Introduction to the Cultivation Method of Columbine:
Breeding and Propagation
Columbine can be propagated through sowing or by using ramets. Sowing is best done in spring and autumn, and the seedlings typically 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 semi-shaded areas. It is cold-resistant and grows vigorously under these conditions.
During cultivation, it’s important to avoid high temperatures in summer and provide shade when necessary. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. To prevent lodging, regular pruning helps improve air circulation and light penetration. When the plants reach about 40 cm in height, pinching out the central shoot helps control their height. After winter, applying base fertilizer and watering with antifreeze solutions (especially in northern regions) supports better survival during cold months. Soil around the base should be loosened to enhance root development and winter hardiness.
Propagation via ramets is best done before or after germination in early spring. For seeds, it’s ideal to sow them immediately after they mature. Sow the seeds sparsely and cover them with glass to maintain moisture and provide shade until they emerge. Seedlings usually flower within a year. For fine varieties, propagation by ramets is commonly done between March and April or August to September. Seedlings can be planted at a spacing of about 10 cm, with rows spaced 30–40 cm apart. A top dressing should be applied before flowering, and shading is needed in summer. In colder regions, a slight covering may be required in winter. After three years, plants tend to weaken, so timely propagation helps rejuvenate them.
For seed propagation, sowing can take place from January to April in spring and June to December in autumn. To break dormancy, seeds should be sown right after harvesting. Apply base fertilizer, level the soil, create a seedbed, and water it thoroughly. Spread the seeds evenly and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the surface moist, but avoid excessive humidity that could cause rot. Germination takes about 140 days, or 60 days if covered with a plastic film. Once the seedlings are 6.6 cm tall, they can be transplanted into the field with a spacing of 10 × 13.2 cm. Topdressing follows the same method as above.
Landscape Use
This small, colorful flower is highly adaptable and perfect for lawns, under sparse trees, or near streams and wet areas. Its delicate appearance adds charm to gardens, rockeries, borders, and flower beds. It's ideal for cut flowers and has a symbolic meaning of “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 within 10–14 days. The ideal growth temperature is 18–20°C. Apply nitrogen fertilizer at 100 ppm weekly. Long days with more than 14 hours of sunlight can help accelerate growth. This phase lasts 6–8 weeks.
Step 2: Transfer the 392-cell seedlings to a 50-cell tray or larger. Keep the temperature at 18–20°C and ensure 14 hours of long-day lighting. Apply 200 ppm nitrogen fertilizer weekly. Maintain a soil pH of 5.8–6.4 and an EC value of 1.0–2.0. Flower buds begin to form when there are 12–15 true leaves. This stage takes 8–10 weeks. Avoid over-rooting. Under natural conditions, sowing in a 392-cell tray from mid-September to late October and transplanting to a 50-cell tray for 8–10 weeks, then planting in a 14–16 cm pot, leads to blooming within 10–12 weeks. From sowing to flowering, it takes about 24–28 weeks.
By controlling daylight length, you can promote earlier flowering. From sowing to harvesting, it takes about 26–30 weeks. For controlled temperature cultivation (July–November), sowing in a 392-cell tray from February to May, then transplanting to a 50-cell tray and placing in a bright, cool location with 14 hours of daylight at 5°C. After 4 weeks, flowers begin to bloom. Transplanting to a 14–16 cm pot and maintaining proper watering leads to blooming within 4–6 weeks. For specific varieties like the "11" flower, artificial lighting from 10 PM to 2 AM ensures 14 hours of light per day until blooming, taking 22–26 weeks from sowing to harvest.
Fertilization: Apply 200–250 ppm nitrogen fertilizer once a week. Avoid ammonium-based fertilizers, keep the soil pH between 5.8–6.4, and maintain an EC value of 1.0–2.0.
Mosaic Disease
The disease causes mosaic patterns on leaves, leading to curling and deformation. It is caused by the Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV). The virus particles are spherical, measuring 35 nm in diameter. It is heat-sensitive, with an inactivation temperature of 60–70°C and a dilution endpoint of 1:10,000. The virus can survive in vitro for 3–5 days. Transmission occurs through sap contact or aphid infestation. Hosts are wide-ranging, and the main vector is the aphid *Myzus persicae*, followed by cotton and cabbage aphids.
Control methods include improving cultivation practices, such as using organic and balanced fertilizers, avoiding excess nitrogen, and keeping the soil loose to support healthy root growth. Remove weeds promptly and manage pests early to reduce disease spread.
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