Growing clarkia from seeds at home: an elegant flower in your flowerbed. Clarkia graceful - growing from seeds

Clarkia grows naturally in North America, from there, namely from California, in the 19th century they were brought to Europe by the navigator William Clark, whose surname gave the name to the flower.

Clarkia flowers are annual and belong to the fireweed family - tall herbaceous plants reaching human height and higher.

There are about 30 types, three of which are considered the most popular:

• Clarkia marigold has a height of about 100 cm, its stems are thin and strong, woody in the lower part.
• The stems grow oval-shaped leaves, the edges of which have uneven teeth.
• The color of the leaves is blue-green with reddish veins. Clarkia marigold flowers come in white, red, pink and blue.
• The petals are placed singly in the leaf axils, have a regular shape, measuring 4 cm in diameter.

The pretty Clarkia begins to bloom two weeks earlier than the marigold.

It belongs to the dwarf plants of the fireweed family, so the height of the plant usually does not exceed 40 cm. Its stems are dotted with long thin green leaves pointed towards the top.

The flowers can be regular or double, and can be placed singly or in several in the leaf axils.

The petals of pretty clarkia have an unusual shape - divided into three parts (this species is also called moose horns).

Clarkia breveri has branched stems about 50 cm high, which are dotted with small, fleshy, green, oval-shaped leaves.

The flowers have a characteristic pleasant aroma, small petals are similar to the wings of butterflies, the size of the petals is about 3 cm in diameter.

Growing Clarkia

Clarkia flowers are propagated by seeds, which can be planted directly on the street (street seedless method) or in special containers; cultivation takes place in a closed, warm room, where in the future the germinated sprouts will need to be transplanted into open street soil (greenhouse seedling method).

With the outdoor method of growing clarkia without seedlings, the seeds should be planted in late autumn or in April using the nesting method - 5 pieces together at a distance of 30-40 cm between nests.

The seeds are not planted deeply, they are simply pressed into the soil and sprinkled with a little soil.

The soil will need to be prepared first: 14 days before sowing, add about a kilogram of peat per M2., after carefully digging the ground.

This is necessary for good fertilization, which contributes to better growth plants, since clarkia needs slightly acidic soil. Also, to prepare the soil, you can add 30 g of sulfate and superphosphate to it.

When your soil is not suitable and has a high pH value, it can be acidified using the same peat or using 60 g of sulfur per m2 of soil.

Also, to oxidize the soil, you can water the area with a solution of oxalic and citric acid (40 g per 10 liters of water). When the soil is too acidic, the soil is limed, and when it is too oily, sand is added.

The sown Clarkia seeds will sprout in 14 days, at which time they can already be thinned out, but not too much: it looks much better with lush bushes.

Clarkia, planted in the fall, also manages to sprout before the beginning of winter; the sprouts are well preserved under the cover of snow and cope well with the cold.

It's okay if the seeds don't germinate, because they can also lie in the ground until spring.

The seedling method is more comfortable for plants; with this method there is a very high probability that a flower will grow from each seed. You need to plant in March, and by the beginning of June the clarkia will bloom.

Do not plant the seeds deeply, just press down lightly and sprinkle with soil, then sprinkle with water and cover with film or glass. Place in a warm and fairly bright place, but without direct sunlight.

When the first shoots appear, the cover can be removed, and when the first leaves appear, they can already be transplanted outside.

How to care for clarkia?

Clarkia is quite unpretentious; it only needs to be watered during dry periods twice a week, with a small amount of water so that the ground can completely absorb it.

When the season is quite mild, not dry, then the plant will have enough rain moisture.

During the flowering stage, Clarkia will need to be fed with mineral fertilizers twice a month, and in order for all the plant’s energy to be spent on buds, the seed cones will need to be cut off.

The plant got its name in honor of the name of Captain William Clark, who brought it to Europe. There are more than 30 species of shrubs, but the most popular is Clarkia graceful. Lush bright bushes can harmoniously decorate green lawns. Tall bushes are most often planted as hedges with other summer flowers. Let's take a closer look at how to grow and care for flowers, what their features and varieties are.

Short description

Clarkia flowers are an annual herbaceous plant that grows up to 90 centimeters. The bush blooms in different shades, with spike-shaped or racemose inflorescences.

Clarkia has branched, erect stems covered with short hairs. The leaves have an elongated, oval shape and a bright green or bluish color. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem.

The shrub has simple or double axillary flowers correct form, their diameter can reach 3.5 centimeters. The flower itself has a tubular calyx, a four-piece or three-lobed corolla, which tapers at the base into a marigold.

Clarkia value

The graceful clarkia has delicate beauty and elegance. It is also appreciated for the following advantages:

1. the clarkia flower blooms within a couple of months after sowing and pleases with its decorative effect before the onset of frost;
2. The plant is sown in open ground. If you sow the seeds in the fall, the bush will grow strong and hardy;
3. seeds have increased germination capacity and can germinate quickly;
4. during the season, full-fledged high-quality seeds ripen;
5. the plant can self-sow, retaining its original varietal characteristics.

The most decorative and valuable plant is considered to be the marigold or graceful clarkia, as it can bloom in white, soft pink or lilac shades.

Gardeners most often plant three types of flowers in their gardens: graceful clarkia, pretty and Brevery. Based on them, many different unique varieties have been bred.

Main types of shrubs:

• The graceful clarkia has a thin, branched, strong stem and grows up to 90 centimeters. The leaves are densely green with red veins and jagged edges. It blooms with single or double flowers in June and pleases with its flowering until the end of September;
• The pretty Clarkia grows to only 30 centimeters. Blooms with different double or non-double flowers. Blooms in mid-May and blooms until frost;
• terry clarkia has amazingly beautiful flowers. Plant height is 25 – 65 centimeters. The diameter of double flowers is 6 centimeters. They are strung on stems and in appearance resemble a spike-shaped plant;
• The Albatross variety has double white flowers, the bush is branched, its height can reach 75 centimeters;
• the Purpurkenig variety has double carmine flowers, 4 centimeters in diameter, the height of the bush reaches one meter;
• The Salmon Perfect variety has double, salmon-pink flowers with a diameter of 3.5 centimeters. The shrub is loose, no more than 90 centimeters high.
• The Diamond variety is also valued by gardeners. The tall bush has large bright pink double inflorescences;
• The Clarkia Sakura variety has double inflorescences of a white-pink hue. Its height is 120 centimeters, its appearance resembles a Japanese cherry;
• The bushes of the Sheftane variety have a lilac-lilac color and a height of 50 centimeters.

Read also: Anemones – delicate colors in the garden

Clarkia Brevery has also been considered popular recently. The variety withstands cold, is an annual, and grows only 50 centimeters. It has butterfly-like flowers. The diameter of each flower is 3 centimeters. The flowers are collected in loose inflorescences. The bushes emit a strong and pleasant aroma.

Brewery has a subspecies called Pink Ribbons. This variety blooms with pink flowers, the petals of which resemble ribbons. The height of the bush is no more than 30 centimeters. Blooms profusely on branched stems.

If you have heard of other varieties of the plant, you need to take note that they belong more to the genus Godetia than to Clarkia.

Since the seeds of the plant are very small, they are sown on the surface of the ground. For dense and better adhesion of seeds to the soil, the breast should be watered abundantly before sowing. You can also sprinkle a little dry peat mixed with sand on top.

Seeds are planted according to a nesting pattern, in groups of 5 - 6 seeds with an interval of no more than 30 centimeters from each other. After 14 days, the first shoots will appear. When thinning out seedlings, you must leave several plants at a time to obtain a thick, voluminous bush.

Important point! One sachet weighing 1 gram contains 3.5 - 4 thousand seeds. It will not be possible to sow them with pinches. Therefore, mix the seeds with fine sand in a ratio of 1:10 or carefully shake them into the soil from a sheet of paper.

Clarkia graceful is grown from seeds as follows:

1. Soak the seeds in a solution of potassium permanganate for a couple of hours. Instead, you can steam them a little in the oven. This procedure is done in order to destroy a possible infection.
2. Place the container for sowing seeds in a bright place, out of direct sunlight. Press the seeds into the soil using a wooden stick. Then moisten the soil with water from a spray bottle and cover the container with glass.
3. As soon as the seedlings acquire leaves, they can be planted in different cups and further grown in a ventilated greenhouse. After some time, the grown seedlings are transplanted into open ground.
4. It is recommended to sow seeds directly into open ground in April or May. Since the seed material is not afraid of frost, Clarkia is sometimes sown in deep canopy.
5. For planting, the soil selected is loose, slightly acidified, on the sunny side of the site.
6. Before sowing seeds in open ground, fertilize the soil with superphosphates or other mineral fertilizers.
7. It is recommended to plant grown seedlings at a distance of 15 centimeters from each other.

Read also: Flower in landscape design: rules for caring for heliotrope shrubs

For lush and abundant flowering, it is important to follow the recommendations described above, as well as continue to properly care for the plant.

Sometimes Clarkia is grown in pots and containers. Varieties with shoots of 50–80 centimeters are cut to create bouquets. If you remove the lower leaves from the stems, the flowers will stay in the vase for a week without losing their decorative effect.

Features of planting plants in open ground

Flowers are planted in open ground in May. To acidify the soil, peat with sulfur or a solution of oxalic or citric acid is added to it. An experienced gardener should advise you on the exact dosage of fertilizers.

Seedlings are taken out of the containers one at a time along with a lump of earth. They are planted in holes dug at a distance of 20 - 40 centimeters from each other. To prevent the stems from breaking during growth, it is recommended to stick sticks near each seedling to which they will be attached in the future.

After planting all the seedlings in the holes, water them and pinch them to stimulate tillering.

Clarkia graceful cultivation It is easy to do, which is why all gardeners love it.

• It is recommended to water the bushes regularly and moderately. It is best to water when the soil has dried out in very dry conditions. summer days.
• In dry summers, it is recommended to feed the plant with mineral fertilizers several times a month.
• If you properly care for clarkia, already in July, the bushes will begin to bloom. To preserve their decorative appearance, regularly remove faded buds and dying leaves.
• A month after the petals of the buds fall off, fruits appear in their place - boxes with small seeds. If they turn brown, it means the seeds are already fully ripe. You can grow flowers from seeds that are no more than four years old.
• When the shoots grow to 20 centimeters, it is recommended to pinch their tops to get denser bushes.
• It is recommended to tie tall varieties of clarkia to sticks to prevent them from breaking.
• Before frost, the stems are cut to ground level.

Protection from diseases and pests

If the leaves are covered with dark spots, they may have become infected with a fungus. To get rid of this disease, plants are sprayed with fungicides. The bushes need to be treated several times every seven days. To avoid further development of the fungus, it is recommended not to moisten the root system too much.

Read also: Unpretentious perennial - aquilegia

There are cases when, even before germination, seeds are attacked by flea beetles. To prevent the appearance of pests, cover the soil with the planted seedlings with non-woven material. Thanks to this, the crops will be reliably protected from pests, and their moisture will also be ensured.

Care after flowering

Clarkia most often sows on its own. It is enough only in the spring, after the bristles of the shoots appear, to carefully thin them out.

To collect seeds, during flowering, select the most beautiful flowers and mark them with something. As soon as they begin to fade, tie pieces of gauze to the top of the flower heads. A month after flowering ends, the box will turn brown. Cut it off and pour the collected seeds onto newspaper. After drying well, sow the planting material in the ground before wintering or store it in a paper bag until spring.

Wintering of clarkia

After the flowering process is completed and the seeds are collected, the bushes are pruned to the ground. When digging up the area, remove any remaining shrubs and remove them from the garden. To prevent the development of diseases, it is best to burn the dug roots. In the spring, re-sow the seeds collected in the fall into the soil.

The terry type of clarkia is always planted only in open soil. The height of the bushes is 90 centimeters. The flowers are unusually double.

As soon as the first shoots and the first four leaves appear, plant the shoots at short distances between them. They need to be replanted together with small lumps of earth into holes prepared in advance. When the plant stems become strong, the bushes on top need to be pinched. Caring for the terry type of clarkia is also easy.

It is important to regularly water the bushes as needed, right to the roots and fluff up the top layer of soil. Feed with mineral fertilizers during budding. Terry clarkia blooms from July to the end of September. Pest protection is carried out in the same way as protection graceful clarkia.

Clarkia and other plants

From clarkia and other garden flowers you can create an amazingly beautiful flower garden.

1. Next to the bush you can plant phlox, lilies, white daisies and asters.
2. Clarkia looks harmonious next to low red roses.
3. If you cut the clarkia and keep it in water, it will stand for two weeks, slowly opening buds.
4. Clarkia is often planted in groups to decorate ridges, for the purpose of landscaping balconies, and creating Moorish lawns.

Clarkia (lat. Clarkia) is an annual herbaceous plant of the Fireweed family. Depending on the species, the height of the plant varies from 35 cm to 1 m. The shoots are erect, often branched, and can be bare or pubescent. The leaf blades are oblong, arranged alternately, their color is rich green with a bluish tint.

When does clarkia bloom?

Clarkia falls during the summer months. The exact timing depends on the species.

At the tops of the shoots there are spicate or racemose inflorescences; single flowers can huddle in the axils of the leaves. The calyx is tubular, and the corolla is four-lobed or consists of 4 separate petals. Flowers simple or double. The color scheme is represented by snow-white, pink, lilac, red-purple shades.

Growing clarkia from seeds

Reproduction of clarkia involves an exclusively generative method (). Before sowing, the seeds should be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate to disinfect them from diseases.

Planting clarkia seeds in open ground

It is carried out in the spring (from March to the second half of May) or before winter (around the end of October). A month before sowing, you will need to dig up the area; add 1 kg of peat or humus, 1 tablespoon of potassium sulfate and superphosphate (per 1 m² of area) for digging.

Distribute the seeds over the surface of the soil and cover with a rake. When sowing in winter, the seeds should be covered with a layer of soil about 2 cm thick (you can mulch with a layer of compost or humus). In spring, thin out the seedlings, leaving about 30 cm between individual plants.

Growing seedlings at home

When and how to plant seeds

To get strong plants that will successfully take root and bloom earlier, you will need. You can start sowing from late March to mid-April.

• Fill the containers with light nutritious soil, moisten with a fine spray, distribute the seeds over the surface of the soil, sprinkle with sand (a layer of no more than 0.5 cm).
• To create a greenhouse effect, you will need a film cover; you can cover it with a piece of glass.
• Provide an air temperature of 15-16 °C and bright, diffused lighting.
• Raise the shelter daily for ventilation.
• Shoots will appear in about 12-15 days.
• During this time, spray the soil with a fine sprayer, not allowing it to dry out.

• When sprouts appear, remove the cover and water moderately.
• After the formation of two true leaves, plant them in separate containers, try to preserve the earthen ball so as not to damage the root system.

Clarkia reproduces quite successfully by self-sowing. In the spring you will only need to thin out the seedlings and adjust the plantings (you can transplant young plants to the place where you need them).

Area for growing clarkia

To grow clarkia, you will need an open, well-lit area.

The soil should be light, permeable, slightly acidic. Dilute heavy loamy soil with sand.

To acidify the soil, you should add one of the following options (per 1 m²):

• 60 grams of sulfur;
• 1-1.5 kg of peat;
• Pour the following solution into 10 liters of water: 1.5 tablespoons of citric or oxalic acid.

If the soil is highly acidic, lime should be added. The introduction of nutritional composition is indicated in the section on growing clarkia from seeds.

Planting clarkia seedlings in open ground

Clarkias are planted in open ground in May, when constant warmth has established.

• Make holes of such a size that 2-3 seedlings fit into each hole - they do not interfere with each other, and the plantings will look more magnificent.
• Handle the seedlings along with the earthen lump.
• The root collar should be flush with the surface of the soil, press the soil around the seedling with your palms, and water well.
• To stimulate growth, pinch the tips of the shoots.
• Keep a distance of 20-40 cm between individual holes.

Mature plants will need support, since thin shoots may lie down or be damaged by strong gusts of wind. Stick the pegs in, stretch strings between them, to which the clarkias are tied as they grow.

How to care for clarkia in the garden

Watering

Clarkia is resistant to drought; waterlogging of the soil leads to the development of diseases. The plant is quite content with natural precipitation. Watering will only be necessary during periods of prolonged drought, and add a moderate amount of water every 4-5 days. Do not allow moisture to stagnate.

Feeding

From the moment the buds set, fertilizers begin to be applied. It is strictly forbidden to use organic matter; feed it with complex mineral fertilizers (Rainbow, Kemira, etc.). Apply fertilizer every 15 days.

Trimming

To ensure long and lush flowering, faded inflorescences should be removed in time. Leave only the amount needed to collect the seeds.

Seed collection

For subsequent seed collection, leave the most spectacular flowers. When they begin to wilt, put gauze bags over them so that the seeds do not accidentally spill out when the seed pods spontaneously open. The seeds will ripen 4 weeks after the flower withers and the seed pod turns brown. Trim them, pour them onto newspaper, and dry them. Store in paper envelopes in a dry, dark place.

Clarkia after flowering

After flowering ends, cut the shoots at the root and remove them from the site (it is better to burn them). During autumn digging, get rid of plant remains, as they can cause the development of pathogenic microorganisms.

Diseases and pests

When growing clarkia in heavy loamy soil, rust may occur. Yellow spots with a brown border appear on the leaf blades.

Overmoistening of the soil can cause downy mildew. The leaf blades will become covered with whitish or brown spots, begin to curl and dry out.

In both cases, trim the affected areas and treat with a fungicide (you can use Bordeaux mixture).

Also, damp soil can cause rotting of the root system. In this case, the plants will die.

Dangerous pests include mealybugs and aphids. Treatment with an insecticidal preparation will be required. In the fight against aphids, an infusion of garlic or citrus peels has proven itself; make a solution with water in a ratio of 1 to 10.

In order to prevent diseases during budding, Bordeaux mixture is sprayed. Select a suitable area for growing the plant, do not thicken the plantings, adhere to moderation in watering, then the plant will not be afraid of any diseases or pests.

Clarkia in landscape design

In colorful flower beds, snow-white daisies, asters, and combine with phlox will be suitable partners for clarkia. Clarkias look advantageous against the background of lilies and low rose bushes.

You can grow clarkia in flowerpots that will be used to decorate balconies, verandas, and gazebos.

Clarkia in floristry

After cutting, the clarkia inflorescences remain fresh for 15 days, while the buds bloom gradually.

Types and varieties of clarkia with photos and names

Clarkia graceful or marigold Clarkia unguiculata syn. Clarkia elegans

A species popular in cultivation in temperate latitudes. The stems are branched (which makes the bush look lush), and as it grows from below, it becomes woody. The leaf blades are oval in shape with sparsely toothed edges, have a greenish-gray tint, and are covered with reddish veins. The flowers are regular in shape, about 4 cm in diameter, the colors can be white, pink, red, blue. The corollas are located singly in the leaf axils. Blooms tirelessly all summer.

The best varieties:

• Albatross - the height of the branched bush is about 75 cm. The corollas are terry, snow-white.
• Purpurkenig - plant height is 80-90 cm. Double flowers carmine shade reach a diameter of 3.5-4 cm.
• Salmon perfection - the plant grows up to 90 cm. Double flowers, up to 3.5 cm in diameter, have a pink-salmon hue.

Clarkia pulchella

A dwarf species with erect branched shoots about 40 cm high. The leaf blades are obovate in shape with pointed tips. Corollas are simple or terry. They gather at the tops of shoots into corymbose inflorescences and can be located singly in the leaf axils. The corollas are divided into 3 lobes, which are quite widely spaced. In America, this species is often called “moose antlers.” The flowering period begins half a month earlier than the previous species.

The Arianna variety is popular.

Clarkia breweri Clarkia breweri

A species that is increasingly gaining popularity in gardening. This annual is quite cold-resistant. The bushes are compact, half a meter high. The shape of the corollas resembles the wings of butterflies, the diameter is about 3 cm. The inflorescences are loose. Flowering is accompanied by a strong aroma.

The popular variety Pink Ribbons - the corolla consists of ribbon petals. Tiny bushes are about 30 cm high, the shoots branch well.

Clarkia is a genus of annual plants that delight gardeners with their lush and abundant flowering all summer long. The culture received its name in honor of Captain William Clark, who in the 19th century brought plants from the California coast to the countries of the Old World.

Today there are over 30 varieties of culture.

Description

In its natural environment, clarkia is found in the northern part of the American continent, as well as in Chile. The crop is an annual plant, which, depending on the variety, is medium or tall - its length varies from 35 to 90 cm. The stems are erect, highly branched, abundantly pubescent with short but dense fibers. The leaf blades are bright green in color and may have a bluish coating. The shape is elongated, oval, the leaves are arranged alternately. The flowers are axillary, can be simple or double, the diameter reaches 3 cm, the color can be very diverse. They are usually collected in spicate or racemose inflorescences; a single arrangement is rare. The petals can be whole or three-lobed, the calyx is usually tubular. The fruit is an elongated polyspermous capsule.

How is it different from godetia?

Clarkia is very similar to godetia, the similarity is so strong that some botanists even for a long time considered these crops to be varieties of the same plant. However, these are different cultures.

Claricia's flowers are small, looking like miniature roses, as if strung on twig stems. Godetia's flowers are quite large, elegant, satiny - each size is 6–8 cm, they can be double or simple. Both cultures can have a wide variety of shades: white, pink, as well as scarlet, purple, lilac and bluish.

The height of the bush also varies. Clarkia grows up to 30–90 cm, while the length of the Godetia stem does not exceed 30–40 cm.

Despite their differences, gardeners often plant these plants together. They claim that the cultures harmoniously complement each other in the flowerbed.

Types and varieties

Today, there are about 35 varieties of clarkia, but only four varieties are of interest to breeders - they have become the basis for obtaining a large number of decorative garden forms.

Terry

The height of this annual bush reaches 36 cm. The stems are branched, the leaves are elongated, dark green. The flowers are double, 3-4.5 cm in diameter, and can have a wide variety of shades: from pure white to deep carmine.

Fantasy

Another beautiful plant that is distinguished by its lush color. The height of the stems is up to 75 cm, the flowers are axillary, in most cases double, and can have a wide variety of colors. This variety is widely used to decorate clubs, looks beautiful in group and single plantings, and is often used for cutting.

Pretty

Among gardeners it is better known as omitted. This is a low-growing variety that grows only up to 40 cm. The leaf blades are elongated, narrow, entire, and pointed at the end. The flowers are small - up to 3 cm in size, and can be double or single. Their distinctive feature is the division of the petals into 3 lobes. The color palette is very diverse. Flowers are formed one at a time or in small groups in the axils of the leaf blades. The pretty Clarkia usually blooms before the rest of its “sisters” by a couple of weeks.

Due to the original shape of the petals, this variety is often called “moose horn” in the USA. It was this that became the basis for breeding the Ariana variety, which is in great demand among flower growers. A special feature of the variety are two-color flowers of white and purple shades, the height of the bush is 40–50 cm.

Graceful

The second name is “marigold” and is found naturally in California. The height of the bush is 50–90 cm, the stems are quite strong, branching, woody near the base, but at the same time thin. The leaves are dark green, have a characteristic bluish tint, the shape is slightly elongated, the edge is sparsely toothed. Characteristic reddish veins are visible on the leaf blades. Clarkia flowers of this species are small - 3–3.5 cm, collected in racemose inflorescences. The color palette is rich: there are bright scarlet, milky white and soft pink varieties. The first flowers appear in mid-June and delight their owners until October.

Clarkia graceful has become the “parent crop” for the development of several popular varieties:

• "Albatross"- this is a bush 6–7 cm high with snow-white velvety flowers;
• Salmon Perfection- tall plant 90–100 cm long, double flowers, pale pink;
• "Sun"- a variety that grows up to 65–70 cm, salmon-colored flowers, growing singly in the axils of leaf blades;
• Orange- medium-sized bush 55–65 cm long, flowers of deep orange color.

Clarkia variety “Joy” is very popular among domestic gardeners. Its erect, branched stems grow up to 50–60 cm. The diameter of the flowers is 3–4 cm. Flowering begins in June, the plant is covered with flowers profusely from bottom to top. The color palette can be very diverse: from rich pink to crimson shades.

The “Diamond” variety is no less popular., it is a branched lush bush 65–80 cm high. It blooms very profusely and for a long time - from the first days of July until the end of September. The flowers are velvety, the color is red-pink.

Growing from seeds

Optimal timing

In spring, it is best to sow in the first half of May; in this case, the first flowering can be expected already in mid-July, and it will last until the end of September.

Autumn planting is allowed, with seedlings placed in open ground at the end of September. As a rule, by the time frosts begin, the sprouts have time to get stronger and in this state can already overwinter under cover. When planting in autumn, flowering can be achieved much earlier - already in early June.

Sowing

Traditionally, Clarkia is grown by seed; it can be from seedlings or seedlings. In the first case, the seeds are planted directly into the ground. Before sowing seeds, it is very important to prepare the area: it is best to apply peat in advance in a proportion of 1 kg/sq. m., as well as 1 tbsp. l. superphosphate and potassium sulfate (for the same area). Substrate with nutrients Prepare at least a couple of weeks before planting.

Seeds are placed in holes, 4–5 pieces in each, the distance between the holes is maintained at 30–40 cm.

There is no need to deepen the seedlings too much - it will be quite enough to press them to the ground and add a little soil.

The first shoots appear after a couple of weeks, during this period they can be picked, but you should not get carried away with planting, since blooming clarkia in a thickened planting will look much more impressive.

Seeds can be planted in the fall, the seedlings are perfectly preserved under a layer of snow, but even if the seedlings do not have time to germinate before the onset of frost, there is nothing dangerous in this; in early spring, as soon as the snow melts, they will sprout together, and you will only have to slightly thin out the plantings.

Seedling care

When growing clarkia in seedlings at the very first stage of its life cycle the plant is protected from temperature fluctuations, return frosts and cold showers. This is why most flower growers still prefer to grow seedlings first rather than plant seeds directly into the ground. Usually this work begins in March, then you can achieve flowering in early June.

Clarkia seeds are placed in a slightly acidic substrate, slightly pressed down with a board, sprinkled with water from a spray bottle, covered with a plastic bag or glass to create a greenhouse effect, and then placed in a bright, warm place, but keep in mind that direct UV rays should not penetrate there. As soon as the very first shoots appear, the greenhouse can be removed, but the container itself, before moving the seedlings to an open area, must be placed in a dry, heated place, always with high-quality ventilation.

When the seedlings form their first full-fledged leaves, they should be pruned.

Planting in open ground

It is very important to choose the right place for the crop - one that excludes drafts, otherwise the stems of the bush may break.

The flower develops best on fertile soil of medium or light density. Of course, this plant is very unpretentious and can grow on loam, but then the flowering will be sparse and short-lived.

For future seedlings, you need to prepare an earthen mixture: take a universal substrate for seedlings and add rotted manure, clean river sand, and peat to it in equal quantities.

In order to reduce the risk of contracting fungal infections, the prepared soil can be calcined in a preheated oven or steamed in a water bath.

Clarkia is planted in open areas in May. If the soil is not suitable for cultivation due to inconsistency in the pH value, you can acidify the substrate. To do this, add 60 grams of sulfur/sq. m. or lightly water with a solution of citric acid (at the rate of 1.5 tbsp per bucket of water). If the soil, on the contrary, is too acidic, then it needs to be limed before planting. Oily soil should be additionally mixed with sand.

Clarkia is planted in the following sequence: first, young seedlings are taken out of the container, but not one at a time, but in small groups. They need to be taken together with a lump and planted in holes; the voids are filled with a substrate prepared in advance. The distance between the holes is maintained at 30-40 cm; a stick or a regular rail should be inserted near each plant - in the future it will serve as a support for the thinned stems.

It is best to plant different varieties at a short distance from each other, then they can cross-pollinate with each other.

How to properly care?

In order for Clarkia to delight you with its healthy and lush flowering for a long time, you need to follow simple rules for caring for this plant.

Watering

In hot summer weather without heavy rainfall, clarkia requires regular moderate watering as the soil dries out - usually twice a week. However, keep in mind that under no circumstances should the plant be flooded, otherwise the roots will begin to rot. For that To prevent this unpleasant phenomenon, it is best to plant the crop in well-drained soil.

The wet substrate should be loosened a little - this improves the air flow to the roots.

If the weather is rainy and cool, then it is better to stop watering completely.

Water must be poured directly under the bush, avoiding liquid getting on the leaves and flowers, otherwise burns may appear on them under the rays of the sun.

Fertilizer

Clarkia should be fertilized twice a month, especially during the budding and flowering stages. It is best to use ready-made mineral complex compositions, which can be purchased at any store.

This plant especially needs feeding in dry, rainy weather. In order to achieve more luxuriant flowering, you can add a little crushed wood ash to the ground.

Trimming

In order for flowering to be longer and more spectacular, all fading inflorescences must be removed in a timely manner, otherwise the plant simply will not have the vitality left to produce new flower stalks.

The same goes for fading dried stems, shoots and branches.

Collection of seed material

Clarkia tends to reproduce by self-sowing, so even at the moment of flowering you need to select 3-4 large flowers, after pollination, wilting and at the very beginning of the formation of the fruit, you should “isolate” it. To do this, wrap the fruit with a clean bandage and fix it to the stem, but not too tightly. Thus, the seeds ripen, but the gauze prevents them from scattering - this eliminates the risk of self-sowing.

After the flower withers, the seed material ripens for about a month, the finished boxes look dark brown, they need to be collected and dried naturally, and then placed for storage in paper envelopes or matchboxes.

Wintering

Clarkia is characterized by high resistance to frost, however, when planting in autumn, in order for the flower to be better preserved, it must be covered with mulch (you can use moss, fallen leaves, hay or pine needles).

In all other cases, you simply need to cut off all parts of the bush in the fall and dig up the roots in order to prevent the development of fungal infections in the ground.

Diseases and pests

The crop is highly resistant to diseases and insect pests, however, some errors in care can cause the appearance of fungal and viral infections, in particular, if you plant a crop on loamy soil, this often leads to the appearance of rust. The fungal infection manifests itself in the form of yellowish-brown spots with a clearly defined border on the leaves. In most cases, pathology results from excess moisture or excessive application of nitrogen-containing fertilizers. For resuscitation, it is best to use fungicidal preparations, for example, Bordeaux mixture has a good effect; spraying is done twice a day.

Excess moisture often provokes the occurrence of downy mildew, in which case dark or colorless round spots form on the back of the leaf, and the leaf blades themselves are deformed. Any fungicides are used to combat the fungus.

The plant was brought from Chile by Captain William Clark. It is a herbaceous annual 60-90 cm high. Clarkia's stems are pubescent and have many branches. The leaves are oblong, sessile, bright green. The flowers are collected in inflorescences, racemose or spike-shaped. Rare varieties have single flowers, their color and shape are varied. Seeds ripen in elongated fruits. Growing clarkia from seeds does not cause many problems, which is why it is popular.

Growing from seeds

Growing clarkia from seeds is not difficult. They can be purchased at the store, but home-assembled ones are also suitable. To do this, you need to choose the most beautiful flowers, after flowering, tie them with gauze, wait until they ripen, cut off the fruits and shake out the seeds. Well ripened, they are brown in color and slightly larger than a poppy seed.

The seeds successfully tolerate unfavorable conditions and have a good germination rate if planted in the fall.

Clarkia also reproduces by self-sowing. In this case, the seedlings are thinned out, leaving the largest and most viable specimens. You can also sow Clarkia in open ground in the second half of spring.

For plants grown in greenhouses, the flowering period begins earlier, already at the beginning of summer. Seedlings planted before winter bloom two or three weeks later. And when seeds are planted directly into open ground, flowering occurs in the second half of summer, sometimes in early August.

The weather conditions of the region also influence the onset of flowering. Some hybrids, especially double varieties, are recommended to be grown only by seedlings. But the root system of plants of such varieties is sensitive to transplantation; they should be sown in peat tablets or cups.

When to plant?

The phases of the moon have an impact on the speed of plant growth and development. You cannot plant or sow them on the days of the new moon or full moon.

It is important to take into account the fact that during the waxing phase of the moon the tops of plants develop intensively, so this time is favorable for sowing seeds. When the moon wanes, favorable conditions are created for the development of the root system and the removal of dried parts of the flower (pruning).

In 2019, the following dates will be favorable for sowing clarkia seeds:

• March – 10, 12, 15;
• April - 7, 11, 18;
• May – 9, 10, 15, 17;
• June – 5, 6, 12, 13, 16;
• July – 8, 9, 11, 14, 16.

Favorable conditions for planting, transplanting and picking will be on the following days:

• March - 10, 12, 16;
• April – 7, 11, 18;
• May - 8, 15, 18;
• June – 6, 11, 14, 15;
• July – 8, 10,11,14,15, 16;
• August – 5, 7, 10, 11, 12;
• September – 1, 4, 6,9.

The most popular types and varieties with photos

Popular varieties for growing clarkia from seeds are the following.

Clarkia graceful

It is an annual plant with a height of 70 cm to 1 m. The form is a bush with thin stems that are covered with bark at the base. The leaves are oblong, have veins and serrated edges. The colors of Clarkia graceful are varied - there are red, pink, white, lilac, violet and even blue shades. The flower reaches a size of up to 5 cm and can be single or double.

Clarkia pretty (dwarf)

Does not reach more than 40 cm in height. The leaves are dark green, slightly elongated and pointed. The petals are small, but strongly dissected. Double flowers have raspberry, lavender, pink and purple colors. The variety has a long flowering period from May to October.

Clarkia Mademoiselle

It is distinguished by large double flowers of bright red color. Feels good in open areas with loose soil. Does not like excess humidity. It is an excellent honey plant and is cold-resistant. Seeds germinate at temperatures from 18 to 20 degrees. It is preferable to grow in seedlings.

Clarkia Fantasy

Reaches a height of 75 cm. Loves sunny, dry places for planting. Suitable for decorating flower beds and cutting. The flowers are large, double, bright colors.

Brevery

In addition to the quality of the shoots for cutting and bright colors, the variety is also distinguished by its cold resistance. Brevery seeds can be sown in open ground. Clarkia has the latest flowering time.

Sakura

It has delicate colors of flowers and belongs to the early varieties. Plants are suitable for cutting.

How to grow properly

Cold stratification brings good results. For proper cultivation you need:

1. Treat the seeds with a solution of potassium permanganate or fungicide before sowing.
2. Place on the surface of the soil and press slightly into the surface. Since the seeds are small, they can be mixed with sand 1 to 10.
3. Moisten the soil with a spray bottle and cover the container with film or glass.

Seedlings need to be picked after the first leaves appear on the tenth day from sowing. Before planting in open ground, young plants are kept in a greenhouse or planted directly into the ground at the end of April or May.

When growing clarkia in seedlings, it is important to choose the right soil mixture. This plant prefers the following soil composition: humus, river sand, peat, leaf soil. Ratio: 1:1:1:2. It would not be superfluous to disinfect the soil with a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate.

To ensure the stability of the shoots, you can install a peg in the center of the group and tie up young plants. For stems that have reached a height of 12 cm, pinch the top to form a crown.

Plant care after planting

Grown seedlings are planted in open ground in May, when there is no threat of frost. If plants of different varieties grow in one area, their seeds will not have varietal qualities.

IN open ground Clarkia grows well in sunny areas, prefers space and loose, slightly acidic soil. Plants should only be watered during very severe drought. Fertilizing is done twice a month with mineral fertilizers.

It is important to remove faded flower stalks. Tall varieties need support. Clarkia goes well with other flowers in flower beds. To protect against diseases, chemical treatment is recommended.

Clarkia is an unpretentious plant that does well in dry, sunny areas. It is easily grown by seedlings and sowing in the ground. Suitable for decorating flower beds and cuttings.