Petunia starry sky
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Romantic delicate petunia Starry sky is the protagonist of floristic compositions on verandas, gardens, parks and squares. A flower of truly magical beauty with a bright palette of shades.
Petunia Starry sky: the history of the variety
In pristine nature, petunia lives in the tropical regions of Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, you can find it in South and North America. The variety of species is amazing. Today their number is within forty. The first mention of petunia dates back to the eighteenth century, but the variety of petunia Starry Sky, or "Night Sky" was bred relatively recently, in two thousand fifteen in Germany. Due to its unique futuristic appearance, the flower quickly gained popularity all over the world.
Petunia Starry sky: variety description
Petunia Starry sky: photo of the variety
Petunia variety Starry sky is a representative of the Solanov family. In general, the plant is quite compact, but in the wild, this perennial shrub can reach a height of about a meter. This variety is a hybrid of petunias.
- The flowers are deep purple with many white dots on the petals. The color can vary depending on the nature of the soil, irrigation system and the amount of insolation.
- Petunia Starry sky grows in small bushes, it is characterized by an early flowering period.
- Almost continuous bud formation ensures long-lasting flowering for three months.
- Petunia Starry sky is often grown not only in the usual flower beds, but also in decorative baskets and pots. The beautifully spreading stems branch out, creating bizarre shapes. Each shoot has a large number of branches, they grow rapidly and overgrow with airy buds.
- Leaves are usually deep green in color and slightly velvety to the touch. The flowers are lush, with five rounded petals.
- In garden conditions, the plant is annual.
Petunia Starry sky Chrysalis
Another type of petunia Starry sky is the Pupa. It was named so for a reason. Consider the characteristic features of petunia Starry sky Pupa. Bright pink flowers with white inclusions flaunt against the background of lush green leaves. These variegated inflorescences look like fancy doll dresses.
Petunia Starry sky Chrysalis: photo of the variety
Quick Planting Guide
Propagation of petunia Starry sky should only be cuttings. The method is not difficult, even a beginner can handle it. The main thing is to follow the basic recommendations.
To do this, you need to cut off a stalk with two nodules ten centimeters long. Remove all flowers and leaves, immerse the cutting in water and leave for two weeks. This time is enough for the first roots to appear and the stalk can be immersed in the ground. After another fourteen days, place the shoot in a pot in a shaded place to start the rooting process.
To move a flower to a permanent place of residence in open soil, cloudy weather should be chosen. It is advisable to take action in the afternoon. We prepare square holes with sides of ten centimeters.
We maintain a distance of about thirty centimeters between the holes. We transfer young seedlings from the container, without damaging the earthen lump, into the ready-made recesses.
Cover the soil with a layer of mulch. This is necessary to speed up the rooting process. For these purposes, peat, or humus, is suitable.
And of course, don't forget about watering.
What soil is needed for petunia Starry sky?
The soil of the following composition is optimal for petunia: in two parts peat, in two parts consisting of sod land, in two parts from leafy soil, two parts of humus, and one part of sand. Since the culture loves light soils, it is advisable to sift the soil and provide moisture immediately before planting.
A vegetative petunia Starry sky needs a loose soil with sufficient air circulation, which should not be compacted as a result of abundant watering, but at the same time maintain a moisture balance.
When it comes to sun exposure, petunia likes diffused, soft light. Therefore, semi-darkened areas are favorable for planting.
However, for lush flowering and proper development, a day of light with a duration of about thirteen hours is required. When there is a lack of lighting, additional lighting is used.
How to provide proper care for the Starry Sky vegetative petunia variety?
When we see a beautiful flower, we often think that it requires difficult care. In the variant with petunia, this is not at all the case. However, the basic rules should be followed.
The flower will feel great at daytime temperatures not exceeding thirty-eight degrees, at night it is desirable that the temperature does not drop below ten degrees. After all, it is the temperature difference that is required for the formation of white blotches.
Humidity mode... Once we have placed the petunia in the pot, it is important to ensure regular watering. Water should be watered directly under the root, avoiding contact with buds or flowers.
- We water it as the soil dries out. And this usually happens every three days.
- Watering the variety of petunias Starry sky is better with settled water at room temperature.
Like all crops, Starry sky petunia needs feeding. For a petunia growing in a confined space, such as a flowerpot or flowerpot, top dressing is most important.
- Primary fertilization we carry out with mineral phosphorus fat. Such feeding is necessary in order for the root system to form correctly. You can prepare the solution yourself. For this we need: a tablespoon of super phosphate and ten liters of ordinary water. By mixing the ingredients, we get a ready-to-use composition.
- Secondary feeding is beneficial to produce after twenty to thirty days. For this case, either ready-made complex or nitrogenous dressings are suitable.
- Further plant feeding can be done every two weeks, but not more often than once every ten days.
- Accordingly, the total number of dressings per month in our country should not exceed four.
- By the end of the spring period, the ripening of the buds usually occurs, it is this time that is the best for feeding with potassium.
- Throughout the entire flowering period, our cosmic beauty should be fertilized no more than two times.
- The solution is prepared in the same way as for phosphorus fertilizer.
Another, even simpler, feeding option during this period is ready-made complex fertilizers for flowering crops. Preparing them, following the instructions, will not be difficult. It is enough just to dilute the composition in water, observing the indicated proportions. It is enough to perform such a manipulation once every fifteen days.
About susceptibility to diseases and insect pests.
Among the pests dangerous for petunias, the Starry sky is distinguished: 1) aphids., 2) spider mites., 3) thrips., Infecting leaves, as well as powdery mildew.
In the case of spider mites
To avoid harmful effects, try to maintain the required temperature and humidity parameters.In addition, you need to regularly inspect the flowers for traces of pests. Spider mites, for example, are located on the buds of a plant. You can understand that petunia is sick by seeing white dots on the leaves, or a sticky thin web. As soon as warning signs have been noticed, take action.
- Treat the plant with a soapy mixture. To prepare a solution, dilute twenty milliliters of soap in five liters of water.
- Next, process with specialized preparations aimed at destroying pests.
- The affected areas of the plant must be removed.
In the case of aphids
An infusion of tobacco and soap is effectively used against aphids. Another option is drugs like Fufanon, Atlanta and others.
In the case of thrips
Against thrips on the leaves, drugs such as Confidor are used. The drug is used once every seven days, for a month.
In the case of powdery mildew
One of the most serious enemies of the plant is powdery mildew. It manifests itself in the form of plaque and spots on white leaves.
The insidiousness of this ailment lies in the fact that the fungus creeps upward, capturing the entire flower. The affected areas are immediately removed so that the infection does not spread.
Spray against powdery mildew with garlic infusion (twenty-five grams per liter of water), or mustard infusion (dilute two tablespoons in ten liters of warm water).
In the case of gray mold.
Gray rot affects the leaves with a shaggy gray bloom. Further, they become covered with brown spots and subsequently dry out.
This disease is also fungal in nature. It can destroy a plant in a couple of days.
If you notice this ailment, you should immediately remove the fallen leaves and flowers and temporarily stop feeding the petunia. Spraying, according to the instructions, with such preparations of the Ordan type will help.
Petunia Starry sky: photo of the variety
What difficulties can you face when growing a petunia Starry sky?
Petunia is a fairly easy-to-care flower. All diseases and problems discussed earlier are caused by improper care. Briefly about possible problems when cultivating this variety.
Excessive moisture and bright light will cause yellowing of the leaves, buds and flowers will crumble. Be careful to keep the leaves and buds dry when watering. Do not let the soil dry out.
Inspect the flower in a timely manner in order to recognize the existing disease in time. Carry out prophylactic treatment against pests with special compounds. Follow this simple set of activities, and on your balcony, a veranda, a flowerbed, a real starry sky will bloom.
Petunia Starry sky: photo of the variety
Interesting Facts.
- At low temperatures or during rain, the plant does not bloom.
- In order for flower buds to be laid more often, it is necessary to get rid of dried flowers.
- The word "petunia" is translated from the Brazilian language as "tobacco". The history of the name is as follows. The naturalist Jean Baptiste Lamarck was the first to write petunia at the end of the eighteenth century. The new crop was mistakenly named Nicotiana axillaris due to its resemblance to tobacco leaves. As other varieties were discovered, petunia became an independent species.
Conclusion
Give petunias Starry sky love and care, and he, in turn, will thank you with bright and beautiful flowering.
Petunia Starry sky: video about a vegetative variety