Sowing and Propagation Methods and Management Tips for February Orchid
February Orchid, also known as Zhuge Cai (legend has it that when Zhuge Liang led his troops on a campaign, he once gathered the tender shoots of this "turnip" as a vegetable, hence the name), is a biennial herb. Because it begins to bloom with blue-purple flowers around the second lunar month, it is called February Orchid. In fact, February Orchid is not difficult to cultivate, and gardening enthusiasts may be more concerned about its propagation.
February Orchid
1. Sowing
Some freshly harvested seeds have a post-ripening physiological phenomenon, so early sowing results in a low germination rate, and germination may continue for 1-2 months or even longer. Seeds that have undergone storage treatment have already broken dormancy, so February Orchid can be sown directly. Sowing can be done in summer or autumn, but August to September is the most suitable. The sowing rate is 2-3 g per sq m; if the spray-sowing method is used, the sowing rate should be increased accordingly by 15%-20%. Each gram contains 300-400 seeds.
2. Propagation
The flowering period of February Orchid (detailed introduction) begins between February and March each year and can continue until June of that year, during which it blooms continuously. The fruits mature successively between May and June. After the fruits of February Orchid mature, they automatically split open and widely scatter the seeds inside.
3. Management
The cultivation and management of February Orchid is relatively simple. Water it in time and apply fertilizer 1-2 times.
Propagation and Cultivation Management of February Orchid
Propagation MethodsSowing propagation. After the seeds of February Orchid mature, they should be collected in time and stored in sand until September in autumn for sowing. February Orchid is sown by broadcasting. Generally, when sowing in a seedbed, the sowing rate is usually 7.5 kg/hm2. Strengthen management after sowing February Orchid. To prevent the seeds from being washed away, it is best to water with a spray bottle after sowing, and seedlings will emerge in about 1 week. Pot them up before winter begins in November.
Cultivation Management
For the potting soil of February Orchid, mix garden soil, perlite and plant ash thoroughly in a ratio of 6:2:1. Apply sufficient base fertilizer when potting up. After the seedlings stand upright, move the pots to a sunny place and carry out routine fertilizer and water management.
Compared with other flowers, the cultivation and management of February Orchid is relatively extensive and does not require much care. February Orchid has strong cold resistance and shade tolerance, and can grow, bloom and set seed normally with a certain amount of scattered light. February Orchid is not strict about soil. It is best to choose loose, fertile and well-drained sandy soil. As long as it is watered in time and fertilized, it can grow robustly with only a little management. Fertilize 4 times a year. In early spring, apply flower bud fertilizer; after the flowers fade, apply a vigor fertilizer; after fruit set, apply a fruit-strengthening fertilizer; before winter begins, apply a seedling-strengthening fertilizer. If a 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution is sprayed on the leaves once each during the flower bud stage and young fruit stage, the flower color will be more brilliant and the fruits will be fuller. The flowering period lasts from early spring to June. The silique is long and strip-shaped and matures in June. The seeds are black-brown and oval. In winter, February Orchid has lush green leaves, and in early spring it blooms in patches. If there is a heavy frost in winter, strengthen frost protection measures. If it is to be used as food, it should be divided frequently to promote the sprouting of tender stems and leaves. Common pests of February Orchid include aphids, cabbage caterpillars, snails, leaf miners and so on. If pests are found, carry out chemical control in time.
How to Grow Potted February Orchid and Its Propagation Methods
February Orchid is also known as Zhuge Cai, February Blue, Purple Gold Grass, etc. It is an annual or biennial herb of the genus Orychophragmus in the Brassicaceae family. Because it begins to bloom with blue-purple flowers around the second lunar month, it is called February Blue. It has high ornamental value. The flowering period of a population can last more than two months, and the best ornamental effect can last as long as one month. Now let us take a look at how to grow potted February Orchid!
Growth Habits of February Orchid
February Orchid has strong adaptability and cold resistance, and few pests and diseases. Even in winter it still has lush green leaves, and in early spring it blooms in patches. It does not have high soil requirements and can generally grow in garden soil, and can also adapt to neutral or weakly alkaline soil. It grows robustly in a fertile, moist and sunny environment, and also performs well in shady and humid environments. It has strong self-sowing and growth ability, and also has a good landscape greening effect on barren slopes and relatively dry places. It has strong shade tolerance. With a certain amount of scattered light, it can grow, bloom and set seed normally.
Propagation Methods of February Orchid
The propagation method of February Orchid is seed propagation, generally starting sowing in autumn, so after sowing in autumn, good warmth measures should be taken in winter. Although February Orchid has a certain cold resistance, attention should still be paid to keeping warm during the seedling stage to ensure the survival of the seedlings. In addition, before propagation, the soil should be prepared to ensure that it is loose and fertile, and watering should be increased according to seedling growth. When the young buds grow into seedlings, increase fertilization to give them the nutrients needed for growth, and correspondingly increase some light exposure during the growth of February Orchid to increase photosynthesis and promote plant growth.
How to Grow Potted February Orchid?
1. Soil: Potted February Orchid has relatively high requirements for potting soil. Consider choosing 6 parts garden soil, 2 parts perlite and 1 part plant ash and mixing them evenly. Sufficient base fertilizer should be placed in the pot.
2. Humidity: February Orchid has strong cold resistance and shade tolerance, and can grow, bloom and set seed normally with a certain amount of scattered light.
3. Temperature: February Orchid is cold-resistant but not heat-resistant. The temperature should be between 15°C and 25°C.
4. Light: February Orchid is a short-day plant, so it does not need too long daily sunlight. Scattered light indoors is sufficient.
5. Fertilization: February Orchid likes fertilizer. Sufficient fertility will not only make February Orchid grow faster, but also promote its flowering and fruiting.
6. Watering: February Orchid has very strong vitality and does not need much care. Just remember to water after the soil dries out.
7. Pruning: To maintain a good ornamental effect, February Orchid must be prevented from setting seed. Generally, during the seed-setting period, prune it to a height of 10-15 cm.
8. Repotting: February Orchid is best repotted once a year, which is beneficial to its growth.