Clarkia graceful: technology for growing from seeds and care in the open field. Clarkia graceful What a clarkia flower looks like

For a novice florist choosing plants for a "southern" solar flower bed, we can safely recommend clarkia. It does not require special care and will adequately decorate your flower garden for the whole summer, until the very frost. And in a company with zinnia, echinacea, chamomile, it will even withstand a short drought. So that you can fully appreciate this flower, let's look at how Clarkia graceful is grown from seeds and how to provide it with a comfortable environment.

Clarkia (Clarkia) is a cute herbaceous annual of the Cyprian family. This plant came to Europe from North America, where more than 30 of its species grow. It is a close relative of godetia (you can learn more about this culture) and fireweed (Ivan-tea). Named after American Captain William Clarke.

Erect, slightly covered with a short fluff, the stems of the clarke branch well, grow from 30 cm to almost 1 m. The rich green leaves have an oval-elongated shape and are placed alternately. The flowers are located either one at a time in the leaf axils, or form an apical inflorescence-ear (or brush). Four petals (sometimes three) form a tubular calyx. They can be plain or terry. The color is white or various shades of red and pink. Blooms from July to the first frost. The fruit is an oblong capsule with many seeds.

In decorative floriculture, three types are used.

Clarkia graceful

Clarkia graceful or marigold

Clarkia graceful or marigold (Clarkia unguiculata) forms branchy spreading bushes of various heights: from miniature (30 cm) to tall (90 cm). Green oblong leaves with sparse denticles have a bluish bloom, as well as reddish veins. Small (3 cm) flowers are located singly in the leaf axils. There are simple and double, reminiscent of miniature carnations. Blooms very profusely and for a long time. Small oval rough brown seeds ripen in the seed box.

Clarkia graceful has various varieties. For example, clarkia "Solnyshko" (60-70 cm) with large (4 cm) double flowers of a warm salmon shade, with rich pink double flowers clarkia "Our joy", aggressive red variety "Diamond" (60 cm), very beautiful Clarkia "Ruby" (40-70 cm) has a shade of red.

Clarkia graceful "Sun"

Very bright color mixtures for the graceful clarkia. For example, Clarkia "Fantasy" is a mixture with white, red-pink and purple double flowers (60-75 cm). A wide range of pinks are presented in the "Charm" mix.

Clarkia is pretty

Clarkia pretty (Clarkia pulchella) is a short herbaceous annual. This species is also called omitted clarkia. It has erect (30-40 cm) stems, long thin pointed leaves sometimes form a basal rosette. Double or simple flowers of various shades of pink are located in the axils of the apical leaves, both singly and in small groups. Interesting are the petals of its flowers, similar to elk horns, widely dissected into three lobes. It blooms a little earlier than graceful clarkia.

Clarkia is pretty or low on

Such mixtures as clarkia "Arianna" (up to 40 cm) with white and crimson double flowers, a bright old variety "Miss Langri" are popular.

Clarkia Breveri

Clarkia breweri - this species became available to our growers relatively recently (10 years ago). Medium-sized (up to 50 cm), cold-resistant annual. Simple large flowers with strongly dissected petals are very similar to delicate moths. Has a wonderful, especially intense aroma.

The Pink Ribbons variety with delicate pink petals is distinguished by its miniature size (30 cm), it fully justifies its name, since its flowers really resemble a symbolic pink ribbon.

Clarkia Breveri
Clarkia Breveri "Pink Ribbons"

Reproduction

Clarkia propagates by seeds. You can either grow seedlings first or sow them directly into open ground. Pay attention to the expiration dates of the seeds, in clarkia they remain viable for a maximum of 4 years.

The seedling method allows you to get an earlier flowering, to exclude freezing of seedlings. This method is most suitable for northern regions. Clarkia is sown for seedlings in March. This process is the same as in most other plants. Seeds are sown in a special soil for seedlings, without deepening, only slightly pressing them to the ground.

Clarkia is quite versatile: tall varieties can be safely planted along walls or fences, and undersized varieties are suitable for the foreground of a flower garden. Looks good in compositions with, daisies, phlox or petunias.

Great in cut. Keeps fresh for a long time and opens all the buds. And Clarkia Breveri looks great in hanging pots.

The simplicity and unpretentiousness of clarke in planting and care provide her with the status of a welcome guest in every garden. You just need to do everything right and on time. And then you will see beautiful large and fragrant flowers on the flower bed, clarkia will not disappoint you.

Clarkia is an annual plant with a long flowering period, loved by flower growers for its beauty and elegance.

Belonging to the Cyprian family, the California native got its name from the priest William Clark, who brought her to Europe in the 19th century. In natural conditions, clarkia is found in Chile and in the western part of North America and has more than three dozen species.

Clarkia description

A small bush with miniature roses (lilac, white, purple, pink) strung on the stem - this is how the incredibly graceful clarkia looks. Plant height - from 30 to 90 cm, stems pubescent with small villi, erect, branched, rarely tilt down. The leaves are oblong-oval, dark green, with characteristic red veins. The flowers are small, located in the axils of the leaves singly or collected in racemes or spike-like inflorescences. A single arrangement of flowers is rarely observed. The fruit is an elongated polysperm.

Clarkia sorts of graceful

In cultural floriculture, special attention is attracted by the graceful clarkia flower, characterized by double and simple flowers collected in a brush: purple, white, blue, pink, red. Located one by one in the leaf axils, they are about 4 cm in diameter. Flowering is characterized by abundance from June to September. Leaves are oval, unevenly toothed along the edges, gray-green with red veins. The stem is less than a meter high, thin, branched, lignified downwards. The seeds are small (there are about 3000 pieces in 1 gram), they remain viable for about 4 years.

Varieties of garden clarkia

Clarkia is also grown in cultural floriculture:

Pubescent. Low-growing variety - up to 40 cm in height. Flowers are both simple and double. They have different colors. The original shape of the petals is noteworthy: for the wide three-lobular division, the Americans call this particular type of clarkia "elk horns". The leaves are green, long, tapering to the petiole and pointed at the apex.
Breveri. It reaches a height of 25 to 65 cm. It favorably differs from other varieties of clarkia of incredible beauty with double flowers (about 3-6 cm in diameter), similar to butterfly wings and having a pleasant strong aroma. When looking at the clarkia, one gets the impression that the flowers, like beads, are strung on the thin stems of the plant.

Clarkia elegant looks spectacular, growing from seeds of which is not particularly difficult. The original composition is made up of flowers of various colors. High grades of clarkia are perfect for bouquets.

Clarkia graceful: growing from seed

Clarkia is propagated by an elegant seed method. Half a month before the sowing work carried out in April - early May, the site must be dug up and 1 kg of peat and a tablespoon of potassium sulfate with superphosphate must be added for each square meter.

Clarkia seeds are sown in several pieces in one hole, with an interval between holes of 20-50 cm. The seed does not need to be deeply buried in the soil, just press it slightly into the soil and sprinkle it with a thin layer of earth. The emergence of seedlings occurs approximately in two weeks. Dense plantings should be thinned a little, but no frills, because in a dense bush, blooming clarkia is much more beautiful. In the autumn planting, the seeds have time to germinate before the onset of frost and are well preserved under the snow cover.

Seedling planting method

The most favorite planting method among flower growers is seedling, which provides protection from temperature extremes, frost, cold rains. Seeds for seedlings are sown in March in a specially prepared container, the soil is lightly sprayed with water. After sowing, the container must be covered with glass, located in a bright place (without direct sunlight). With the emergence of seedlings, the glass can be removed, and at the first leaves, a pick should be made of the seedlings of such a wonderful plant as graceful clarkia. Outdoor planting is done in May. Plants should be removed from the planting capacity in groups, with an earthen clod - also in piles and planted. This will increase the survival rate. It is recommended to stick a stick near each hole - a support for thin plant stems. After planting, the clarke needs to be slightly pinched - to activate tillering.

Clarkia is graceful, the mixture of colors of which is quite varied, and also actively reproduces by self-seeding. To collect seeds during flowering, you need to select several flowers, which, when wilted, tie with gauze to prevent seeds from falling on the ground. The ripening of the seeds can be judged by the brown color of the seed capsule. It needs to be cut off, the seeds are poured onto some kind of cover, dried and sown before winter, or stored until spring.

Care and feeding of Clarkia graceful

Clarkia graceful - cold-resistant, therefore it is better to grow it in an open space. The optimal soil is slightly acidic, loose. In dry weather, it is advisable to water the plant, the rest of the time it will have enough rain moisture. In the process of budding and flowering, it is required to feed - twice a month with complex mineral fertilizers. At the same time, you should get rid of wilted flowers and seed pods, so that the plant spends its strength on the formation of new buds, and the flowering period stretches for a longer period. After the plant has bloomed, it should be cut to the ground.

Clarkia is graceful, growing from the seeds of which is available even to a novice grower, is a plant resistant to pests and diseases. However, sometimes it can be affected by a mealy worm, traces of the presence of which look like a cotton-like bloom on the ground part. In the fight against such a pest, drugs "Confidor", "Fitoverm", "Aktara" are effective.

Clarkia graceful, growing from seeds of which is considered an easy way of growing a flower, can be affected by a fungal disease that manifests itself on the leaves with rusty spots with a specific brown border. To destroy the fungus, it is required to spray the plant with Oxyhom fungicides or Bordeaux liquid.

Clarkia is an annual herb belonging to the fireweed family. This genus is very close to godetia and some botanists combine these two plants into one genus. This flower was named in honor of Captain W. Clark, who brought it to Europe from California in the 19th century. In nature, this plant can be found in Chile and in western North America. This genus unites about 30 species, while only 3 are cultivated.

Clarkia is a herbaceous annual that can vary in height from 0.3 to 0.9 meters. On the surface of erect branched shoots, there is often pubescence, consisting of short villi. Sedentary alternately arranged leaf plates have an oval-elongated shape and a light gray or deep green color. Axillary flowers can be double or simple, they have the correct shape, reach 35 mm in diameter. And they can be painted in different color shades. As a rule, they are part of the apical inflorescences, which have a racemose or spike-like shape, but sometimes lonely flowers are also found. The flower has a tubular calyx; the corolla includes 4 three-lobed or whole petals, tapering at the base into a marigold. The fruit is an elongated polysperm.

Growing clarkia from seeds

Sowing

Such a plant is grown from seeds in two ways: seedless and through seedlings. If the cultivation is carried out in a seedless way, then the seeds are sown directly into open soil. Sowing is carried out in April or in the first days of May, it can also be done in late autumn before winter. When preparing a plot for sowing, for each 1 square meter under digging it is necessary to add 1 kilogram of peat and 1 large spoonful of superphosphate and potassium sulfate. The seeds of the plant are quite small, they are sown in nests of 4 or 5 pieces. In this case, the distance between the nests should be from 20 to 40 centimeters. It is not necessary to bury the seeds in the soil; they should only be pressed down a little and sprinkled with a thin layer of soil. The first seedlings may appear within half a month, and you will need to thin them out, but you should take into account that during flowering clarkia looks much more impressive in a dense bush. If the sowing was carried out in the fall, then sometimes the seedlings also have time to appear before winter comes, while they are well preserved under the snow cover. When shoots appear in the spring, they will need to be thinned out like a carrot.

Growing through seedlings

If clarkia is grown through seedlings, then young seedlings will be reliably protected from cold rains, frosts, sudden changes in temperature and strong winds. It is recommended to sow seeds in March, in this case flowering at clarkia will begin in the first days of June. Seeds are sown in a slightly acidic substrate. It is unnecessary to deepen them, but you should only press down with a plate and pour from a spray bottle. Cover the container with glass and put it in a warm and lighted place, but there should be no direct sunlight there. After the first seedlings appear, the shelter should be removed. The container should be kept in a dry, warm place with good ventilation at all times. The pick is done very early, after the appearance of the first true leaves.

What time to plant

Clarkia is transplanted into open soil in May. In the event that the soil on the site does not have a pH suitable for a given plant, then this can be corrected. In order to acidify the soil, you can use one of three methods:

add 1–1.5 kilograms of peat for 1 m 2;
add 60 grams of sulfur per 1 m 2;
water the soil with a solution consisting of a bucket of water and 1.5 large tablespoons of citric or oxalic acid.

In the event that the soil is excessively acidic, then lime is added to it. If it is oily, then this can be corrected by adding sand for digging. It is also necessary to fertilize the soil, and what fertilizers to use for this, it is said in the section on growing clarkia in a seedless way. Site preparation should be done at least half a month before planting.

How to plant

It is not necessary to plant seedlings one by one, but the plants should be taken from the container in small groups together with a lump of earth. Then this group is planted in one hole. It should be noted that the distance between the holes can vary from 20 to 40 centimeters. Adult plants will need support, since they have very thin shoots, so do not forget to stick a long rod or stick near each hole. Different varieties of clarkia should be planted away from each other, since there is a high probability of their cross-pollination. When the bushes are planted, they need to be watered and pinched a little so that they grow more bushy.

It is relatively easy to grow clarkia, and even a beginner can easily cope with this task. Watering should be done only when there is a prolonged dry hot period. In this case, watering should be done only a couple of times every 7 days. At other times, rainwater will be enough for such flowers. When watering, it should be borne in mind that the liquid should be quickly absorbed into the soil, and not stand for a long time around the bush. Top dressing should be done only during the period of bud formation and flowering, and it is recommended to use a complex mineral fertilizer for this. The frequency of dressing is 1 time in half a month. From fertilizers it is recommended to use Rainbow or Kemira, while organic matter cannot be introduced into the soil. In order for the flowering to be long and lush, it is necessary to remove fading flowers in a timely manner.

From harmful insects, mealybugs can settle on clarkia. You can understand that the bush is infected with this pest by the presence of a waxy, cottony plaque, which may be on the aerial part of the plant. To destroy this insect, it is recommended to process it with confidor, aktara or phytoverm.

In the event that in the area where clarkia grows, the soil is loamy, this can contribute to the development of a fungal disease. The fact that the bush is infected can be understood by the specks of a rusty-yellowish color, which have a brown border, which are placed on the leaf plates. To get rid of this disease, you should treat the bush with a fungicidal agent (oxych or Bordeaux liquid). If you plant this flower in a suitable soil and properly care for it, then it will have a very high resistance to both diseases and harmful insects.

After flowering

This plant is capable of multiplying without your participation by self-seeding. In spring, you only need to carefully thin out the seedlings. If you need seeds, they can be collected very easily. When the plants are in bloom, you will need to mark the most spectacular flowers. When they begin to fade, then you will need to put on gauze bags on them. The seeds will mature 4 weeks after the flower withers, and the color of the capsule should turn brown. Cut the pods and sprinkle the seeds onto a newspaper. These seeds can be sown before winter or poured into a paper bag, where they will be stored until the next spring.

Wintering

When the flowering of the clarke ends, the bushes, if desired, can be cut to the surface of the soil. And during the autumn digging of the site, it will be necessary to remove the remnants of the plants and burn them. It is not recommended to throw them away, as pathogenic microorganisms or fungi may appear in such plant residues.

Types and varieties of clarkia with photos and names

Only three types of clarkia are cultivated by gardeners, namely: clarkia marigold, or elegant clarkia; clarke is pretty, or clarke is pubescent; Clarkia Breveri.

Clarkia graceful, or marigold (Clarkia unguiculata, Clarkia elegans)

This species can be found in natural conditions in California. A branchy lush annual plant in height can reach 100 centimeters. Thin enough powerful shoots are lignified from below. On the surface of oval greenish-gray leaf plates there are veins of red color, their edge is unevenly sparsely toothed. The flowers are regular in shape and four centimeters in diameter. They can be double or simple and have different colors: red, pink, white, purple and blue. They are placed one at a time in the leaf sinuses. Small seeds germinate for about 4 years. It blooms luxuriantly in July – September. This species is often grown in mid-latitudes. The most popular varieties:

This species is dwarf. Erect, branched shoots can reach a height of 0.4 m. Long, narrow, whole leaf plates are green in color. They sharpen towards the top, and narrow towards the petiole. Flowers can be double or simple. They can be located either singly or be collected in small groups in the leaf axils at the top of the stems. Of particular interest is the shape of the petals, which are divided into 3 lobes, spaced quite widely. In this regard, in America, this species is also called "moose horns". Flowering begins half a month earlier than graceful clarkia.

Clarkia breweri

Recently, this species is becoming more and more popular with gardeners. This annual cold-resistant plant can grow up to half a meter in height. The shape of the flower is similar to a butterfly, and in diameter it reaches about 30 mm. The flowers have a pleasant strong odor and are part of loose inflorescences. The Pink Ribbons variety has pink flowers with petals resembling ribbons, the bush can reach a height of about 0.3 m. The shoots of this variety are branched, and it blooms very luxuriantly.

Other types of clarkia grown by gardeners are actually godetia.

Clarkia graceful fully lives up to its name. A charming plant with flowers that from a distance resemble small roses. They, one by one, are strung on an erect stem and numerous shoots. Clarkia's ability to branch strongly forms a lush bush that will delight the eye before the onset of cold weather. It is thanks to its gracefulness, beauty and unpretentiousness that the flower has fallen in love with many gardeners and is successfully grown in summer cottages, without requiring much attention and care.

The flower is native to Chile and North America. It is an annual herb with a stem height of 30 to 90 cm, however, by the end of the growing season, the main shoot becomes partially lignified. The leaves on the flower are arranged alternately and have a dark green color. The flowers are medium-sized (3-4 cm across), with a bright color palette.

The main requirement of clarkia for growing conditions is location in a sunny area. Otherwise, it is quite unpretentious: it easily tolerates spring frosts, it is not demanding on the nutritional value of the soil. It grows better in slightly acidic soils.

Clarkia bloom will come 2 months after the sowing date and will last until frost. During the growing season, which takes about 5 months, the flowers have time to give full seeds. They can be harvested and used as seed for the next season.

For reference. Seeds collected from their site retain their varietal properties, which is of great importance for the gardener.

Types and varieties of clarkia with a photo

In nature, clarkia has about 30 species, but only three are used in garden culture.

Clarkia Breveri

The "youngest" species, which began to be grown in summer cottages relatively recently. The plant does not exceed 50 cm in height and has delicate pink flowers. Flowering occurs 2 weeks earlier than other species and is very similar to cherry blossoms.

Clarkia is pretty

A short bush with an erect stem, the height of which is only 30-40 cm. The flowers are located in the axils of the leaves either singly or in small groups and have a very original shape. They consist of four petals, each of which is strongly dissected into three parts, which resembles elk antlers. Therefore, among the people, the pretty clarke is called that way.

Clarkia graceful

The most common and demanded type in garden floriculture. It is also called marigold. Flowers of this species can be miniature, up to 30 cm high, or tall - up to 90 cm. Flowers are axillary, double or simple, colored in all shades of pink and red. There are varieties with white flowers.

"Diamond"

"Brilliant" is a cold-resistant annual, up to 70 cm high. Clarks of this variety are covered with small, about 2 cm, flowers. The flower is good in groups and beds, looks beautiful in bouquets. Removing the lower leaves will prolong the freshness of flowers in the water. The bright red color of the flower petals creates unique flower beds, which makes the suburban area fabulous and charming. Flowering begins in July and ends in September.

Clarkia "Ruby"

"Ruby"

A plant from 40 to 70 cm, with a double flower shape. The stem is erect, with a large number of lateral shoots. Flowering is abundant and lasts until the onset of cold weather. Looks great in group plantings and flower beds. Cutting is used to create tall bouquets. They can stand in water for up to 7 days.

"Mirinda"

"Mirinda" is a brightly blooming annual up to 60 cm high. Almost sessile flowers are very similar to miniature roses. The color of the double inflorescences is salmon-orange. Blooms from July to September. Looks great in flower beds for group plantings. It is used as a cutting plant for interior decoration.

"Sakura"

Sakura is a clarke with delicate flowers that bloom in July. Terry inflorescences of exquisite peach color, densely arranged on a high branched stem. Used for group compositions and to create tall, luxurious bouquets.

Clarkia cultivation methods

Clarkia, like most annuals, propagates by seed. They can be sown directly into open ground in early spring. The end of April or the beginning of May is the best fit for this work.

In the allotted area, shallow grooves are cut with row spacing of 20 cm. The seeds are mixed with fine sand and sowed. The seeds are lightly pressed against the soil and sprayed with a spray bottle. Watering from a watering can is not recommended, as the seeds may wash out. After the formation of two true leaves on the seedlings, thinning is carried out, leaving 15-20 cm between the shoots.However, you should not get carried away, since densely growing clarks create more effective compositions.

To protect against garden flea, the planting is covered with non-woven material. It will also serve as protection from hot sunlight.

Podzimny sowing is carried out with the onset of cold weather. The seeds should not sprout, but even if this happens, the seedlings will successfully overwinter under the snow and will continue to develop in the spring. Plants grown in this way are characterized by increased resistance to adverse conditions, and they will bloom in mid-July.

To bring the flowering time closer, many gardeners use the seedling method of growing clarkia.

In March or at the very beginning of April, seeds are sown in shallow containers with loose soil. Since the seed is very fine, almost dusty, it should not be buried.

The seeds are mixed with sand and scattered over the surface, then lightly pressed against the soil and sprayed with a spray bottle. Create the conditions of a mini-greenhouse by covering with a film. The container with crops should stand on a light windowsill without direct sunlight. It will take 10-14 days to wait for shoots.

Seedlings dive at a very early age, since clarkia seedlings do not respond very well to transplantation. After the appearance of the first two leaves, it is better to distribute the seedlings in separate pots. The best option is peat cups, which can be buried in the ground, and the roots will not receive the slightest injury. From plastic containers, the transplant is carried out by the transfer method together with a lump of earth.

Home-grown seedlings are planted on the site at the end of May. At this time, the period of return frosts usually ends.

For reference. When growing clarkia, remember that these are cross-pollinated plants. And if flowers of different varieties are planted nearby, then their seeds will lose their varietal qualities.

Clarkia seedlings dive: video

Transplanting clarke seedlings into open ground and caring for it

With the onset of warm days, clarke seedlings are transferred to open ground. A sunny place with moderately fertile soil and low acidity is the best option for growing clarkia.

When the main stem reaches 12-15 cm, it should be pinched, this will stimulate the plant to form new shoots. And also this procedure allows you to form a clarke bush to your liking and increases the number of flowers on it.

Clarkia's care open ground will not be burdensome.

Moderate watering in the absence of rain.
Loosening and weeding, which is necessary for every garden plant. Clarkia will not be an exception, unless the soil around the flowers is mulched.

For reference. Mulching the soil around the plants solves many problems. Mulch inhibits the growth of weeds and reduces the time and effort required for watering.

2-3 times per season, flowers are fed with mineral fertilizers. Nitrogen-containing - are excluded, because clarkia does not like excessive fat content of the soil.
Removing wilted blossoms will prolong the freshness of the flowers. The plant will not waste energy on ripening seeds, but will direct them to the formation of new buds.

But a few inflorescences need to be left if the gardener plans to collect his own seeds.

When and how are clarke seeds harvested

Clarkia reproduces well by self-seeding. If the wilted flower was not removed in time, then a seed box will form on it. It has an elongated shape and contains numerous and very small seeds. A seedling will take a month for the contents to mature. During this time, it will change color from green to brown.

After ripening, the capsule spontaneously opens and the so-called self-seeding occurs. In the spring of next year, this place will be a dense carpet of seedlings, which can be thinned out or transplanted for further cultivation.

But if it was decided to collect seeds, then the attracted inflorescences are noticed even at the flowering stage. When the flower withers, it is tied with a thin cotton cloth so that after ripening the seeds do not spill out into the soil. After a month, the testes are cut and dried, if necessary. The seeds are poured onto paper and packaged.

They can be used in the year of harvest for winter sowing or left until spring. Clarkia remains viable for up to 4 years.

Diseases and pests of clarkia

A beautiful plant with delicate flowers is resistant to various types of diseases and is practically not exposed to pests.

In most cases, flower infection occurs through the carelessness of the gardener. The wrong choice of planting site and violation of irrigation norms are the main reasons for the defeat of clarke with fungal diseases.

Low-lying areas of the garden, where it is always humid and damp, are completely unsuitable for growing a flower. This microclimate is favorable for the development of fungal spores. First, the root system and the base of the stem are damaged. Reproducing, they inhabit the entire plant. A gray plaque appears on it, consisting of a cluster of spores.

It is best to destroy such a plant immediately, and treat the neighboring plants with fungicides. The place where the infected flower grew is also subject to processing. You can apply 1% Bordeaux liquid.

Excessive watering with stagnant water at the location of the roots entails such signs of the disease.

Pests

At the stage of development of sprouts in the open field, they can be attacked by a garden flea. The likelihood of a problem increases if the clarkia plantings are located near vegetable beds. Jumping insects move from plant to plant, sucking sap from young leaves and stems. This inhibits seedlings and can lead to their death.

You can get rid of the garden flea with the help of Karbofos and Fufanon preparations.

Clarkia's more dangerous enemy is the mealybug. If a plaque resembling cotton balls is seen on the aerial part, then this is the work of a small worm that has built a cotton shelter for itself and imperceptibly harms the plant.

Clarkia flowers - growing from seeds and care, planting clarkia in the garden: video

Compliance with the simple rules for growing clarke in a summer cottage will allow you to avoid unpleasant moments, and a stately beauty will delight the gardener by painting the backyard with bright colors.

Clarkia (lat.Clarkia) is an annual herb of the fireweed family. Depending on the species, the height of the plant varies from 35 cm to 1 m. Erect shoots, often branching, can be naked or pubescent. The leaf plates are oblong, arranged alternately, their color is deep green with a bluish tint.

When clarkia blooms

Clarkia falls in the summer months. The specific time frame depends on the species.

At the tops of the shoots, spike-shaped or racemose inflorescences are located; 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. The flowers are 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 in order to disinfect them from diseases.

Planting clarke 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 site, add 1 kg of peat or humus for digging, 1 tablespoon of potassium sulfate and superphosphate (per 1 m2 of area).

Spread the seeds over the soil surface, 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 a distance of 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, it will take. You can start sowing from late March to mid-April..

Fill containers with light nutritious soil, moisten with a fine spray, spread seeds over the soil surface, sprinkle with sand (layer 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 ambient temperature of 15-16 ° C and bright ambient lighting.
Raise the shelter daily to ventilate.
Seedlings will appear in about 12-15 days.
During this time, spray the soil from a fine spray, not letting it dry out.

When sprouts appear, remove the cover, water sparingly.
After the formation of two real leaves, plant them in separate containers, try to keep an earthen ball so as not to damage the root system.

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

Clarkia growing plot

Growing clarkia will require an open, well-lit area.

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

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

60 grams of sulfur;
1-1.5 kg of peat;
Spill with a solution: for 10 liters of water, 1.5 tablespoons of citric sludge of oxalic acid.

With a high acidic soil reaction, lime should be added. The nutritional composition is indicated in the section on growing clarkia from seeds.

Planting clarke seedlings in open ground

Clarks in open ground are carried out in May, when constant heat is established.

Make holes of such a size that 2-3 seedlings are placed in each - they do not interfere with each other, and the plantings will look more magnificent.
Transfer the seedlings together with the earthen clod.
The root collar should be flush with the surface of the ground, press the soil around the seedling with your palms, water well.
Pinch the tops of the shoots to stimulate growth.
Keep a distance of 20-40 cm between the individual holes.

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

How to care for clarke 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 is required only during a prolonged drought, while adding a moderate amount of water at intervals of 4-5 days. Avoid stagnant moisture.

Top dressing

From the moment the buds are set, fertilizers are started. It is absolutely impossible to use organic matter, feed it with complex mineral fertilizers (Raduga, Kemira, etc.). Apply top dressing every 15 days.

Pruning

In order for the flowering to be long and lush, wilted inflorescences should be removed in time. Leave only the amount needed to collect the seeds.

Seed collection

Leave the most spectacular flowers for the subsequent collection of seeds. When they start to wilt, put gauze bags on them so that the seeds do not accidentally wake up when the seed pods open spontaneously. The seeds will ripen 4 weeks after the flower withers, the seed capsule will acquire a brown tint. Cut them off, put them on a newspaper, dry them. Store in paper sleeves in a dry, dark place.

Clarkia after flowering

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

Diseases and pests

When growing clarkia in heavy loamy soil, rust is possible. Yellow spots with a brown border appear on the leaf plates.

From waterlogging of the soil, downy mildew can occur. The leaf plates will become covered with whitish or brown spots, begin to curl and dry out.

In both cases, cut off the affected areas, treat with a fungicide (you can use Bordeaux liquid).

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

Among pests, mealybugs and aphids are dangerous. An insecticidal treatment will be required. In the fight against aphids, an infusion of garlic or citrus peels has proven itself well, make a solution with water in a ratio of 1 to 10.

In order to prevent diseases during budding, spraying with Bordeaux mixture is carried out. Choose a suitable site for growing a plant, do not thicken the plantings, stick to moderation in watering, then no diseases and pests are terrible for the plant.

Clarkia in landscape design

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

Clarkia can be grown 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

Popular in temperate latitudes. Branched stems (due to which the bush looks lush), lignify as it grows from below. Leaf plates are oval in shape with sparsely toothed edges, have a greenish-bluish tint, covered with reddish veins. The flowers are of the correct shape, they are about 4 cm in diameter, the colors can be white, pink, red, blue. Corollas are placed singly in the leaf axils. Blooms tirelessly all summer.

The best varieties:

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

Clarkia pretty Clarkia pulchella

A dwarf species with upright branchy shoots about 40 cm high. The leaf plates are obovate with pointed tops. Corollas are simple or terry. They gather at the tops of the shoots in corymbose inflorescences, can be located singly in the leaf axils. Corollas are divided into 3 lobes, which are quite widely spaced. In America, this species is often called "moose horns". The flowering period begins half a month earlier than the previous species.

The Arianna variety is popular.

Clarkia breweri

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

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