma to live for a long time and please the eye, then you should carefully follow all the recommendations for its cultivation.

Watering is considered an integral part of caring for any plant (and eustoma is no exception). This procedure should be carried out with special attention, carefully observing the condition of the substrate. The watering procedure is recommended to be carried out only when the soil has dried out at least 2 cm inward. Otherwise, the rhizome of the plant may begin to rot, and then the eustoma will die.

Top dressing and fertilization play an important role in the growth and development of eustoma. So, these procedures must be performed 30 days after you transferred the seedlings of the plant to open ground. For feeding eustoma, it is recommended to use universal fertilizers for ornamental plants capable of flowering. You can buy such mixtures in almost any gardening store.

This is another important step. It is recommended to prune the wilting buds to stimulate the growth of new and fresh buds. In addition, if any part of the plant has been affected by a disease or harmful microorganism, then it must also be cut off.

There is only one option for breeding eustoma - using seeds... In order to start the reproduction process, it is necessary to wait until the seeds are fully ripe, which are located in the capsule. It should be borne in mind that the eustoma forms a fairly large number of seeds, in this regard, they should be collected with great care. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the germination of self-collected and grown seeds will be much worse than the germination of those that were purchased in the store. Therefore, if your goal is to grow a large population of a plant, then self-propagation will not work for you. After the seeds are collected, they are planted in seedlings, and then in open ground. You can read a detailed description of these processes above.

Scientists note that eustoma is the plant that is highly susceptible to the influence of various diseases, as well as attacks of insect pests. To avoid negative consequences, it is imperative to carry out a number of preventive measures.

• For growing seedlings, it is allowed to use only sterilized soil. And before planting seedlings in the ground, they need to be treated with "Fundazol".
• Seedlings must be sprayed with strengthening agents. This procedure increases the level of plant resistance to adverse environmental factors.
• In no case should the soil be poured. Excessive moisture can lead to the appearance of an incurable disease of root rot.
• Remember to weed out the weeds as they obstruct the air flow.
• To prevent fusarium wilting, it is recommended to use the drug "Ridomil Gold".

Both experienced gardeners and beginners note that in order for a plant to actively grow and develop, it is necessary to carefully follow all the instructions of specialists. If you do this, then all your efforts will definitely pay off, and a beautiful blooming eustoma will delight not only you, but also your household, guests and just passers-by. Many eustoma owners note that the plant is very susceptible to diseases, therefore, it is necessary to constantly monitor it and, if necessary, carry out preventive and therapeutic measures.

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