Growing dimorphotheca from seeds, planting and care in open ground

Dimorphotheca, or Cape marigold, is grown as an annual plant in the middle zone. Every spring, gardeners sow crop seeds for seedlings and only then transfer the matured seedlings to flower beds. There are no particular difficulties in growing dimorphotheca from seeds - the main thing is to properly prepare the containers, soil and planting material and then regularly care for the seedlings. Beautiful daisy marigolds will be a highlight in decorating your site design throughout the summer.

General description and characteristics of dimorphotheca

The ornamental plant belongs to the Astrov family and is grown both as an annual and as a perennial - it all depends on the region. Domestic gardeners are forced to grow seedlings every year, since the heat-loving dimorphotheca will not survive cold winters in open ground. The height of the crop reaches a maximum of 60 cm, and the color of the dimorphotheca baskets is amazing - there are varieties with purple, pink, blue, yellow, and apricot petals. The diameter of the basket itself does not exceed 10 cm.

Types and varieties

Before starting to grow an ornamental plant, determine the type and variety, paying attention to its strengths and weaknesses. Most often, gardeners give preference to the following varieties:

• Notched. It grows up to 30-40 cm, characterized by stems that branch from the very base. The foliage of the plant is fragile and has a notched shape, which is why the dimorphotheca of this species actually got its name. About 30 inflorescences with a diameter of up to 7 cm are formed on each stem. Their petals have a yellow-orange tint. Abundant flowering is observed only in sunny weather.
• Rainy. On average, it stretches to a height of 17-20 cm. The stems are slightly elongated, as are the leaves, which have slight pubescence. The inside of the flower petals have a soft purple hue, and the edges are white.
• Tetra Polarstern. The diameter of large snow-white flowers of this variety reaches a maximum of 8 cm. The height of the dimorphotheca Tetra Polarstern does not exceed 40 cm, often used by gardeners for growing on the balcony. The peculiarity of the variety is that on cloudy days and at night the flowers close their petals.
• Tetra Goliath.It belongs to the annual representatives, characterized by large flowers with a golden-orange hue. Their diameter reaches 10 cm. The flower stalks of the Tetra Goliath variety are long, covered with numerous inflorescences, which is why the bush looks voluminous.
• Giant Mixed. One of the most original varieties, because baskets of orange, white and pink shades bloom simultaneously on one bush. The height of Giant Mixed is around 30 cm.

Growing from seeds to seedlings

Experienced gardeners prefer to grow dimorphotheca from seeds at home, and then transfer the finished seedlings to a plot of open ground. There is nothing difficult in obtaining decorative flower seedlings.

Soil and container

First, prepare the soil and containers in which the material is sown. Soil for growing dimorphotheca seedlings is purchased at a specialized gardening store. It should be nutritious, with average acidity. However, some gardeners prepare the soil themselves at home. To do this, adhere to the following proportions:

• three parts of humus;
• one part of leafy soil;
• one part of turf land;
• two parts of coarse river sand.

Pots with drainage holes or peat tablets are ideal as containers for seeds.

Landing technology

The prepared soil is laid out in containers, and the top is lightly moistened with a spray bottle. Dimorphotheca seed material is laid out on the soil surface and sprinkled with a thin layer of soil on top. If the seeds are planted in peat pots, put no more than three pieces in one.

The plantings are covered with glass or transparent plastic film and transferred to a room where the temperature is maintained at 16-20 degrees Celsius.Periodically, the crops are opened for ventilation and moisture as the soil dries.

Seedling care

The first sprouts of dimorphotheca appear above the ground surface after 10 days. After this, the cover simulating a greenhouse is removed. As soon as the first true leaves are formed, the seedlings are planted in separate containers. This is due to the fact that dimorphotheca has a weak root system, which requires free space for full development.

Disembarkation

Transplantation to flower beds in open ground is carried out in the last days of May, when there is confidence in the absence of return frosts. Select a well-lit and open place for cape marigolds with good drainage.

Adhere to the following algorithm:

1. The soil is dug up in the fall, complex fertilizers are applied and weeds are removed.
2. Before planting seedlings, the soil is again loosened shallowly.
3. When planting, maintain a distance between bushes of 15-20 cm, and be sure to keep the earthen ball on the roots as much as possible so that they are not damaged. If the seedlings were grown in peat containers, they are lowered into the soil along with them.
4. After planting, water the young seedlings, but not too much.

You can sow dimorphotheca seeds directly into open ground; this is done in early May. However, it must be remembered that such plants will bloom a month later than those grown from seedlings.

Rules for caring for crops

In order to enjoy the lush flowering of Cape marigolds throughout the summer, it is necessary to properly care for the ornamental plant and carry out preventive treatments against diseases and pests.

Watering

Due to the fact that Dimorphotheca is a native of Africa, it tolerates dry and hot conditions without problems, so there is no need for frequent moisturizing. They wait until the soil becomes dry to a depth of 4 centimeters and only then begin to irrigate the plants. If you moisten the dimorphotheca too often and abundantly, this will lead to damage to the bushes by gray rot and further death of ornamental plants.

Fertilizer application

For abundant flowering, it is important to properly carry out the procedure for feeding plants. The predominant components in the nutritional composition should be phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizers are applied for the first time a week after planting seedlings in open ground. Then follow the regimen 1-2 times a month. Dimorphotheca especially needs feeding at the time of bud formation. Stop applying fertilizers in early autumn.

Bloom

As soon as the dimorphotheca baskets begin to fade, they are immediately removed from the bushes. If you follow this rule, the plant will bloom until the first cold snap.

Preparing for winter

Since in our climate Cape marigold is grown only as an annual plant, a new portion of seeds is sown for seedlings every spring. In open ground, even with good shelter, plants will not survive the winter. Some gardeners dig up rare varieties of dimorphotheca for wintering in a pot at home, but this procedure does not always bring positive results due to the weak root system of the crop.

Protection from pests and diseases

The most dangerous disease for Cape marigolds is gray rot, which develops in conditions of high humidity and lack of a drainage system.To avoid this problem, moisten the plants moderately, and when the first signs of damage appear, use Bordeaux mixture or any copper-containing preparation.

Reproduction

Cape marigolds are propagated by seed, sown annually in the spring as seedlings at home and directly in open ground.

Dimorphotheca in landscape design

In sunny areas, Cape marigolds will become an ideal element of rock gardens; gardeners also use dimorphotheca for growing in boxes on balconies. Pelargonium, ageratum or petunias are selected as companions. But even in monoplantings, the dimorphotheca looks self-sufficient.