Cultivation and Management Methods and Technical Points for Melampodium

Scientific name: Melampodium divaricatum (Pers) DC.

Family and genus: Asteraceae

Distribution: Central and South America

Introduction: Annual or biennial herb, plant height about 30-50 cm, whole plant rough, densely branched, leaves opposite, broadly lanceolate or long ovate, apex acuminate, serrated margins, about 8 cm long, blooms from spring to autumn, capitulum terminal, star-shaped, flower diameter about 2 cm, ray florets golden yellow, tubular florets yellow-brown, bears achenes after flowering.

Propagation: By sowing, seeds are negatively photoblastic, strong self-seeding ability, mature seeds falling to the ground can naturally germinate and grow, can be directly sown, suitable germination temperature 15-20°C.

Cultivation: Fertile, well-drained sandy loam soil is best, requires sufficient sunlight, increased phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can promote flowering, prefers warm to high temperatures.

Appreciation of the flower: Small flowers densely covering the plant, golden and bright, suitable for flower beds and potted plants.