Introduction to the Cultivation Method of Columbine:
Breeding and Propagation
Columbine can be propagated through seeds or by dividing the rhizomes. Sowing is typically done in spring and autumn, and seedlings usually bloom within two years. It's recommended to replace the plants every three to four years for optimal growth. This plant thrives in well-drained, moist sandy loam soil and prefers partial shade. It is cold-tolerant and grows vigorously in cool climates.
For proper care, avoid exposing it to high temperatures during summer. Watering should be done 4-5 times a month in spring, especially in drier regions, adjusting based on soil moisture. In summer, provide shade or plant it in semi-shaded areas. Ensure good drainage after rain to prevent waterlogging. Prune regularly to promote air circulation and light penetration. When the plant reaches about 40 cm in height, remove the central shoot to control its growth. After winter, apply base fertilizer and, in colder areas, add anti-freeze water. Loosen the soil around the base to help the plant survive the winter.
Rhizome propagation is best done in early spring before or after germination. Seeds should be sown immediately after they mature. Sow them sparsely and cover with glass to maintain moisture and shade until they emerge. Within a month, the seedlings will start growing. They typically flower in their first year. For fine varieties, rhizome propagation is preferred between March to April or August to September. Seedlings can be planted at 10 cm apart with 30-40 cm between rows. Apply top dressing before flowering and provide shade in summer. In cold regions, cover slightly in winter. After three years, plants may decline, so rhizome propagation should be done to rejuvenate them.
Seed propagation is ideal from January to April in spring and June to December in autumn. To break the dormancy of the seeds, sow them right after harvesting. Prepare the seedbed by leveling the soil, applying base fertilizer, and watering thoroughly. Spread the seeds evenly, then cover them lightly with soil. Keep the surface moist but not overly wet to avoid rotting. Germination usually takes 140 days, or 60 days if covered with plastic. Once the seedlings reach about 6.6 cm, they can be transplanted into the field with a spacing of 10 x 13.2 cm. Topdressing is applied as needed.
Landscape Use
This small yet beautiful flower features vibrant colors and strong adaptability. It’s perfect for lawns, under sparse trees, or along streams and wet areas. It adds charm to natural plantings, borders, beds, and rock gardens. The flowers are ideal for cut arrangements. Their symbolism is “Must Succeed†and “Insist on Winning.â€
Artificial Cultivation
Step 1: Sow seeds in a 392-cell tray and cover with vermiculite. Maintain a germination temperature of 21–24°C, which allows germination in 10–14 days. The ideal growth temperature is 18–20°C. Apply nitrogen fertilizer (100 ppm) weekly. Provide long-day lighting (more than 14 hours) to encourage early harvest. This stage lasts 6–8 weeks.
Step 2: Transplant the 392-cell seedlings into a 50-cell tray or larger. Keep the temperature at 18–20°C and continue long-day lighting. Apply 200 ppm nitrogen fertilizer weekly. Maintain a soil pH of 5.8–6.4 and EC value of 1.0–2.0. Once 12–15 true leaves appear, flower buds begin to form. This process takes 8–10 weeks. Avoid over-rooting. Under natural conditions, seeding starts in mid-September to late October, transplanted into 50-cell trays for 8–10 weeks, then moved to 14–16 cm pots. Flowering begins 10–12 weeks after planting. From sowing to flowering, it takes approximately 24–28 weeks.
By controlling light duration, you can manipulate the growth cycle. For example, using artificial light from 10 PM to 2 AM ensures 14 hours of daylight, leading to blooms in about 7–8 weeks. If grown naturally, it takes 26–30 weeks from sowing to harvesting. For controlled temperature cultivation (July–November), sow seeds in February–May, transplant after 10 weeks, and place in a cool, bright area with 14 hours of light. After 4 weeks, move to 14–16 cm pots and bloom within 4–6 weeks.
Mosaic Disease
The symptoms include mottled leaves, curling, and deformation. The cause is the Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV). The virus has a spherical shape, 35 nm in diameter, and is heat-sensitive (60–70°C). It can be diluted up to 1:10,000 times and remains infectious in vitro for 3–5 days. Transmission occurs through aphid feeding or direct contact with infected sap. CMV spreads mainly via aphids like Myzus persicae, cotton aphid, and cabbage aphid. It cannot be transmitted through seeds or pollen.
Control measures include improving cultivation practices, such as applying organic fertilizers and balanced nutrients, avoiding excessive nitrogen, and keeping the soil loose. Remove weeds promptly to eliminate infection sources and manage aphids effectively.
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