How to care for snapdragons during the flowering period? Water by the "dry-wet cycle" rule, mist once every 2 days
In the world of flowers, there are quite a few flowers that look like animals after blooming, but the most famous are undoubtedly the butterfly-like Phalaenopsis orchid and the goldfish-like snapdragon. Such special flowers are naturally beautiful to grow, but they also come with plenty of trouble; for example, snapdragons have very high watering requirements, so how do you water snapdragons? If you want snapdragons to bloom for a long time
In the world of flowers, there are quite a few flowers that look like animals after blooming, but the most famous are undoubtedly the butterfly-like Phalaenopsis orchid and the goldfish-like snapdragon. Such special flowers are naturally beautiful to grow, but they also come with plenty of trouble; for example, snapdragons have very high watering requirements, so how do you water snapdragons? If you want snapdragons to bloom for a long time, care is very important, so how do you care for snapdragons during the flowering period? Here, the editor will explain it for you.
I. How to water snapdragons: keep the soil dry-wet cycling
In the cultivation methods for snapdragons, we have learned that snapdragons are extremely sensitive to water. Generally speaking, snapdragons do not like an environment that is too wet, but they also do not like an environment that is too dry; that is, too much is not good, and too little is not good either, so how to water snapdragons becomes very important.
1. Watering during the growing period: water more (spring and summer)
When snapdragons are in the growing period (generally spring and summer), their water needs are relatively greater, so the frequency of watering should be appropriately increased. At this time, how to water snapdragons is very simple: water whenever the soil looks dry. Generally there is no fixed frequency; just do not let the soil dry out and crack too much, and you can handle it flexibly.
2. Watering in autumn and winter: water less
In spring and summer, because snapdragons are in a vigorous growing period, they should be watered more, but in autumn and winter, it is different. At this time, for how to water snapdragons, flower lovers should reduce the frequency of watering, and in especially cold severe winter weather, watering can be stopped.
3. Watering seedlings
For how to water snapdragons, attention should be paid during the seedling stage: it is best to use a spray bottle for watering, spraying until thoroughly wet, and spray with New High-Fat Film, which can effectively prevent aboveground moisture from evaporating. The reason for this is that when the snapdragon seedling body does not transpire water, it can isolate pests and diseases, shorten the seedling recovery period, quickly adapt to the new environment, and grow healthily.
4. Watering precautions
For how to water snapdragons, in addition to the methods above, there are also a few points to note when watering:
① When watering snapdragons, do not water from the top down; water from the side instead, to avoid splashed water droplets landing on the leaf surface.
② In addition, during care and management, watering must follow the principle of “dry-wet cycling”, spraying water once about every 2 days, and rational fertilization should strengthen fertilizer and water management.
③ To increase the humidity of the air, you can choose to use a spray bottle to sprinkle water into the surrounding environment. However, it does not need to be too frequent; once every two or three days is enough.
④ When there is more rain in summer and autumn, do not leave snapdragons outdoors, to avoid the soil becoming filled with rainwater and flowers and leaves being knocked off by the rain.
II. How to care for snapdragons during the flowering period: watering and fertilizing
Regarding the snapdragon flowering period, we have already introduced it earlier, and I believe everyone has some understanding of it. However, if you want the flowers to bloom on time and bloom well, proper care is very necessary. As for how to care for snapdragons during the flowering period, there are mainly the following 4 points:
1. Watering
Snapdragons are very sensitive to water, especially during the flowering period, so care must be taken. At this time, prevent the soil from being too dry or too wet; just keep the potting soil moist, and do not let water accumulate. You can spray water mist around the plant to keep the flowering branches bright and hydrated.
2. Fertilizing
When the plant is blooming, it needs a large amount of nutrients, so fertilizing at this time is especially critical. Therefore, for how to care for snapdragons during the flowering period, flower lovers should first fertilize once every half a month, and do not apply nitrogen fertilizer during the bud stage, as it easily causes excessive vegetative growth.
3. Pruning
During the snapdragon flowering period, if you want its flowers to look more beautiful, proper pruning is necessary. At this time, flower lovers can cut off the aboveground part, water thoroughly once, and after a week new branches will sprout again. Apply a dilute liquid fertilizer once about every ten days until the flower buds form. Alternatively, after snapdragons bloom, pinch off the tops, and the new branches that sprout can keep blooming continuously and are very brilliant.
4. Cut flowers
For how to care for snapdragons during the flowering period, cut flowers are also very critical. Snapdragon cut flowers do not tolerate squeezing, but if harvested too early, the buds are not easy to open. Therefore, it is best to harvest when 2 to 3 flowers at the base of the inflorescence have opened and the upper buds are just beginning to open. After harvesting, the cut flowers are graded according to flower color, plant height, and spike length, in bundles of 10 to 20 stems.
Actually, as indoor cultivated flowers, they are not difficult to grow, because the methods have already been left by predecessors; the difficulty lies in care, and this depends entirely on the flower lovers themselves. For snapdragons, the beauty of blooming is unquestionable, but wanting to see that beauty is not easy. Regarding snapdragon watering and care, the editor has introduced it here, hoping it can help everyone.
How to grow snapdragons so they bloom more? Cultivation methods for snapdragons
It is again the blooming season for snapdragons. The flowers they produce are like lips, with a swollen base and bright colors, including white, light red, deep red, yellow, and all-yellow, among others. They can be used for potted ornamental display and are suitable for us to admire at home at noon. Now, before snapdragons bloom, how should we care for them? Let us learn together with the editor below.
If you want the snapdragons you grow to bloom, then we first need to know when they bloom and what time their flowering period is. However, whether snapdragons bloom has a very large relationship with their planting time. If we sow in spring or summer, then the flowering time is about June to July, or September to October.
So how should snapdragons be cultivated so they can produce more flowers? First, we need to know what kind of soil is suitable for snapdragon growth, because snapdragons have relatively high soil requirements. Besides using loose, breathable, well-drained acidic soil when planting, we also need to pay attention to fertilizing them. During their flowering period, we must fertilize them in a timely manner. Their flowering period averages 15 days, and fertilizing once is enough, but it must be during the flowering period. Before they open, do not fertilize, especially with nitrogen fertilizer, because this will cause the plant to grow excessively and make the flowers very difficult to open.
During the flowering period of snapdragons, we must water them in a timely manner and not let the potted plant become dry, because this will make the plant's water insufficient, shorten the flowering period, and cause the flowers to wither. But we also cannot water them too much, because excessive watering easily causes waterlogging. On average, watering once every 2 to 3 days is enough, and we can use a spray bottle to spray water mist to maintain air humidity.
Snapdragons are light-loving plants and flowers. Only under conditions of sufficient sunlight can they produce beautiful flowers. If there is not enough sunlight, snapdragons will grow excessively, affecting their blooming; in severe cases, snapdragons may even fail to bloom. Therefore, except in summer when the sunlight is strong and we need to provide shading, at ordinary times it is best to place them in the sunlight for cultivation, because this can ensure their normal growth.
At the same time, we still need to prune snapdragons properly. If you want snapdragons to bloom, more proper pruning is very necessary. We need to pinch off the growing tips, which is beneficial for branching. During care, cut off weak branches, dead branches, crossing branches, and overly dense branches. After each bloom, we need to promptly cut off the remaining flowers and cut off branches that have already bloomed. This is to promote the sprouting of new branches and extend the flowering period.
The above is the method for cultivating snapdragons compiled by the editor. Is it very simple? Snapdragon flowers are very beautiful, so friends who like them should not miss out!
Snapdragon Amtirrhinum majus Snapdragon illustrated guide: how to grow snapdragons / how to propagate snapdragons
Snapdragon profileSnapdragon Amtirrhinum majus
Aliases: dragon mouth flower, dragon head flower, foreign colorful sparrow, lion flower
Classification: perennial herbaceous flower
Family and genus: Plantae, Angiosperms, Dicotyledons, Tubiflorae, Scrophulariaceae, Antirrhinum
Full bloom period: spring
Snapdragon, also known as: dragon head flower, lion flower, dragon mouth flower, foreign colorful sparrow, Latin name: Antirrhinum majus L. It is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Scrophulariaceae family and Antirrhinum genus. It is often cultivated as a biennial or annual, with a plant height of 20 to 70 cm, and leaves that are oblong-lanceolate. Raceme, corolla tubular and bilabiate, base swollen into a sac shape, upper lip upright, 2-lobed, lower lip 3-lobed, spreading and curved outward. It has colors such as white, light red, deep red, flesh color, deep yellow, light yellow, and yellow-orange. It can be potted, and because its flower colors are brilliant, it is very suitable for ornamental viewing. Native to the Mediterranean, it has been introduced and cultivated in Nanning, Guangxi. Native to the Mediterranean region, divided...
Snapdragon cultivation methods and precautions, an introduction to snapdragons
Snapdragon, also known as: dragon head flower, lion flower, dragon mouth flower, foreign colorful sparrow, Latin name: Antirrhinum majus L. It is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Scrophulariaceae family and Antirrhinum genus. It is often cultivated as a biennial or annual, with a plant height of 20 to 70 cm, and leaves that are oblong-lanceolate. Raceme, corolla tubular and bilabiate, base swollen into a sac shape, upper lip upright, 2-lobed, lower lip 3-lobed, spreading and curved outward. It has colors such as white, light red, deep red, flesh color, deep yellow, light yellow, and yellow-orange. It can be potted, and because its flower colors are brilliant, it is very suitable for ornamental viewing. Native to the Mediterranean, it has been introduced and cultivated in Nanning, Guangxi. Native to the Mediterranean region, its distribution area extends north to Morocco and Portugal, south to France, and east to Turkey and Syria. Southern China [Snapdragon is named because its flowers resemble goldfish. Its Latin scientific name "Antirrhinum" means "nose-like", while "majus" means "blooms in May". At the same time, it is also a traditional Chinese medicine, with effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and reducing swelling. It can also be pressed for oil for consumption, and is nutritious and healthy.
Morphological characteristics of snapdragons
It is a perennial herbaceous flower, often cultivated as a biennial or annual, with a plant height of 30-50 cm. The stem is upright, and the leaves are oblong-lanceolate. The raceme is terminal, the corolla is tubular and bilabiate, covered with fine hairs on the outside. Common cultivated varieties include red, purple, yellow, and white colors, with a flowering period from May to June. The capsule is dark brown, with a fruiting period from July to August.
Perennial upright herb, the stem base is sometimes woody, and it can reach up to 80 cm tall. The stem base is hairless, the middle and upper parts are covered with glandular hairs, and the base is sometimes branched. The lower leaves are opposite, and the upper leaves are often alternate, with short petioles; the leaf blades are hairless, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 2-6 cm long, with entire margins. The raceme is terminal and densely covered with glandular hairs; the pedicel is 5-7 mm long; the calyx is nearly as long as the pedicel, deeply 5-parted, with lobes ovate, obtuse or acute; the corolla varies in color, from red and purple to white, 3-5 cm long, with the base extending downward in front into a pouch shape, the upper lip upright, broad, 2-parted, the lower lip 3-lobed, bulging upward toward the upper lip in the middle, closing the throat, making the corolla mask-like; stamens 4, didynamous. The capsule is ovate, about 15 mm long, with the base strongly extending forward, covered with glandular hairs, and dehiscing by pores at the apex. Native to southern Europe. Cultivated in gardens in various places, sometimes escaping to the wild.
Snapdragon is a perennial herb, often cultivated as an annual or biennial flower. The plant height is 20 to 70 cm, and the leaves are oblong-lanceolate. Raceme, corolla tubular and bilabiate, base swollen into a sac shape, upper lip upright, 2-lobed, lower lip 3-lobed, spreading and curved outward, with colors such as white, light red, deep red, flesh color, deep yellow, light yellow, and yellow-orange. Its growth habit is relatively cold-tolerant, not heat-tolerant, likes sunlight, and also tolerates partial shade.
Snapdragon is a perennial herbaceous plant with an upright plant, 0.5-1 m tall, and up to 2 m at the highest. The upper leaves are spirally alternate, lanceolate, and the basal leaves are opposite, 1-7 cm long and 2-2.5 cm wide. The flowers form a terminal raceme on the stem, and each flower is 3.5-4.5 cm long, bilabiate and bilaterally symmetrical. Wild plants have flower colors from pink to purple, and the two lips are often yellow, and stem color is also correlated with flower color. The flowering period is very long, from March to June. The fruit is an ovate capsule, 10-14 mm in diameter, containing a large number of seeds.
Ecological habits of snapdragons
Native to the southern European Mediterranean coast and North Africa. Cold-tolerant, not tolerant of severe heat, and able to tolerate partial shade. It likes loose, fertile, well-drained soil and requires a pH of 5.5-7.0. It is a relatively long-day plant; late-maturing varieties are sensitive to long days, and long days clearly promote flower bud differentiation, but have little effect on flower bud development. Temperature has no direct relationship with flower bud differentiation, but has a clear effect on plant height, flower spikes, and flower number. The suitable growth temperature is 15-20°C, and the night temperature should not be lower than 5°C. If lower temperatures are encountered after budding, larger flower buds will suffer cold damage. It is a perennial herbaceous flower, often cultivated as a biennial or annual.
Native to the Mediterranean region, its distribution area extends north to Morocco and Portugal, south to France, and east to Turkey and Syria. Cultivated in gardens in various places, sometimes escaping to the wild.
Snapdragon is a light-loving herb. Under sufficient sunlight, the plant is dwarf, compact in clumps, grows neatly, is uniform in height, blooms neatly, and has brilliant flower colors. Under partial shade, the plant grows taller, the inflorescence elongates, and the flower color is lighter. It is not sensitive to photoperiod, for example, the Hua Yu series snapdragons are almost insensitive to day length. In the vernalization stage, high temperature is unfavorable to snapdragon growth and development. The suitable flowering temperature is 15°C to 16°C. In some varieties, when the temperature exceeds 15°C, no branching occurs, affecting plant form. Snapdragons are relatively sensitive to water and cannot have water accumulation, otherwise the root system rots and the stems and leaves turn yellow and wither. Snapdragon is a light-loving herb; under sufficient sunlight, the plant is dwarf, compact in clumps, grows neatly, is uniform in height, blooms neatly, and has brilliant flower colors; under partial shade, the plant grows taller, the inflorescence elongates, and the flower color is lighter. It is not sensitive to photoperiod, for example, the Hua Yu series snapdragons are almost insensitive to day length. It likes well-drained, humus-rich, fertile, slightly heavy soil, especially neutral or alkaline soil.
Snapdragon cultivation techniques: timely sowing
Snapdragons can be propagated by sowing and cuttings, but sowing propagation is mainly used. Sowing is usually best in mid-September. The sowing substrate is disinfected humus soil or peat soil, generally using a shallow pot with a 30 cm diameter. Before sowing, fill the pot with soil, leaving 1-2 cm at the rim. Then gently press the potting soil flat and sow. After sowing, cover with a thin layer of fine soil, then gently compact it with a wooden board so the seeds and soil are closely combined. After sowing, place the pot in a water basin so moisture seeps upward from the bottom until the entire soil surface is moist, then cover the pot surface with glass to reduce water evaporation, and finally place the pot in a shady, cool place.
Post-sowing management for snapdragons
Post-sowing management is mainly water management. Watering should be even, and the pot surface should not be allowed to become too dry or too wet. Remove the glass at night to allow ventilation, and cover it again during the day to prevent water evaporation. After sowing, seeds can sprout and emerge in 7 or 8 days. After the seedlings emerge, the glass can be removed to let them receive light.
Transplanting snapdragons
When the seedlings grow 4-5 true leaves, they can be moved into flower pots with an 8-12 cm diameter. The potting soil should use a mix of 7 parts humus soil and 3 parts garden soil. When watering seedlings, it is best to use a spray bottle and spray until thoroughly wet. As the seedlings gradually grow, change the pot again and plant them in flower pots with a 20-24 cm diameter.
Temperature and humidity
Snapdragons are relatively cold-tolerant and also tolerate partial shade. They can withstand low temperatures above -5°C, and below -5°C they are prone to freezing to death. Snapdragons tolerate moisture and fear drought. During care and management, watering must follow the principle of "dry-wet cycling", spraying water once about every 2 days.
Rational fertilization should strengthen fertilizer and water management. Fertilization should pay attention to the combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Snapdragons have root nodule bacteria and have nitrogen-fixing ability themselves, so under normal circumstances there is no need to apply nitrogen fertilizer; appropriately increasing phosphorus and potassium fertilizer is enough. During the growing period, combine watering with applying fermented oil residue water once every half a month. When flower buds appear, spraying with a 1.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution is better. Before each fertilization, loosen the soil and remove weeds.
Suitable pruning: when snapdragon seedlings grow to about 10 cm, they can be pinched to reduce plant height, increase the number of side branches, and increase flowers. When pruning, cut off diseased and weak branches, dead old branches, and overly dense branches. After each bloom, cut off the branches that have already bloomed to encourage new branches to sprout and continue blooming.
Open-field cultivation
Snapdragons like sunlight and also tolerate partial shade, avoid high temperatures, and are slightly cold-tolerant. When cultivating in the open field, attention should be paid to:
Timely pinching: in order to increase branching, timely pinching is needed during cultivation, especially important for medium and tall varieties. Generally, pinch when the seedlings are about 12 cm tall, and pinch again when the plants grow to 20 cm. This can promote side branch growth and dwarf the plant. Varieties used for cut flowers should not be pinched; instead, side buds should be removed so nutrients are concentrated on the main branch. However, as the flowering branches grow, they should be tied promptly with thin bamboo to keep them straight.
Planting in sunny sites: because snapdragons like sunlight, when planting it is best to choose a place with sufficient sunlight, loose and fertile soil, and good drainage. At ordinary times, pay attention to removing weeds, which is beneficial to snapdragon growth and flowering.
Rational fertilization and watering: snapdragon is a fertilizer-loving flower plant, and seedlings grow slowly. Before planting, the land should first be plowed and base fertilizer applied. After planting, water thoroughly once, and afterward decide based on weather conditions, preventing the soil from being too dry or too wet. For fertilization, during the growing period apply 2 times a thin cake fertilizer water or liquid fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer to promote branch and leaf growth, but note that too much fertilizer cannot be applied, otherwise it causes excessive growth and affects flowering. During the bud stage, apply 1-2 times a thin liquid fertilizer mainly based on phosphorus and potassium, which is beneficial for brilliant flower color. After rain, pay attention to drainage. After flowering, the aboveground part can be cut off level with the ground, water thoroughly once, and afterward pay attention to fertilizer and water management. In summer, provide appropriate shading and cooling, so it can bloom again in autumn.
Timely seed collection: snapdragons can self-sow and reproduce. When the fruit matures from June to July, collect it in time. It can be cut together with the pedicel, placed on a bamboo mat to dry, and the seeds shaken out and stored in a dry place, then sown in September. Snapdragon varieties easily become mixed, so mother plants used for seed collection need to be planted in isolation to avoid producing hybrids.
Management and precautions
Potted snapdragons commonly use 10 cm pots. Seedling seedlings can be transplanted into pots 6 weeks after germination. During the growing period, maintain a temperature of 16°C, moist potting soil, and sufficient sunlight. Some dwarf varieties can bloom 60-0 days after sowing. Tall and medium-stemmed varieties are pinched to encourage more branching and more flowering. To date, growth regulators are more often used to dwarf plants and regulate the flowering period. Spraying 0.05%-0.1% daminozide 10 days after pinching has a significant dwarfing effect. Spraying 0.25%-0.4% daminozide at the seedling stage can advance flowering and make the flowers compact. If 0.4%-0.8% daminozide is sprayed 2-4 times, flowering can be delayed.
During the growing period, fertilize once every half a month, or use "Huiyou" 15-15-30 special fertilizer for potted flowers. After flowering, promptly pinch the tops and increase fertilizer. At a temperature of 13-16°C, it can continue to bloom continuously. Snapdragons easily cross naturally. In order to keep varieties pure, mother plants kept for seed need isolated seed collection. Of course, many double-flowered and first-generation hybrid snapdragons are very difficult to obtain seeds from.
Sowing: it is generally believed that the suitable germination temperature is 15-20°C, with about 10°C at night, so sow from late September to early October. Because the seeds are small, to avoid sowing too thickly, mix with sand or dry soil and then broadcast or sow in rows, without covering with soil, and absorb water from the bottom of the flower pot. Germination occurs after 7-10 days. The soil used is an equal mix of akadama soil and leaf mold. After 2-3 true leaves grow, transplant into No. 2.5-3 pots. Sandy loam is best for the planting soil. Before planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer, applying 600 kg of fully decomposed farmyard manure per 100 sq m, and evenly plow it into the tillage layer. Snapdragons are usually at the suitable planting stage when the seedlings are 10-12 cm tall. When planting, lay a 15×15 cm support net flat on the bed surface, and plant 1 plant in each mesh. In the early stage after seedling planting, appropriate shading should be provided. During the entire growth process of snapdragons, generally three layers of netting are set up to prevent flower stems from bending or lodging.
Fertilizer and water: during the growth process of snapdragons, topdressing is usually carried out once about every 10 days. Snapdragons dislike soil water accumulation, otherwise the root system rots and the stems and leaves turn yellow and wither. But insufficient watering affects their growth and development. The soil should often be kept moist, and it is suitable to be slightly dry between two irrigations. In addition, when watering, try to avoid supplying water from above the plant, to reduce leaf surface humidity and splashing water droplets that spread diseases.
Light: under sufficient sunlight, snapdragon plants grow neatly, are uniform in height, bloom neatly, and have brilliant flower colors. Under partial shade, the plants grow taller, the inflorescence elongates, and the flower color is lighter. Snapdragons are long-day plants. Although there are now many neutral varieties, supplementing light for 4 hours in winter and extending the day length can make them bloom earlier.
Temperature: in greenhouse cultivation, maintain a night temperature of 15°C and a day temperature of about 22-28°C. If the temperature is too low, dropping to 2-3°C, the plants will not be harmed, but the flowering period is delayed, blind flowers increase, and cut flower quality declines.
Cultivation precautions
Variety selection: potted snapdragons should preferably choose varieties with low plants and abundant flowers to improve the ornamental value of the potted plant. Pot and potting soil selection. The container for potting should preferably be a clay pot or plastic pot with a diameter of about 15 cm, but with good breathability. The cultivation substrate should choose loose, fertile, well-drained culture soil, or an even mix of leaf mold, peat, and plant ash. Before planting, apply some dry livestock manure or cake fertilizer powder, and add a little bone meal or superphosphate as base fertilizer.
Watering and fertilizing: after planting, water thoroughly, and afterward water whenever the potting soil becomes dry. During the growing period, apply a thin liquid fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen and potassium fertilizer once every 10 days. During the bud stage, spray 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate to make the flower color brilliant. At ordinary times, prevent water accumulation in the potting soil and pay attention to loosening the soil often.
Pruning: after flowering, the aboveground part can be cut off level with the soil, water thoroughly once, and after about a week new branches can sprout. Then apply a thin liquid fertilizer once about every 10 days until flower buds form. At ordinary times, pay attention to watering appropriately, and in summer provide appropriate shading and cooling, so it can bloom again in autumn.
Propagation methods for snapdragons
Mainly use seed propagation and cutting propagation.
Seed propagation: In Guangdong, sowing is generally suitable after autumn, with October to November being best. Snapdragon seeds are tiny, about 6500-7000 seeds per gram. Sowing within a temperature range of 18°C-21°C, seedlings emerge after 1 week. Before sowing, soak the seeds in a potassium permanganate solution at a concentration of about 0.5% for 1-2 hours. After disinfection, it can kill pathogenic bacteria carried on the seed surface, and it also helps seed germination, prompting rapid seed germination and neat, robust seedling growth. For sowing, seedbed sowing or plug tray sowing can generally be used.
Seedbed sowing: The seedbed should preferably choose sandy loam with loose soil structure, a low groundwater level, good drainage, and rich organic matter. The seedbed requires fine soil particles and a level surface. To prevent pests and diseases, about 25 days before sowing, turn and sun-dry the sowing land 2-3 times, and disinfect the soil with carbofuran before sowing. When sowing, water the seedbed thoroughly, mix the seeds with fine sand at 1:4, evenly broadcast them on the seedbed, and cover with a thin layer of plant ash after sowing. After watering, cover with a 50% shade net, and strictly avoid direct sunlight. After emergence, they can be transplanted 5-6 weeks later.
Plug tray sowing: Disinfection of seeds and medium is very important. Before sowing, soak the seeds in a potassium permanganate solution at a concentration of about 0.5% for 1-2 hours. Add 150-200 g of thiophanate-methyl powder to each cubic meter of medium (about 20 bags), stir 2-3 times to fully mix the chemical with the medium, then stir while spraying water, adjusting until the medium is "forms a ball when squeezed in the hand, but loosens without crumbling". Cover with plastic film and pile for 8-10 hours, then fill into plug trays. Each plug tray can sow 200 seeds, placing one seed per cell. After sowing, gently press by hand so the seeds adhere to the medium, then spray thoroughly with water and cover with newspaper or plastic film. If the seedling nursery can control dryness, moisture, and temperature, covering is unnecessary. Keep the newspaper moist for a long time, and uncover the newspaper after the seeds germinate.
Cutting propagation: For cuttings, you can use axillary buds from robust seedlings sown in the current year, or cut the terminal buds of robust seedlings of the current year (combined with pinching) for cuttings. You can also, after the flowers fade, choose robust plants, cut off old branches, keep 2-3 m of main stem aboveground, apply mainly nitrogen compound fertilizer after cutting, and after buds emerge, cut them for cuttings. The length of the cuttings is about 3-4 nodes. As much as possible, cut below the node, remove the lower leaves, and keep 1-2 upper leaves. Then mix "Root Sun" rooting agent at 400 times dilution with yellow mud to form a slurry, dip the cut end of the cutting into the slurry, and after the slurry dries, insert it into the seedling pool. The seedling pool should be covered with a 70% shade net. The seedling pool medium can directly use fresh river sand or fresh yellow mud. Use a thin bamboo stick to make holes in the substrate in advance, insert the cuttings while making holes, and gently press the culture soil at the base of the cuttings with two fingers so the cuttings combine with the medium. The cutting density is about 2.5 cm × 3.0, with the standard that the leaves of the cuttings touch each other but do not overlap. The insertion depth should be controlled so that one node enters the soil. After inserting, water thoroughly, and afterward spray the leaf surface once daily with a sprayer. For the treatment method of using "Root Sun" rooting agent for snapdragon cuttings, see the attached table. From the attached table, it can be seen that using "Root Sun" rooting agent for cutting propagation has a significant effect, and they can be transplanted 8 days after cutting. Management is convenient and can save manpower and material resources.
Sow from August to September in an open-field seedbed. When true leaves appear, transplant at a spacing of 4 cm × 4 cm. Spring-sown seedlings have their vigorous growth period during the high temperatures of summer, grow poorly, and are prone to pests and diseases. Seed germination has a light preference, so do not cover with soil after sowing.
The suitable germination temperature is 18-20°C, and seedlings emerge in 5-7 days. The sowing substrate can be a mix of 5 parts garden soil, 3 parts leaf mold, and 2 parts sand, or an equal mix of peat, perlite, and vermiculite.
For cut flowers, in multi-branch cultivation, timely pinching and netting are needed. The first pinching can be done at 4 true leaves, leaving 1-2 internodes. When the plant height is 15-20 cm, set up the first layer of netting; at 30-40 cm, set up the second layer of netting. As the plant grows taller, the net position is gradually raised.
Snapdragons like fertilizer. Base fertilizer should be applied 20 days before planting, commonly using compost, chicken manure, and cake fertilizer and other fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Topdressing depends on growth conditions. Generally, apply 3 kg of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer per 100 sq m each time.
To make the stems robust, appropriately apply potassium fertilizer in the later stage.
Snapdragons are propagated by seeds and can also be propagated by cuttings. In production, there are two types: autumn sowing and spring sowing. Generally, autumn sowing is used in warm regions, and spring sowing in cold northern regions, with autumn sowing flowering better. Snapdragon seeds are tiny. When sowing, add a small amount of fine sand and broadcast evenly, without covering with soil. At about 15°C, seedlings emerge in about 10 days. Pay attention to thinning, and transplant once when there are 4-5 true leaves. For open-field ornamental use, appropriate pinching can be done to encourage side branch sprouting and increase the ornamental effect. To extend the flowering period, promptly cut off spent flowers after blooming, so new flowers can continue to open. If cultivated for cut flowers, pinching is not allowed, and side buds should be removed in time. Pay attention to fertilization; nitrogen fertilizer has a relatively good effect on snapdragons. For seed collection, cut off the entire fruiting branch, dry it, and thresh it. Seed viability can be maintained for 3-4 years.
Disease control for snapdragons
Damping-off is the main disease occurring at the snapdragon seedling stage and can be controlled by drenching with captan.
Leaf blight, bacterial spot, anthracnose, and other diseases infect leaves and stems, and can be controlled with Bordeaux mixture or ethyl iodophos 400 times solution. Sclerotinia disease can be sprayed with thiophanate-methyl 1000 times solution. For aphids and cutworms, 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate 1000 times solution can be used.
Phytophthora blight
Phytophthora blight, also called stem rot, mainly harms stems and roots. After the pathogen invades the stem base, light brown lesions form. The lesions are water-soaked, constricted, and rotting, and in severe cases often cause plant death. When air humidity is high, white filamentous material can grow on the lesions.
Control methods:
a. Strengthen cultivation management, avoid continuous cropping; promptly pull out diseased plants and burn them, reduce sources of infection, and lower the disease incidence. 2-3 weeks before planting, disinfect the soil with formalin, spraying the soil with 30 ml of the chemical in 50 times water, then cover with plastic film. After 5 days, remove the covering, and after 1-2 weeks, use it only after the chemical smell has completely dissipated.
b. Chemical control: in the early stage of disease, spray with 40% fosetyl-aluminum wettable powder 300 times solution; you can also drench the root and stem area of the plant with 50% captafol wettable powder 800 solution, using 4 L of the chemical.
Seedling rot
It is a serious seedling-stage disease, and this disease can occur from after seed germination through the entire seedling stage. The stem or root of the seedling near the soil surface begins to appear water-soaked, then gradually turns brown and constricted. In severe cases, the diseased part rots, causing the whole plant to lodge or wilt and die.
Control methods:
a. During the seedling stage, control the amount of watering, and the soil should not be too wet; sow at the right time to avoid seedlings being affected by unsuitable temperatures; seedlings should not be planted too densely, and thin them in time; keep the greenhouse ventilated and well-lit, reduce the temperature between plants, and control disease conditions. In addition, 70% quintozene powder can be used to disinfect the soil, at a rate of 5-8 g per sq m, mixed evenly with an appropriate amount of fine sand and then broadcast.
b. Chemical control. In the early stage of disease, promptly spray the young stems of seedlings and nearby soil with 50% carbendazim wettable powder 800-1000 times solution, or spray with chlorothalonil wettable powder 800-1000 times solution.
Rust
It mainly harms the leaves, young stems, and calyx of snapdragons. Diseased leaves show yellow-green blister-like water spots, which gradually expand. After the blister-like spots rupture, reddish-brown summer spore masses are exposed, and the leaf tissue around the lesions turns light yellow. The symptoms on young stems and calyx are similar to those on leaves. Affected plants grow weakly, and in severe cases the leaves scorch and wither.
Control methods:
a. Promptly remove and burn diseased leaves when found to prevent spread; pay attention to ventilation and light transmission, and plants should not be planted too densely;
b. Chemical control. In the early stage of disease, spray with 15% triadimefon wettable powder 200 times solution, or 65% zineb wettable powder 400 times solution.
Leaf blight
It mainly occurs on leaves and stems. When leaves are infected, small water-soaked spots first appear at the leaf tip or leaf margin, then turn pale white, and gradually expand into round or irregular brown lesions. In the center of the lesions there are brown irregular concentric rings, and many small black dots are scattered on them. Infected young leaves become distorted, and in severe cases the leaves shrivel and die, hanging on the stem without falling off. Stem lesions are elongated or encircle the stem, water-soaked, slightly sunken, gray-white in the center, dark brown at the edges. The diseased part often cracks and bears many small black dots, which are sometimes arranged in concentric rings. When the stem is affected at the seedling stage, it often causes seedling lodging.
Control methods:
a. Strengthen cultivation management, promptly remove diseased leaves or pull out diseased plants and burn them, to reduce primary infection sources; the greenhouse should be ventilated and aired, plants should not be too dense, and do not apply nitrogen fertilizer excessively.
b. Chemical control. In the early stages of the disease, spray with Bordeaux mixture or 65% zineb wettable powder at 600 times dilution.
Gray mold
It can harm the stems, leaves and flowers of the plant, mainly the flowers. The pathogen enters through weakened host tissue. When leaves are affected, it often starts at the leaf tip or leaf margin. In the early stage of the disease, water-soaked spots appear on the affected parts, then gradually expand, and the diseased tissue turns dark brown and rots. After the pathogen invades, it can also cause infection of the flower stalks and stems, producing canker spots. When the lesions encircle the flower stalk or stem, it can cause the flower spike to wilt. Under humid conditions, the affected parts are covered with a grayish-brown mold layer, and often produce small black granular sclerotia.
Control methods:
a. Promptly remove diseased flowers and leaves and burn them in a centralized manner to reduce the source of infection. The greenhouse should be well ventilated, watering should not be excessive, and the temperature and humidity inside should be controlled. Apply nitrogen fertilizer reasonably, appropriately increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, and improve the plant's disease resistance. During flower management, try to avoid causing wounds to the plants and reduce opportunities for pathogen infection.
b. Chemical control. In the early stages of the disease, you can use 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 800-1000 times dilution, or 50% carbendazim wettable powder at 800-1000 times dilution for spray control. Spray once a week, for 2-3 consecutive times.
Aphids
They usually gather on tender buds, tender leaves and tender branches to pierce and suck sap, causing the affected parts of the plant to shrink and deform. Aphids also secrete honeydew that contaminates the plant and induces diseases such as sooty mold. You can use Wanling at 600-800 times dilution or 25% derris at 800 times dilution for spraying to kill them, or 40% emulsifiable concentrate Supracide at 800-1000 times dilution for spraying to kill them. Supracide is a broad-spectrum organophosphorus scale insecticide with contact, stomach and strong penetrative action. It can penetrate into plant tissues and has a very good control effect on chewing and piercing-sucking mouthpart pests. Spray once a week, for 2-3 consecutive times, with special effect on scale insects and aphids.
Red spider mites
They mostly pierce and suck leaf sap on the underside of leaves, causing leaf discoloration and even curling. You can use 40% dicofol at 1000 times dilution with water for spraying to kill them.
Whiteflies
Sucking plant sap can cause leaves to fade, curl and shrink, and they also often serve as vectors for various toxins. You can use a 0.01% solution of Decis for spraying to kill them.
Thrips
Adults or nymphs live on plants and feed on young buds, tender leaves, flowers and young fruits. Tender leaves curl after being fed upon, and buds and flowers wilt after being damaged. In the early stages of the disease, you can use 25% derris or 40% dimethoate at 400-500 times dilution for spraying to kill them.
Cultivar classification of snapdragon
Common cultivars include the Floral Showers series, a tetraploid type, with a plant height of 15-20 cm and good branching; among them the bicolor types are even more attractive, and the apricot-yellow/white bicolor is the newest cultivar. The Chimes series, a tetraploid type, with a plant height of 15-20 cm and strong branching. Tahiti, with a plant height of 20-25 cm and rich colors, including 5 bicolor types; the well-known purple/white and rose-red/white bicolor types are the earliest-flowering dwarf cultivars, flowering 10 days earlier. Sweetheart, with a plant height of 15 cm, a dwarf F1 hybrid, double flowers, azalea type, with rich flower colors. Little Darling, with a plant height of 30 cm and strong branching, azalea type. Bells, with a plant height of 20-25 cm, butterfly type; among them Red Bells is a new cultivar and sells very well on the international flower market. In addition, new cultivars include La Bella, with a plant height of 45-50 cm, strong branching, beautiful flower shape and bright colors. Black Prince, with a plant height of 40-45 cm, brown leaves and deep red flowers. Madame Butterfly, double azalea type, with flower colors including pink, deep red, golden yellow, yellow, rose red and others.
Excellent cultivars should belong to the early-maturing type, with good quality and the ability to consistently maintain bright flower color after cutting; strong cold resistance with few "blind flowers"; tall and thick plants with hard, straight-growing flower stems. Cutting usually begins in December, and a second cutting can also be done in March-April of the following year, with the quality of the second cut also being fairly good. F1 hybrids utilizing heterosis have become the main cultivars for commercial cut flower cultivation.
(1) F1 hybrids Saotome: Red, Red Dragon: Velvet deep red
Pioneer: Deep purplish red
Benihime: Peach, Otome: Bright peach
Silk Dragon, Yuying: Scarlet orange
Crown, Yellow Dragon: Yellow; White Dragon, White Ridge, New Snow, White Light Dragon: White.
(2) Original species
Magic: Deep peach
White Miracle: Pure white
Peace: Pure white
Jiangzhu: Milky white, etc.
Distribution range of snapdragon
Native to the Mediterranean coast of southern Europe and North Africa. It is cultivated in parks and courtyards throughout China.
Dietary or medicinal value of snapdragon
The medical information and health dietary information on Huhuawang are for reference only and cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis or medical treatment. For any health problem, consult professional medical personnel, and for the treatment of any disease, follow a doctor's advice.
Ultimate flower-protecting mission: love yourself, start from reality, and strictly follow a doctor's advice. Toward illness, do not be careless, do not delay, do not give up hope; face it bravely, warm the silent world with love, and care for the flower field in your heart with your heart.
Medicinal value
The whole plant of snapdragon can also be used as medicine, with the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and reducing swelling. Snapdragon is a traditional Chinese medicine in China. Its taste is slightly bitter, and its entire herb can be used as medicine; it is a cooling-natured traditional Chinese medicine. The medicinal properties of snapdragon include clearing deficiency heat, removing toxins, activating blood circulation and eliminating swelling and pain. It can treat summer colds with fever and symptoms of headache and restlessness, and can also treat fractures, sprains and skin abscesses and other conditions. It can be taken internally or used externally. For internal use, grind snapdragon and decoct it. However, because snapdragon is somewhat toxic, when taking it you should follow a doctor's instructions and take it according to the dosage and method. For external application, apply the crushed snapdragon powder to the purulent area. Whole herb, bitter in taste, cool in nature. It has the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and reducing swelling. For external use, it is used for bruises and sprains, sores, ulcers and swellings.
1. Medicinal scope
[Medicinal name]: Snapdragon
[Source]: The whole herb of the dicotyledonous medicinal plant snapdragon of the family Scrophulariaceae.
2. Plant effects
[Effects]: Clearing heat and detoxifying. Indications: used for bruises and sprains, sores, ulcers and swellings.
[Nature, flavor and meridian tropism]: Bitter, cool. Enters the liver meridian.
[Usage and dosage]: Internal use: decoct in water, 9-15 grams. External use: appropriate amount, grind into powder and sprinkle on the affected area.
[Other names]: Longtoucai, Yangcaique ("Guangxi Medicinal Plant Directory") [Textual research]: First recorded in "Iconographia Cormophytorum Sinicorum".
3. Plant toxicity
【Warning]: This plant is toxic; accidental ingestion may cause swelling and pain of the throat and tongue, difficulty breathing, and stomach pain; skin allergy is possible, and itching may be felt after contact. Therefore, for medicinal use, a doctor's advice must be followed.
Edible value
It is also a very good oil crop. The oil pressed from snapdragon can be eaten by humans, and it is very healthy and nutritious.
Uses, applications and application value of snapdragon
Snapdragon is actually a kind of flower. As its name suggests, each of its small petals is like a shiny fish scale, and many brightly colored flowers form a large cluster of snapdragons, giving it high ornamental value. Snapdragon flowers come in white, pink, deep red, flesh color, orange and many other colors. The most surprising thing is that a single branch of snapdragon can produce flowers of two different colors; the bicolor flowers are very astonishing, making it a plant with extremely high ornamental value. Because snapdragon flowers are large and beautiful, many countries attach great importance to using snapdragons to beautify the environment and decorate courtyards. Snapdragons are generally planted in flower beds, outside windows, or placed indoors as potted plants, or a single snapdragon branch is taken to make cut flowers and other crafts. In recent years, snapdragon has risen to fame in the cut flower and flower arrangement world and has won the affection of many flower enthusiasts.
Internationally, snapdragon is widely used for potted plants, flower beds, windowsills, planting troughs and indoor landscape arrangements, and in recent years it has also been used for cut flower viewing. Therefore, progress in cultivar improvement of snapdragon has been very rapid, especially in Western Europe. The Dutch company S&G Seeds has made great achievements in snapdragon breeding. So far, besides dwarf, semi-dwarf and tall types, snapdragon also includes ultra-dwarf types with a plant height of 10 cm, and many belong to tetraploid cultivars. Recently, new cultivars of double-flowered azalea type and butterfly type have also been bred. In snapdragon production, in European countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Belgium, potted plants and flower bed plants are mainly used, and there is also cut flower production. In Japan, mainly potted flowers are produced, with a small amount of cut flowers. Cultivation of snapdragon in China began in the 1930s, mainly for potted flowers, flower beds and flower borders, but in small quantities. After the founding of New China, although development was rapid, it was mainly arranged in park flower beds and flower borders, with aging cultivars and single colors. After the 1980s, dwarf snapdragon cultivars were introduced and widely used for potted plants and flower bed arrangements.
Dwarf and ultra-dwarf snapdragon cultivars are used for potted flower cultivation, embellishing windowsills, balconies and entrance courtyards, especially the double-flowered and azalea-type cultivars, which have strong ornamental appeal. Placed in large groups in city squares to form scenic spots, the decorative effect is remarkable. Medium-stem and tall-stem cultivars are arranged in flower borders and beside buildings, and their landscape effect is very attractive. Of course, they are also good materials for cut flowers. Using them to make flower baskets or vase arrangements enhances a joyful and happy atmosphere.
Snapdragon is an excellent material for flower beds and flower borders. Tall cultivars can be used as cut flowers and background material; dwarf cultivars can be used for potted viewing and as flower bed edging; medium cultivars combine the uses of both tall and dwarf cultivars.
Snapdragon has many flower colors, beautiful and bright. Tall and medium types can be used for flower clusters, flower groups and cut flowers. Medium and dwarf types are suitable for various flower beds, ornamental potted flowers, and so on.
Cultural background and legends of snapdragon
The flower of Saint John Calbett, who became a monk from nobility in the 11th century
Since ancient times, Christianity has had the custom of linking saints with specific flowers. This followed from the church often decorating the altar with blooming flowers when commemorating saints. In medieval Catholic monasteries, various flowers were planted almost like in a horticultural center. Over time, the church combined the 366 days of saints with different flowers respectively, forming the so-called flower calendar. At that time, most monasteries were located in southern Europe, and southern Europe has a Mediterranean climate, extremely suitable for planting flowers and plants. Snapdragon was chosen as the flower to honor the 11th-century noble of Florence -- Saint John Calbett, who later became a monk. The place of origin of snapdragon is southern Europe, and it belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family as a perennial herbaceous plant. Although its lifespan is not long, its blooming flowers are large and beautiful, and it is quite favored by horticulturists.
Snapdragon is a rather interesting plant. In Europe, the shape of this flower closely resembles a boxer dog; in Japan, it grows to look like a goldfish. However, this plant is not only valued for people's appreciation. The oil produced after its seeds are pressed is as useful as olive oil. Therefore, its flower language is "possessing useful value." People blessed by this flower, even if they appear carefree on the surface, are in fact intellectuals with inner substance. In matters of love, timely initiative can make a rival retreat in the face of difficulties and understand that you are no pushover.
It carries the meanings of "arrogance" and "showing off." Red flowers represent "good fortune ahead," yellow flowers represent "abundant gold and jade," white flowers represent "kindheartedness," pink flowers represent "dragon flying and phoenix dancing," and purple flowers represent "flowers blooming under a full moon." It is the lucky flower of Aquarius and those born in the Year of the Dragon, and also the birthday flower of those born on July 2.
1. Snapdragon -- gold and silver filling the hall
Legend has it that a goldfish fell in love with a boy. The boy came to the lake to fish every day, and the goldfish would punctually watch the boy from underwater whenever he came. One day the goldfish waited for the boy, but the boy never appeared again. After a long time, a flower like a fish grew by the lake, gazing toward the lake and waiting for the boy to appear.
2. Red snapdragon -- good fortune ahead
Caesar, leader of the Roman Republic, wore a wreath of fiery red snapdragon before every expedition and after every victory. Caesar believed that this flower could bring courage and victory to him and his soldiers.
3. White snapdragon -- lively and bustling
It is said that Princess Elisabeth of the Bourbon dynasty loved horticulture and cultivation from childhood and was proficient in the art of flower arrangement. After the outbreak of the French Revolution, the princess still went her own way. Even when she was executed by the revolutionaries, she still had her garden on her mind, and calmly said to the executioner, would you like to visit my garden? It is much more beautiful there than this world. The plank beneath the princess's feet was removed, yet not a trace of pain could be seen on her face.
Character experiences
Other characters in "Hozuki's Coolheadedness." Ornamental pets that Hozuki improved through selective breeding. They are classified as "animals and plants" and differ from the "snapdragon" that exists in the human world; the flowers grow to look just like goldfish. The longest-lived cultivars can exceed 3 m in height. Every autumn the appearance of the flowers turns red, and the middle also turns red-purple (Karakasa says "it looks like cyanosis"). Among collectors it seems to have the name "messy turquoise" and is quite highly priced. It has many enthusiasts, so a selection event is held every autumn. In addition, different individuals seem to have different calls, and they can also be used to communicate. In addition, cultivars cultivated by Hozuki also have the ability to walk on their own. They are not only edible (in the work they are made into sashimi and can also become grilled fish), but Hakutaku also sells a vitality tonic made by boiling 100 withered snapdragons. Momotaro, on the other hand, says "although it can make you stronger, could it make people strange?" and feels uneasy, but Hakutaku says "there are absolutely no side effects."
Flower language of snapdragon
Snapdragon: pure heart
White snapdragon: kindhearted
Red snapdragon: good fortune ahead
Pink snapdragon: dragon flying and phoenix dancing, good luck and happiness
Yellow snapdragon: gold and silver filling the hall
Purple snapdragon: flowers blooming under a full moon
Variegated snapdragon: small investment, huge profit
Birthday flower: snapdragon. Flower language: possessing useful value
Snapdragon pictures