Mediterranean beauty lobularia. Cultivation from seeds

Lobularia. What kind of flower is this? Lobularia, or Alissum (from the Latin lobulus - "pod"), explains its name as a fruit - a pod. Refers to the Cabbage family. In the Mediterranean, this plant can be found in the wild. Now in our country is not uncommon exotic beauty - sea lobularia. Cultivation from seeds made it possible to widely spread it.

In the genus Lobularia about 5 species. These are annual and perennial flower beds that reach a height of 10 to 40 cm. You can learn it from narrow long leaves and very attractive inflorescences, which consist of many small flowers of various shades from soft white to rich purple.

The fruit of the lobularia is a long pod of round or ovoid shape. Seeds are small yellow or brown. Their germination lasts up to three years. What does this Mediterranean beauty attract gardeners? It is great for decorating flower beds, curbs, balconies, garden paths and is an indispensable decor of alpine hills and hanging baskets. Possessing an amazing honey smell, the plant attracts not only bees, but also amateur gardeners. The most common varieties in our country are:

- Bentham - the height of the flower reaches 40 cm, the inflorescence is white.

- Compact - 15 cm high with white flowers.

- Spread - the height of the flower is about 10 cm, the color of the flowers from gently pink to rich purple hues.

- Variegated - a plant 15 cm high with white and purple flowers.

Lobularia: growing from seeds. Courtship

Many gardeners do not consider lobularia whimsical, although it blooms and pleases the eye under certain conditions. She loves the sun's rays, does not tolerate the drying out of the soil, but too much water is contraindicated. In our country has become very popular zest of lawns - Lobularia. Cultivation from seeds has become very popular, since it does not present any special problems.

On seedlings, it is planted in March, shoots appear already on day 5. Its seeds are very small and light, so it is recommended to plant them on pre-moistened soil without burying. It is convenient to take seeds with a match or toothpick. Planting seeds in the soil, you need to cover the box with a film and create them a hothouse environment. When planting seedlings in the open ground, it is desirable to retreat between seedlings 25 cm. Such a distance will help the growth of seedlings and protect them from such diseases as powdery mildew. The first flowering lobularia will please only after 50 days. When it fades, the bushes can be cut and wait for new buds. At this point, it is recommended to make regular top dressing. Also this plant can be exposed to such a disease as rot. This is due to the poor composition of the soil, which does not allow moisture to penetrate to the roots. In such cases, the affected plant will have to be removed and burned.

In hot weather, the flowering lobularia ceases, but with regular watering it can be avoided. It blooms from May to October. If your flowers blossom early - before the first frost, then they must be covered. Compactness of plants allows you to combine them with others, creating bouquets of incredible beauty. This can be a Turkish carnation, pelargonium, petunia, marigolds, etc. In order to decorate large spaces, one year old Lobularia is used, growing of which is an uncomplicated and simple process. After all, it is a plant with small flowers that form compact inflorescences that cover the stem and leaves. Nothing can please the eye so much as grown up with love and care lobularia. Her photo, which you can give as a postcard, for example, to a friend, will delight you until the new flowering and remind you of wonderful summer days!