Kohiya is a fairly popular flower that is often found in landscape designs. This plant is completely unpretentious in cultivation and care and is very harmoniously combined in flower beds with neighbors.
In this article I will tell you how to grow kochia in the garden, and how to provide it with competent care.
A little about the plant
Kochia came to us from China. There it has long been grown as an ornamental plant. More recently, breeders have bred new interesting flower varieties, which have an unusual leaf color, interesting shape and non-standard height. Cochia is popularly called cypress, broom grass.
Kohiya is a lush semi-shrub of medium height, from 80 cm to 1 m. Its color can vary from light green to dark green. The leaves of the plant are long and look like needles. Some varieties turn crimson in autumn, others turn lemon, raspberry, dark green or purple. This plant blooms inconspicuously, as its small flowers are located at the very base of the cuttings. In total, about 80 species of this plant are found in nature. The main reasons for its popularity among gardeners, I think:
- high decorative qualities;
- ease of cultivation;
- unpretentiousness in care.
Features of growing cochia
When growing this exotic plant, it is important to follow the basic rules of agricultural technology. If you live in a region with a warm climate, cochia can be grown as a perennial. If the climate in your area is harsh, then you will have to plant it every year. I prefer to propagate kochia from seeds. You can do this in spring or autumn. As for the timing of planting, I sow the seeds immediately in open ground at the end of May. It is important here that the likelihood of a return of night frosts has passed. So the plant immediately dies even with a slight decrease in temperature.
You can also grow cochia and seedlings. Then it is important to prepare the soil and planting containers. Keep in mind that seedlings are sown in such a way that after 2 months they can be planted in open ground. I prefer to sow kochia seeds in individual cups, although many gardeners sow them in large containers. There are no special requirements for growing containers. The main thing is that there are holes in the bottom for draining excess water and good drainage.
As for the soil, the kochia loves loose and nutritious soil. You can buy it at a garden store. Or make your own from:
- garden soil;
- humus;
- sand;
- peat.
Sowing seeds
Before sowing kochia, I always soak the seeds for several hours in a growth stimulator. The landing process itself is as follows:
- Drainage is built at the bottom of the container.
- The container is filled with soil mixture.
- The earth is a little tamped down.
- Seeds are laid out on the surface of the soil and slightly pressed into it.
- Further, the seed is sprayed a little from the spray gun.
With the right approach, the first shoots will appear in 1-2 weeks. Further care of seedlings should look like this:
- plants are periodically watered;
- fertilizers are applied;
- picking is carried out.
Transplantation in open ground
By mid-May, the plants are completely ready for planting in a flower bed. The main thing is that they reach a height of 15 cm. When transplanting kochia to fresh air, it is important to choose the right place for it. It should be a well-lit area, well protected from drafts and wind. Kochia is planted in nutritious and loose soil. It is very important that there are no closely located groundwater on the site. Also, this plant is not recommended to be planted in a lowland. Since with an excess of moisture, its root system immediately rots.
Caring for a transplanted kochia also comes down to:
- regular watering;
- weeding;
- loosening the soil;
- fertilization.
As can be seen from everything I have said, everyone can grow kochia in their backyard. The main thing is to take a responsible attitude to the choice of a place for its growth, the preparation of seeds and soil.
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