In terms of reproduction, the host is no different from any other member of its garden family. You can use seeds, separation of leaf rosettes and cuttings.
seeds
Seeding is the most commonly used option as it guarantees healthy, hardy and strong flowers. As a rule, in mid-latitudes, this procedure is carried out in early April.
Sowing material can be collected from seed pods ripened after flowering or purchased ready-made in a store.
I will note the important factors that should be followed when collecting your own:
- the seeds are ready to be harvested when the pods on the stems darken, dry up and burst;
- time for collection - 3-5 days before the start of damage;
- the collected grains are calcined at a temperature of 350 ° C in an oven or drying cabinet for 5-10 minutes until complete evaporation of moisture, then thoroughly cleaned of third-party debris and placed in the refrigerator for 30 days;
- after the procedures, the seeds are removed in small bags and stored in a dark, warm place for up to 2 years.
Hosta grains do not germinate well, and I strongly recommend treating them with growth stimulants before planting, Epin or Zircon are well suited.
Under the container for seedlings, it is better to take a small plastic pot with bottom holes. Before planting, it is spilled with boiling water and alcohol. As a soil, I advise you to take a sterile shop soil.
In the process of sowing, drainage, substrate and moist soil are laid out in layers in pots - seeds are placed on it, which are sprinkled with 1 cm of earth on top. Finished containers are covered with foil.
Good conditions for seedlings:
- a bright place, but without direct sunlight;
- 18-25 °С heat;
- moderate regular watering;
- daily 2-hour ventilation with film removal.
I advise you to pick a pick when a second permanent leaf appears, at the same time you can remove the covering material. Seedlings should be transplanted into a fertile soil mixture, sprinkle the sprouts with sand and “water” the roots using the bottom watering method.
A week after transplanting, seedlings should begin to harden in the fresh air, subject to warm weather.
Disembarkation should be carried out at a temperature of 20 ° C and above. For the site, you need to choose a shady place without drafts, and remove the pits from each other by 0.5-0.7 m. The stem is transferred to the hole along with an earthen clod.
leaf division
Much easier and faster way. It should be carried out in late spring - early summer.
The step-by-step division process requires precise execution:
- when shoots appear with a sharp blade, cut off the socket with a part of the rhizome (“heel”);
- the place of the cut is sprinkled with sand;
- separated leaves are planted in a greenhouse under a plastic bottle;
- the sprout is watered as needed and aired for 2 hours a day;
- a month later, the bush is transplanted to a permanent place with the help of a pitchfork.
cuttings
In speed, it is not inferior to the method with leaves. Often used by gardeners to grow hybrids.
The cutting process looks like this:
- for the procedure, a young shoot with a “heel” and small leaves, which are cut with a sharp blade, are suitable;
- after grafting, the shoot is shortened to a length of 1/3 of the leaf;
- after carrying out all the actions, the sprout is shaded and watered regularly.
Care
The hosta is unpretentious, but some actions should be carried out regularly:
- regular watering (every 3 days);
- annual pruning and thinning;
- twice a year organic fertilizer;
- seasonal complementary foods with minerals;
- spring mulching with compost.
With due attention, the plant will delight with beautiful flowering for a long time.
Do you plant hostas?
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