Ageratum Blue Mink: photo and description of the variety, reviews. Ageratum Blue Mink: characteristics of flowering, nuances of cultivation

How to grow ageratum from seeds: feeding, protection from diseases and pests

Feeding should be done once every three weeks.
In this case, it is best to use mineral and organic fertilizers. The total number of feedings is three, with the first two being carried out using half the dose of fertilizer, which is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. An excess of nutrients in the soil will lead to an increase in leaf mass. Despite the fact that the plant is quite resistant to diseases and pests, there are several types of insects that can cause significant harm to it when growing in open ground. These include whitefly, which causes yellow spots to appear on the leaves. The affected leaves are removed, and the bush is treated with an emulsion with mineral oils 2 times at intervals of a week;

Another problem that can happen to this plant is root rot. It is quite difficult to get rid of it, since the causative agent of the disease may be in the soil itself. To protect the ageratum from diseases and pests, the diseased plant is removed and, if possible, burned to prevent the spread of infection throughout the area.

Prevention of ageratum diseases and pest control

If the rules of agricultural technology are not followed, as well as unfavorable weather or climatic conditions, the plant may be subject to the development of various diseases, as well as attacks by pests.

Whitefly

A small insect that is easy to spot on bushes. Insects cause great damage to crops because they feed on their sap. If appropriate measures are not taken, the plants will die. To get rid of whiteflies, it is recommended to irrigate the bushes with a solution of chemical preparations Aktara or Aktellika.

Cucumber mosaic

Accompanied by the formation of characteristic yellow spots on the leaves. It is impossible to cure the disease, so all preventive measures should be taken carefully and regularly. They include regular tillage of the soil with special compounds and removal of weeds. Insects are carriers of the infection, so when they appear, measures must be taken to destroy them.

Ageratum affected by cucumber mosaic

Rot

A fungal disease that develops against a background of high humidity in the air and soil. Characterized by the formation of dark spots on leaf blades. For treatment, the bushes are irrigated with Topaz or Fundazol.

Ageratum is an unpretentious plant that even a novice gardener can grow. The main task is to familiarize yourself with the rules of agricultural technology and draw up a schedule according to which they will be implemented.

Early flowering varieties and hybrids of ageratum

According to various sources, the genus Ageratum in the Asteraceae family includes from 40 to 60 species of annual and perennial herbs originating from North and Central America and Eastern India. Translated from Greek, the name of the flower sounds like “ageless.”

This name is associated with the ability of the plant to retain freshness in the bouquet for a long time after cutting. Mostly grown in cultivation are Ageratum houstonianum, or otherwise - Mexican Ageratum, and popularly - long-flowered.

Most varieties are bred precisely on the basis of this natural species. Depending on their height they are divided into:

1. low or dwarf up to 15-20 cm high,
2. medium – from 25 to 35 cm
3. tall – more than 40 cm.

However, when planting ageratum from seeds in open ground, the speed of development and timing of flowering play the greatest role. Therefore, for this purpose, flower growers opt for early flowering varieties and hybrids. Unfortunately, the popular and very common Blue Mink variety is grown from seedlings.

Dwarf varieties with blue inflorescences-baskets:

• Little Dorrit
• Blausternchen
• Ocean Blue
• Aloha Blue
• Blue Angel
• Cloud Nine Blue
• Cloud Nine is a pink-flowering variety.

Medium-sized varieties with lilac-blue inflorescences:

• Blue Lagoon
• Blue Perfection

The recently developed heterotic F1 hybrids are particularly popular among flower growers due to their rapid development, compact bush shape, as well as early and long flowering. Among them are attractive and common low-growing varieties 15-20 cm high with blue or blue-violet inflorescences:

• Adriatic
• Atlantic
• Blue Ribbon
• Neptune Blue F1
• Hawaii Blue F1

The tall hybrid Red River F1 (RedSea) with a height of 35 to 60 cm, which is often used for bouquets, stands out for its unique spectacular beauty.

Description

Ageratum belongs to the Asteraceae family. Translated from Greek, this word means “ageless, forever young,” which is reflected in the plant’s lifestyle. Ageratum has a long flowering time and retains its fresh appearance for a long time.

Being a heat-loving perennial, in the Russian climate ageratum is grown as an annual plant. The species variety Blue Mink is a 20-35 cm tall grass with numerous branching erect stems. There is slight pubescence on the stems.

The rhizome of the plant is near-surface, but quite powerful; it can reach 20 cm in depth.

The leaves are oval in shape with slightly jagged edges. The texture of the leaves is rough. In the lower part of the plant the leaves are arranged oppositely, in the upper part - alternately. The length of the petioles decreases with the height of the leaf. The topmost leaves “sit” almost on the stem.

The bisexual flowers of Blue Mink are very small. Their bilobed stigmas are almost twice as long as the perianth. The flowers are tubular in shape and collected in basket-type inflorescences. The diameter of the inflorescences rarely exceeds 25 mm. The baskets may be located very close to each other, so that they may also appear to be part of a more complex corymb. The flowers are bright blue in color and have a strong aroma.

Ageratum peduncles have almost the same height, therefore, if the plants are planted in a group, the flowers will cover the planting site with a continuous flower carpet. Flowering begins in June and lasts until the first autumn frosts.

Blue Mink Ageratum seeds have a pentagonal shape and are equipped with a tuft. 1 g can contain several thousand seeds. Germination lasts for about 3 years.

How to grow ageratum

Growing ageratum is a simple process and any amateur gardener can do it, the main thing is to follow the instructions below.

Planting seeds

To properly decorate the area near your house, it is enough to plant an exotic ageratum plant, but before breeding you should carefully study how to properly plant seeds in the ground. It is better to grow a flower crop from seed material, and at the initial stage of propagation, sowing is carried out from the middle to the last days of the first month of spring.

Sowing ageratum seeds

For the process, containers of shallow depth are used, which are filled with soil mixture. The substrate must contain a small amount of sand, organic matter, and peat. Before sowing, the soil is well moistened. The grains of the plant are very small, so they are scattered randomly, after which they are sprinkled with a thin layer of soil.

The box with plantings is covered with microclimate-preserving material and put away in a warm place. Crops require daily ventilation and periodic moistening. For this purpose it is very convenient to use a small special sprayer. After the seedlings appear two weeks later, the covering material is removed.

Growing ageratum from seeds at home is not difficult, the main rule is to comply with all the few requirements. When the seedlings have become stronger and have produced two true leaves, they are planted in another, more spacious container. Ageratum seedlings are planted in two stages.

Repeated diving is carried out after a few weeks. The grown, strong sprouts are planted in individual cups. Keep the plantings in a dry, warm room; the soil is periodically moistened. They do this only in the morning. Before planting ageratum in the ground, the seedlings are hardened off.

Planting ageratum seedlings in open ground

When the threat of late frosts has passed, they begin planting ageratum in open ground. Choose a place that is as bright as possible without exposure to drafts. In the area where the exotic plant will grow, the sun's rays should be present throughout the day. Lack of lighting leads to elongation of the stems, causing sparse flowering.

Planting ageratum in open ground

The soil is prepared light, slightly acidic with plenty of drainage and nutrients. The holes are made shallow, at a distance of ten to fifteen centimeters. Determine the depth at which the seedlings developed and plant at the same level. Properly planted plants begin to bloom in the second decade of June.

Landing algorithm

Ageratum (planting and care, photos will help novice gardeners to properly plant the plant in open ground, taking into account the sowing time and agricultural conditions) is best planted outside in late May or early June. At this time, in many regions the night frosts ended and warm weather finally settled in.

Approximately 14 days before planting the plant in open ground, the prepared seedlings need to be hardened off. Otherwise, the planting material will take too long to take and often get sick, since it will have a weakened immune system. As a result, the plant will be more often exposed to various diseases.

To harden the container with pickled seedlings, you need to immerse it in warm water and take it out into the fresh air. The procedure should last no more than 40 minutes. Every day, the hardening time must be increased by approximately 20 minutes.

The procedure is carried out only in the absence of possible frost. Once hardening is complete, the seedlings can be transplanted outside. When the soil layer is prepared, the seedlings are stronger and the weather is warm all the time, the young seedlings can be transplanted into open ground.

The algorithm for planting garden crop seedlings consists of the following steps:

1. Initially, you need to prepare the seat. When digging holes, it is imperative to maintain distance. The distance between planting holes will depend on what type of plant is grown in the garden: tall, medium-sized or low-growing. If an adult flower is large in size, the distance between the holes should be approximately 25 cm. For low-growing seedlings, the distance between the holes should be within 15 cm.
2. Planting holes should not be very deep. The seedlings need to be dug into the bed to the level at which it grew previously.
3. It is not recommended to compact the soil layer near the bush too much. The soil needs to be tapped a little.
4. When the planting material is in the garden bed, the seedlings need to be irrigated with water. Thanks to this, the roots quickly adapt to the new location.
5. It is not recommended to add humus or manure to the soil, as they negatively affect the flowering and growth of the crop. As a result, the plant may die.
6. Upon completion of planting, the soil layer in the garden bed will need to be mulched. Thanks to this, the seedlings will be protected from possible night frosts and will be provided with a good drainage layer. It is advisable to use peat or sawdust as a mulching layer.

If Ageratum is cultivated as a houseplant, the containers should be spacious enough and have a good drainage layer. In the summer season, containers can be sent to the veranda, balcony, or hung under the windows.

At home, the plant will bloom even in cold weather.

To maintain a decorative appearance over a long period of time, you need to remember a few simple rules:

1. Flower pots must be placed on a windowsill that faces south, as more heat and light get there.
2. Watering must be carried out strictly at the root, without waterlogging the soil. The procedure is recommended to be carried out daily in the morning.
3. It is advisable to take ready-made soil, since it will contain the required amount of organic matter and minerals. In this case, the substrate will have a loose structure, which will provide free access of air to the root system.
4. It is best to use complex compounds as fertilizers. Fertilizing is required once every 6 months.
5. As the flower grows, it needs to be divided and planted in wider containers.

Preparing the site and soil

For ageratum, planting and care in open ground are determined by choosing a suitable place for the plant, as well as soil that will fully satisfy the needs of this chic bush. If we talk about growing, ageratum requires proper planting first, so it is necessary to consider its main subtleties. So:

1It is important for the plant to choose a place that will receive maximum light. This flower normally tolerates shade only 2 hours a day.

The rest of the time, it is advisable to keep the ageratum in direct sunlight, even if the weather in the region is very hot and dry.

2An important rule in growing ageratum from seedlings or seeds is the absence of drafts. It is preferable to choose an open place, which will be protected in the distance by a green hedge. This will simultaneously give the plant maximum light and shelter it from the winds.

3Despite the fact that the plant is not very picky about soil, it is advisable to choose the lightest and most non-acidic soil for it. You should not over-enrich the soil with fertilizers, as in this case all the energy will be spent on the formation of foliage, and flowering will not be so noticeable.

4Avoid having a large number of stones in the soil, and do not over-moisten it before planting. Otherwise, the root system may rot and the plant will die without having time to please with its beautiful buds.

Following these simple recommendations will provide plants with the necessary conditions for further development and the formation of dense, bright inflorescences, regardless of how exactly this crop is supposed to be planted in open ground.

Transplantation of ageratum to a permanent place and subsequent care

Ageratum seedlings grown at home from seeds can be replanted at a consistently above-zero temperature. It is even recommended to start replanting when the central inflorescence blooms. The optimal time for planting flowers is the month of May.

The site must meet the following parameters:

• Exposure to direct sunlight.
• Acidified soil.
• Good drainage.

Flowerbeds for ageratum are pre-fertilized. The distance between the holes is 10-20 cm, the bushes grow evenly and completely cover the territory.

Care

• Watering.
  The culture loves moderately abundant watering, without allowing puddles to form around it. Easily tolerates drought.
• Loosening.
  After moistening, it is recommended to loosen the resulting crust, since the flower needs airy soil. During loosening, weeds are immediately removed; if possible, mulch.
• Feeding.
  The plants are fed with mineral, complex and organic fertilizers once every 3 weeks. The first few feedings are carried out with a smaller dose of fertilizers in order to prevent the ageratum from developing excessive growth of green mass and slowing down flowering. Manure is not used for this plant.
• Trimming.
  Without this procedure, the duration of flowering and the number of inflorescences are reduced. If necessary, remove dried, broken and weak shoots.

Ageratum: description and characteristics

Longflower is a heat-loving flowering crop. The flowers are formed in miniature sizes, collected in inflorescences. The pistils that protrude above the flowers give the plant an unusual appearance.

The color is bright, the shape is unusual, which attracts the attention of domestic flower growers.

What do ageratum flowers look like?

The question of whether ageratum is a perennial or an annual cannot be answered unequivocally. This crop can grow for just a year or several.

Interesting! Perennial plants form in the form of a small bush.

The height of ageratum sometimes reaches 0.7 meters. Subject to agrotechnical rules, flowering is long, starting from mid-June until the first frost. Under favorable development conditions, seed pods are formed.

Using ageratum in landscape design

Growing and propagating a flower can be done in two ways. On an industrial scale, cuttings are used, but at home, the seed method is more common.

The main reasons why it is better to give preference to propagation by seeds:

• Seed material is quite easy to purchase; they are sold in almost all specialized stores.
• Using the seed propagation method, you can grow a large number of different plant varieties in your garden.

And, perhaps, one of the main advantages is that the plant begins to bloom earlier and also grows more hardy.

The seeds are collected soon after the plant has finished flowering. As a rule, this happens after two to three weeks from the moment the first flowers appear.

In order to grow seedlings from seed, the crop must be pollinated

Usually there are no problems with this issue, since ageratum flowers attract the attention of bees and wasps, they willingly pollinate them

Important! When growing crops at home, the pots are taken out onto the balcony or into the yard for pollination. The seed material is characterized by an oblong shape, small size and weight

Healthy seeds are light brown in color. Before planting, it is recommended to store in fabric or paper bags, dry glass glasses

The seed material is characterized by an oblong shape, small size and weight. Healthy seeds are light brown in color. Before planting, it is recommended to store in fabric or paper bags or dry glass glasses.

The flower is indispensable when decorating a personal plot.

Peculiarities

Ageratum is a rather unusual crop, it has blue or blue flowers that bloom quite profusely and are fluffy in structure. Ageratum is not very demanding regarding care activities. If we turn to history, it should be noted that the discovery of this flower belongs to the famous collector V. Houston. It was in honor of him that these flowers were named (Houston ageratum).

Generally speaking, in the wild and natural habitat this plant is a perennial . However, in our country it is grown and perceived as an annual flower. Ageratum belongs to the Astrov family. Due to its rather intense flowering processes, as well as its aesthetically attractive appearance, ageratum is often used in landscape design.

So, with its help they decorate flower beds and also create unusual flower arrangements.

Reproduction

Ageratum is most often propagated by seeds. They are sown in open ground in May or for seedlings in March. In the second case, it will begin to bloom in June.

Ageratum seeds are very small, so they are not sprinkled with soil at all. The seedling box is filled with a light nutrient substrate.

It may contain peat, sand, humus, vermiculite, and turf soil. The mixture is moistened and planting material is sown.

The top of the box is covered with glass or polyethylene film to achieve a greenhouse effect. It is necessary to ventilate the seeds periodically and constantly monitor the moisture content of the substrate.

The box should be in a warm, bright place, then seedlings will form after 8-15 days. After seed germination, the film and glass are removed. Caring for sprouts consists of regular watering and application of mineral fertilizers with a break of 10-14 days.

A couple of weeks before planting in open ground, seedlings begin to harden off so that they can withstand changing climatic conditions well.

The seedlings need to be taken outside, each time increasing the residence time. If it is not possible to grow seedlings at home, you can sow the seeds directly in the front garden.

However, it is worth considering the fact that about 60-70 days pass from germination to flowering. Therefore, seeds should be sown in the third ten days of April.

In this case, Ageratum is planted in some containers and covered with lutrasil using arcs. The shelter can be removed no earlier than the third ten days of May, when there are no longer frosts.

Any sprouts must be pinched if you want to get lushly branched bushes. Pinching is usually carried out above the 3rd or 4th pair of true leaves.

Diseases and pests

Ageratum is resistant to various diseases. Due to its tropical origin, it is an “unpalatable” plant for pests. However, despite its good resistance indicators, it is also subject to some diseases and attacks from dangerous pests:

• frequent planting and increased watering of plants leads to cucumber mosaic and bacterial wilt;
• most susceptible to invasion by aphids, whiteflies and spider mites.

Garlic tincture is the most effective folk method in pest control.

To prepare the tincture, use 220 grams of chopped garlic, poured into 1 liter of water. After 5 days, the mixture is diluted in 10 liters of water. The prepared tincture is applied using a sprayer to the infected areas of the plant. When making the tincture, you should carefully monitor the amount of garlic used in order to avoid burns to the plants in the future.

Both folk and industrial special means help to resist pests. In the fight against spider mites, it is recommended to use industrial products from insectoacaricidal preparations: Agravertin, Neoron and Nissoran. The following drugs will help you cope with whiteflies: Mospilan, Tanrek and Komandor.

Botanical description of Gauston's ageratum

The root system of Ageratum Gauston is highly branched. In places of contact with the soil on the main shoot and lateral branches, many adventitious roots are formed. The stems are numerous, strongly branched, erect, pubescent, 10-60 cm high. The leaves are triangular, rhombic or oval, serrated along the edge, serrated or crenate, rough. The lower leaves of Ageratum Gauston are opposite, petiolate; the higher up the stem, the shorter the petioles; the upper leaves are almost sessile and alternate. The flowers are small, narrow-tubular, bisexual, fragrant, collected in small baskets, reminiscent of a “puff” of powder compact, which in turn form complex corymbose inflorescences. The main decorative effect of Gauston's ageratum inflorescences is given by bilobed stigmas, which are almost twice the length of the perianth and protrude strongly above it. The perianth and stigma are equally colored.

The ovary of Ageratum Gauston is inferior. The fruit is an elongated wedge-shaped achene, pentagonal, with sharply protruding ribs, sometimes slightly curved, 2-3 mm long and up to 0.6 mm wide. At the upper end of the achene there is a white membranous pappus. The surface of the achenes is very finely longitudinally wrinkled. Color: black-brown. There are 6-7 thousand seeds in 1 gram. Seeds remain viable for 3-4 years.

Seed propagation of Ageratum Gauston, even with the most careful selection, does not produce homogeneous offspring. The varietal purity of most varieties does not exceed 80%.

Ageratum Gauston seeds set well. In central Russia, seeds ripen mainly on the main shoot and first-order shoots. In the event of a rainy autumn, some of the inflorescences rot. In the southern regions, the seed yield is much higher.

Ageratum pink. Shihmei Barger

How to plant ageratum with seeds

Propagation by seeds is a common method for ageratum, although the vegetative method (propagation by cuttings) is also suitable for it. In greenhouse conditions, this is how the crop is propagated. At home, they practice growing ageratum from seeds.

To obtain seedlings, it is necessary to prepare the soil substrate. You can buy soil at a garden store ("Universal" or "For Tomatoes" will do) or prepare the mixture yourself.

For the substrate take:

• high-rise crumbly peat – 1 part;
• soil taken from under an oak or linden tree – 1 part;
• fatty humus – 1 part;
• coarse river sand or vermiculite – 1 part.

All ingredients must be disinfected: steamed for half an hour in a water bath or poured with a hot raspberry solution of potassium permanganate. This procedure is necessary to rid the substrate of fungi and other pathogens.

Complete mineral fertilizer for flowers is added to the cooled soil, 1 matchbox per 5 liters of soil.

The finished soil is laid out in boxes, cassettes or individual pots.

How to plant ageratum seedlings:

1. Flower seeds collected independently from their own plants are disinfected for half an hour in a Fitosporin solution before sowing.
2. The seeds, dried until they flow, are laid out in seedling containers according to the following scheme: the distance between rows is 2-3 cm, the gap between seeds in a row is 1 cm. The sowing depth is no more than 5 mm.
3. The crops are sprinkled with warm water and covered with glass or film. Before the seeds germinate, the bowls with ageratum should be kept in the light and warm (+22..25 degrees).
4. Shoots will appear in 7-10 days. During this period, the boxes are periodically opened to ventilate and moisten the soil from the sprayer.

Ageratum sprouts are gradually accustomed to air by removing the film, first for a few minutes, then for several hours.

Optimal timing for planting ageratum seedlings

If you want to succeed, then any vegetable and flower crop must be sown at the right time - not too late and not too early. When is the best time to plant ageratum seeds for seedlings? It is better to sow the crop from mid-March to mid-April .

But when choosing the time for the procedure, take into account weather differences in different regions, which also affect the timing. For example, in Siberia, the Urals, the Leningrad region , it is better to sow from mid-April (not earlier); in the warm South , planting can be done in mid-March, in In the middle zone (including the Moscow region) it is better to plant at the end of March or at the beginning of April.

An excellent assistant in this matter is the moon; based on its cycles you can choose the most and least suitable days. Landing dates according to the lunar calendar 2022:

• The most suitable days: in January: 1, 10, 11, 15, 16, 19, 20;
• in February: 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15;
• in March: 10, 11, 15, 20, 21, 24, 25.

Ageratum flowers - photos, varieties

Depending on the variety, the plant can be from 20 to 50 cm in height. In the photo you can see that ageratum is a small bush with heart-shaped leaves and fluffy inflorescences. Its flowers can be white, pale pink, lavender blue, blue.

The opposite lower and middle leaves of the plant grow on petioles, and the alternate upper leaves are sessile. Bisexual fragrant flowers of ageratum are located on corymbose inflorescences and reach a diameter of one to one and a half centimeters. The fruit is a pentagonal wedge-shaped achene. The germination of plant seeds lasts for 3-4 years.

The plant has more than fifty species. Only a few of them are the most popular and in demand by gardeners.

Ageratum blue

The plant got its name because of its pale blue flowers, which are similar in color and fluffiness to mink fur. Therefore, the second name of this type of ageratum is “Blue Mink”. The low bush is completely covered with rather large inflorescences, which can be from 5 to 8 cm in diameter.

Mexican ageratum

Reaching a height of 10 to 50 cm, the plant is distinguished by numerous erect, branched stems. Its leaves, rough and jagged along the edges, can be oval or rhombic. The small fragrant flowers of the plant are collected in inflorescences-baskets, which, in turn, are collected in complex corymbose inflorescences.

This type of ageratum has many varieties, which differ in the height of the bush, flowering time and shades of flowers.

1. The Blue Mink variety is distinguished by weakly leafy, strong and thick shoots that grow up to 25-30 cm. This compact columnar bush is strewn with dense and large inflorescences up to 2.1 cm in diameter. The plant of this variety blooms with lilac-blue flowers from mid-June to October.
2. Ageratum "Blaustenchen" is a compact bush, the height of which is only about 15 cm. Its thin, dark green shoots are covered with a purple bloom and are densely pubescent. Loose and few-flowered inflorescences are covered with blue flowers with a lilac tint. The plant requires watering. It begins to bloom in early June.
3. The “Blau Kappe” variety begins to bloom only at the end of June, so it is considered late. The hemispherical compact bush grows up to 20-30 cm. Loose inflorescences with a diameter of 5-6 cm are distinguished by a lilac-blue hue and short stigmas.
4. Ageratum "Alba" is a spherical, compact bush about 20 cm high, on which dense white inflorescences are located.

Reviews of Ageratum Blue Mink

Polina, 35 years old, Stavropol The blue mink settled with me a long time ago. Excellent as a background plant for decorating flower beds. True, I don’t grow seedlings. I plant it in the ground in April. I don't particularly bother. What grows will grow. But in April it’s almost summer here. This will not work in the northern regions.

Sofia, 50 years old, Sebezh Last year I wanted to grow Blue Mink ageratum in the country. To be honest, it's not worth it. A beautiful flower with an original aroma. An excellent neighbor for almost any flower crop. But fiddling with him since February is not my thing. And it's a pity for the place.

Reproduction of ageratum at home

The plant can be propagated in two ways:

• seeds;
• cuttings.

Seed propagation

Most often, ageratum is grown from seeds. One ripe fruit of the plant contains up to six thousand seeds, which can be collected and stored for several years. Planting takes place in the second half of March.

1. The seedling boxes are filled with a soil mixture, which should consist of humus, peat and sand (1:1:1).
2. Ageratum seeds are very small, so they are sown on the surface of moist soil, and only a little soil is sprinkled on top.
3. The top of the boxes is covered with glass or polyethylene.
4. Greenhouses are placed in a warm place and ventilated daily.
5. You need to ensure that the soil is moist at all times. Therefore, if necessary, it should be sprinkled with water at room temperature.

After about 10-14 days, the first shoots should appear. After this, the glass or film can be removed and the boxes placed in a well-lit place. The seedlings should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Caring for seedlings involves timely watering with settled water.

When two true leaves appear, you need to plant the sprouts, increasing the distance between them. After about two more weeks, the young bushes that have grown stronger and grown are planted in separate pots. At home, water the seedlings only in the morning. The soil should always be slightly moist and the air around the sprouts dry.

Two weeks before planting seedlings in open ground, young plants need to begin to “harden off”. To do this, cups with sprouts are taken out into the open air in warm weather.

Cuttings

It is much easier and faster to grow ageratum from cuttings. Many young shoots with buds are formed on the branches of the plant, which need to be cut off for propagation. This method of propagation is very convenient, since the plant is an annual plant, and it is not always possible to tinker with seeds.

Growing ageratum from cuttings and planting them has its own characteristics:

1. Before frost, the best bushes of the plant are dug up and transplanted into large containers.
2. Flowers in pots are brought into a warm room and grown at home until March. Ageratum will also feel good on an insulated loggia.
3. In March you will need to cut cuttings or dig up queen cells.
4. The cuttings are planted in a container with an earthen mixture or in a greenhouse, and covered with plastic bags or jars. Buds germinate at a temperature of at least 20C.

It is recommended to propagate and grow hybrid varieties of ageratum in this way. This is due to the fact that their seeds usually do not germinate.

How and when to plant ageratum seedlings

The optimal time for picking ageratum seedlings occurs at the moment when the plants grow 2 true, well-developed leaves. It is better to choose the time for the procedure in the evening or early in the morning or on a cloudy day, so as not to cause unnecessary stress to the plants. You can replant in the same soil mixture in which you sowed the seeds earlier.

Advice! Since the seedlings of this crop are very small, it is optimal to carry out two picks - first in a glass with a diameter of 5 cm, and then with a diameter of 7-10 cm. However, you can transplant once, but you should immediately choose a larger container.

To properly plant ageratum seedlings, you must adhere to the following scheme:

You need to care for ageratum seedlings after picking just as carefully as before. In general, nothing changes, with the exception of some points.

Important! The first three after the procedure, it is important to protect the plants from direct sunlight; only diffuse light is allowed. When the plants adapt, you can move them back to the sunny windowsill.

About a week after picking, you can carry out the first feeding. It is convenient to immediately use complex mineral fertilizers for seedlings, for example, Fertika Lux, Agricola, Aquarin, etc. And then you can re-feed 14-16 days before planting in a permanent place.

About two weeks before planting in the ground (and planting can only be done when the threat of return frosts has passed), it is necessary to begin hardening off the seedlings. To do this, first open the window for several days, then expose it to the balcony or street (start with 20 minutes and gradually increase the time).

Beautiful, shaggy flowers in subtle, pastel shades are a real miracle in any garden. If you follow the instructions, anyone can plant flowers correctly.

Source

Recommendations for growing ageratum

Growing ageratum from cuttings is quite a difficult task for a novice gardener; it is best to sow it from seeds. Seedlings are planted in the ground only when positive temperatures occur at night, because this is a very heat-loving plant.

Water the ageratum until it sprouts, only with a spray bottle, and under no circumstances from a watering can. Control the volume of water poured and the dryness of the soil; there should be no excess moisture, but you shouldn’t overdry the future shrub either.

Pick the plant in a timely manner. Picking is carried out twice, do not forget about fertilizers and feeding. Unfed plants grow poorly and lose leaves.

When transplanting, the best place will be a sunny area with no wind in the planting area. During prolonged flowering, dying inflorescences are cut off, this helps to enhance flowering and last longer. It’s not for nothing that the plant is popularly called “long-flowered.” With proper care, it will delight you with its delicate flowers before the onset of frost on the soil.

How to grow a flower at home?

Growing at home (on a balcony or loggia) is advisable for low-growing varieties of ageratum. They will rise only 0.3-0.4 m. The spherical bushes formed by these plants can be lost from sight in a lush flower bed or in a border composition. But pots on balconies or terraces (verandas) are ideal for this indoor plant. In the vast majority of cases, ageratum is grown at home from seeds.

Initially, seedlings are formed. Then you will have to dive it into pots. When the plants develop in them, they will be ready to be planted in the ground or in a vase. It is recommended to grow seedlings on a south or south-east window. The optimal sowing time is mid-March.

But for this you will need to sow seeds for propagation of seedlings in the first ten days of February. This can only be done in places with a warm climate. Already in the central zone of the Russian Federation, it would be wiser to stick to later dates. The quality of the soil plays a special role. The slightest deviation from the optimal composition or infection defeats the plan of the flower growers.

The best option for both seeds and developed seedlings of ageratum is a homogeneous mixture of sand, peat and humus. To make sowing very small seeds easier, mixing them with dry sand helps. Then distribution into the beds will happen quickly and easily. Having laid the seeds in the ground, water it generously with warm water from a spray bottle. But the usual method of watering will simply wash away most of the planting material from the soil.

Or the seeds will be concentrated in one part of the container, and the germination will be uneven. Immediately after sowing, the tank is placed in a warm place with intense sunlight. To create a greenhouse effect, glass or polyethylene is used. As soon as the first shoots appear, the shelter is removed and the container itself is placed on a lighted windowsill.

High humidity is also necessary. You will have to make sure that the plants do not stretch or deviate to one side. Prevention is very simple: the box or other container with seedlings is constantly unfolded. Then the sun's rays will hit from different directions to more or less equal extent. When the second pair of leaves appears, ageratum is planted in peat pots (preferably) or in small plastic cups.

In the last ten days of May or in the first days of June, the developed seedlings are transplanted into flowerpots or pots. This container is ideal for further growth. For home use, seedlings are also grown from cuttings. They are cut in the spring, using a mother plant that has been kept in a greenhouse or conservatory all winter. Specimens that have overwintered in the ground are not suitable for cuttings - as soon as frost sets in, they quickly die.

Correctly collected cuttings should be grown in separate containers, which are filled with a homogeneous mixture of soil and sand. Young ageratums obtained in this way should be systematically watered and sprayed. Rooting occurs quite quickly, because adventitious roots are formed without any complications. Cuttings are used mainly by breeders.

Caring for an indoor flower

Indoor ageratum

Ageratum can be grown not only outdoors, but also indoors. The flower needs a spacious pot with excellent drainage. In the summer, it should be taken out onto the street, balcony, veranda or terrace. If you provide the plant with all the appropriate conditions, it will bloom all winter and be pleasing to the eye.

The florist should adhere to the following recommendations:

1. The pot needs to be installed on the south side of the house. The place should be well lit and warm. To monitor the temperature, you can hang a thermometer nearby.
2. Watering is carried out under the rhizome. You don't want water getting on the foliage. Excess moisture is excluded. The best time for watering is morning.
3. After watering, the soil is loosened. This allows air to flow to the root. Neglecting this moment can destroy the flower.
4. There is no need to feed the plant often. Once every 4-6 months is enough. A complex fertilizer would be suitable. It can be purchased at any flower shop. How to use it and dilute it will be indicated on the packaging.
5. If ageratum grows strongly, it should be planted in spacious containers (pots).

Based on all the above rules, we can conclude that this is an unpretentious plant (all of the above points are present in growing any flower), but a very beautiful plant.

Further care

First shoots

In order for the seeds to germinate faster, it is recommended to move the containers to a well-lit place with a temperature of +22°C. As a rule, shoots appear in 7–10 days. During this time, you will need to periodically remove the cover and moisten the soil with a spray bottle.

Sprouts need to be provided with regular moderate watering. It is necessary to moisten the soil with standing running water or rainwater. It should be at room temperature. After watering, the soil should be loosened using a toothpick or match. In order to prevent the development of black leg, it is recommended to water the seedlings with a solution of potassium permanganate 2 times during the growing period. 10 days after the sprouts appear, they need to be fed with mineral fertilizer with a minimum nitrogen content.

As soon as the plants have at least 4 true leaves, the seedlings need to be planted in peat pots or 400 ml glasses. A week after transplantation, ageratums must be fed with Agricola or Fertica.

2 weeks before transplanting plants into open ground, they need to begin to be hardened by briefly moving the glasses to fresh air. You should plan to plant ageratums only when the night temperature stops falling below +7°C. The place should be well lit. The area must be cleared of weeds in advance and dug up, adding complex mineral fertilizer for flowers. Instead of fertilizing, you can use compost (7 kg per 1 m²) and wood ash (2 cups per 1 m²).

It is recommended to plant ageratums in open ground in the evening or in cloudy weather. Recommended distance between bushes: 15–25 cm. Planted plants should be watered abundantly at the roots, and the surface of the soil should be mulched with tree bark.

Further care of the plantings involves watering as needed and timely removal of faded inflorescences. It is also recommended to feed ageratums with complex flower fertilizer 3 weeks after planting.

Miniature varieties of this ornamental plant will be an excellent decoration for borders, and tall specimens are perfect for further cutting. Ageratums can be combined with other flowers, and varieties with blue flowers look good in an arrangement with marigolds and zinnias.

Growing seedlings from seeds

Since the flowering time of the ageratum variety in question is limited only by autumn frosts, the plant needs to be planted early to extend its time. At Blue Hill, flowering begins 2-2.5 months after planting the seeds in the ground. To ensure that this moment comes earlier and young plants do not die in the cold climate of early spring, a seedling method of growing plants is recommended.

The ideal planting option would be when they begin to bloom within 1-2 weeks after transplanting the flowers into open ground. There is no need to accelerate this period, since the plant needs some time to adapt to a new location and restore the root system after transplantation.

Transplanting into open ground is recommended when the likelihood of spring frosts is completely eliminated and the daytime temperature rises to + 20-25 °C. Based on the climate, you should choose the optimal planting time. Typically, the indicated temperature will already be at the beginning of June, therefore, planting seeds for seedlings should be done in mid-March or early April.

Seed preparation

Before planting, ageratum seeds can undergo preliminary preparation, although this is not mandatory - planting can be done without this preparation. On the other hand, already at this stage it is possible to carry out preliminary screening of seeds.

The preparation itself consists of simply soaking the seed between two moistened pieces of cloth or gauze. Soaking lasts several days (no more than 7), after which a visual inspection of the seeds is performed. Ungerminated seeds are discarded, the rest are used for planting.

Soil preparation

The plant prefers light and loose soils, so it is better not to use heavy loams to create a seedling substrate. Seeds sprouted on too heavy soils may not produce flowers at all.

For seedlings, it is recommended to purchase or independently produce loose soil. The soil mixture can have the following composition: leaf soil, coarse river sand and peat are mixed in equal proportions.

All components must be thoroughly mixed and disinfected from fungus using potassium permanganate (0.2% solution in water) or thermally. The latter can be done in the oven by keeping the soil in it for half an hour at a temperature of + 110 °C. After which it should be placed under gauze for 2 weeks to restore the microflora.

The plant prefers neutral or slightly alkaline soil, so you can add some wood ash to the soil.

When and how to plant

The timing of planting has already been mentioned, however, some gardeners practice earlier cultivation of the plant with the beginning of its flowering even in the conditions of “seedling cultivation”. In principle, the plant tolerates replanting normally, so if you want to get flowering bushes in seedling boxes, you can start planting at the end of January.

The landing itself is carried out as follows:

The first sprouts of ageratum appear after 5-7 days. After germination, the glass and towel are removed, and the box with seedlings is exposed to light.

Seedling care

Caring for seedlings includes the following activities:

The first fertilizing is done a week after germination. It consists of only one component - a growth stimulator. It is not recommended to use fertilizers during the first feeding.

Plant feeding should be combined with watering. As a fertilizer, use a complex fertilizer for seedlings with a minimum nitrogen content.

Plants grow unevenly. In a month’s time in the seedling box you will be able to find ageratums of both gigantic size and very small ones. You should not remove small plants - over time they will all stretch to a sufficient height. It is necessary to remove only those plants whose stems spread along the ground.

Growing Ageratum

Unfortunately, the conditions of our climate are such that it is possible to force a plant to bloom earlier only by planting it as seedlings in open ground. Many gardeners prefer to grow seedlings themselves. In order to grow seedlings on time, seeds must be sown in March.

Seeds are sown in March

Room temperature is suitable for sowing ageratum. Containers with seedlings can be kept directly on the windowsill. The seeds are quite small, so they need to be distributed over moist soil. They also sprinkle the seeds on top. The first shoots should appear very soon.

Seedlings can be grown at home

In the first week of growth, the sprouts form a root system, and only after this the plant’s energy will be used to form foliage. When the plant produces its first true leaves, the grown seedlings will need to be planted in individual containers. For replanting, it is better to choose the most viable shoots.

Care

During the summer, ageratum requires regular weeding and removal of weeds that can damage the root system of the plant.

Advice! Ageratum is very thermophilic, so it can die with the first frost. But since even when it is in bloom, it tolerates transplantation well, in the fall you can transplant it into a pot and continue growing it at home, choosing a well-lit place.

Ageratum is very thermophilic, so it can die with the first frosts.

Varieties of ageratum

In its homeland (in the tropics of Central America), ageratum grows as a perennial plant. The name of this flower means “ageless”, which is fully justified by its continuous flowering.

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Ageratum is a herbaceous bushy plant. In our climate it is grown as an annual flower. The bush is spreading, with a large number of shoots. The root system is well developed. Stems are erect. The height of the bushes varies from 10 to 60 cm. The leaves are round or triangular with faint serrations. The flowers are blue, purple, white or pink. The flowers are small, fluffy, collected in small dense inflorescences. At the same time, ageratum produces many flower stalks.

The genus Ageratum has more than 60 species. In floriculture, the most common ageratum is Houston or, as it is also called, Mexican. The variety series of this type of ageratum is widely represented on our market. Each variety is unique and differs in bush height, flower color and flowering duration.

The most popular varieties of Mexican ageratum:

• "Alba";
• "Tetra Veali";
• "Blue Perfection";
• "Ocean"
• North Sea.

It is worth highlighting another type of ageratum - coniform. It differs from the Mexican one in having smaller flowers and blunt-shaped foliage.

Popular types and varieties of ageratum

There are more than 60 species of longflower and each of them has its own unique beauty. In garden stores you can find a variety to suit your taste, but several types of ageratum are especially popular.

Ageratum Blue Mink

An ornamental plant of small stature - reaches a height of no more than 35 cm.

It is distinguished by thin, lint-like petals that resemble mink fur in appearance (hence the name of the variety). This type is used for decorative decoration of flower beds or creating living borders.

Blue mink is a heat-loving plant; in the Russian climate it is grown as an annual. The flowers are tubular in shape and collected in inflorescences up to 25 cm in diameter.

Ageratum Houston (or Gauston)

Also known as Mexican Blue Ageratum.

A distinctive feature of this species is the ability to maintain the decorative appearance of inflorescences for a long time. In suitable conditions it is a perennial. Can reach a height of 50 cm.

The flowers have a pronounced aroma, are small in size, and form baskets with a diameter of 1 cm. The baskets, in turn, form inflorescences with a diameter of up to 10 cm.

Ageratum Summer Snow

In Russia it is better known as the “white ball”. It is a dense bush that can grow up to 45 cm.

Its inflorescences grow up to 2 cm in diameter and become voluminous. Thanks to this, as well as abundant flowering, adult ageratums look like lush white balls.

For reference! Although Summer Snow originally grew as a perennial, in colder climates it is planted as an annual.

In addition to these, many other varieties are known: ageratum Bonjour, Red Bouquet, Inca Gold, Pink Ball and many others. The choice of plant depends primarily on the climate in which it will live and the purposes for which it is grown.

Growing Ageratum

To obtain healthy seedlings, seeds are sown in late March - early April. Ageratum shoots appear in two weeks, and after another week they can be planted into separate pots. The seedlings do not tolerate dampness. They are planted in open ground after the end of spring frosts; when planting, maintain a distance between plants of 15-20 cm. Plants bloom 60-70 days after emergence.

Ageratum is a cross-pollinated plant, but self-pollination is also possible. Pollinated by flies, bees and thrips.

If it is not possible to grow ageratum seedlings in a window, you can sow the seeds directly into the ground in the spring. As practice has shown, one day, due to lack of time, faded plants were left in the flower garden in the fall, and in the spring, shoots from fallen seeds appeared in this place. But they bloomed very late, at the end of July.

Ageratum produces adventitious roots very well. Shoots lying on the ground take root easily. Therefore, even if you have one plant, you can get several seedlings by cutting out the mother plant, and at the same time all the resulting plants will remain stunted and uniform.

Since ageratum is a perennial by nature, it can be stored in a cool greenhouse in winter, and in summer, by cutting cuttings, it can be planted in the garden.

All varieties and hybrids of ageratum bloom for a long time, from early June to September. But in order for it to be lush, several conditions must be met.

• Firstly, plants are compact only in open, sunny places. Even with slight shading, they stretch out and bloom unharmoniously.
• Secondly, the soil should be light, neutral; on too fertile soil, ageratum develops many shoots and leaves, to the detriment of the buds.
• Thirdly, if the plant has become elongated, feel free to prune it, because ageratum easily tolerates pruning, after which it quickly grows back and blooms profusely again. This technique is also used to prolong flowering.

Ageratum blue. TANAKA

Landing in the ground

In the top photo we see that not all seeds have grown evenly. Do not rush to draw conclusions and throw away weak plants, many of them will still gain strength and catch up with their relatives. If the time has come to transplant the seedlings into the ground, proceed as follows:

• select the tallest and healthiest ageratum sprouts with 3-4 true leaves and plant them in the ground at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other (see video);
• leave small, stunted seedlings in a container, water them with a solution that stimulates plant growth, and add a little nitrogen fertilizer;
• this method effectively affects most of the seedlings, the sprouts will actively begin to grow and quickly form new leaves;
• after 10 days, all ageratum seedlings will “migrate” to fresh air; very weak shoots can be transplanted into separate pots and grown as indoor flowers.

Open areas

The area for planting Ageratum Blue Mink should be well lit by the sun and not blown by frequent winds. On the leeward side you can plant tall perennials that will perform a windproof function. The soil in flower beds and beds is preferred to be light and fertilized. Ageratums do not tolerate loams and acidified soils. Ageratum seedlings are planted in May or June; the timing directly depends on climatic conditions.

1. Plants are carefully separated from each other, protecting roots and leaves from breakage.
2. Planted in shallow holes with a lump of earth at a distance of 25 cm.
3. Water moderately.

The entire process is shown in more detail in the video posted at the end of the article. Watch it to the end and you won't regret your time.

Greenhouses

In closed heated greenhouses, they are grown mainly for sale, only Blue Mink ageratum seedlings. This happens in January-February. The conditions of the greenhouse make it possible to obtain seedlings at the very beginning of the spring-summer season, when gardeners begin the sowing campaign in their summer cottages. Seedlings of different varieties of ageratum are grown here, the most popular of which are: Blue Mink, White Ball, Pink Elephant and others. The sale of ready-made ageratum seedlings frees flower growers from the work associated with growing seedlings. There are situations when flower lovers simply do not have the opportunity to do this: there is no space, no time, or there are some contraindications.

Seedling care

Our ageratum variety is unpretentious in care, as it is demanding of soil and light, but gardeners should not leave this plant without attention. The most minimal care contributes to the successful development of the crop, abundant flowering and the growth of bright green foliage. Ageratum bushes quickly and actively grow green mass, closing the living space for the germination of weeds, so even weeding is not required.

Care for Ageratum in open ground

Although it is believed that caring for Ageratum is very simple, in order for the plant to bloom beautifully and for a long time, some effort will have to be made.

Watering

Ageratum is a moisture-loving plant, and therefore needs to be watered regularly. You shouldn’t skimp on water, but you also shouldn’t overwater the plant, since stagnation of water can cause the development of rot.

After watering, the soil must be loosened; if weeds have sprouted, remove them.

Feeding

During the growing season, Ageratum is fed several times. The first feeding is 2 weeks after planting in the ground. The second time, fertilizers are applied during the formation of buds, the third - during the flowering phase (if there is a need for fertilizing). Humic or mineral fertilizers are used, which alternate.

When flowering is poor, complex mineral fertilizers are recommended. Experienced gardeners advise watering the plant with diluted mullein once a season. To ensure intensive flowering, potassium-phosphorus fertilizers should be used.

Ageratum after flowering

If you want Ageratum bushes to delight you with their bright inflorescences until mid-winter, then in the fall, before frost sets in, you need to carefully dig up the bushes and plant them in separate pots that can be moved to a warm room. In addition, it will be possible to take cuttings from these bushes and grow young specimens of Ageratum, which can be planted in the garden in May.

For rooting, the cuttings are treated in a growth stimulator, and then planted in small containers and covered with film on top. For rapid rooting, it is necessary that the soil is moist and the temperature is +20°C ... +22°C.

It is not recommended to leave bushes in the garden over the winter. Ageratum is very afraid of cold weather, and therefore it will not survive winter frosts, no matter how much it is insulated. In this regard, in late autumn the bushes are removed from the site, the place is dug up, and in the spring new specimens can be planted here.

Ageratum Houston Aloha Blue

Diseases to which Ageratum is susceptible

Ageratum does not have high immunity to various diseases. Under unfavorable conditions, especially in excessively wet weather, the root system of the plant may be affected by rot. To protect Ageratum from this destructive disease, it is necessary to plant it in a well-drained, permeable, loose area.

If improperly cared for, Ageratum bushes can be affected by cucumber mosaic, as well as bacterial wilt. Cucumber mosaic leads to the destruction of tissue cells, causing damage to chloroplasts, partial destruction of chlorophyll, breakdown of plastids and a decrease in carbohydrate levels. All this leads to the death of tissue areas and the death of the plant.

Pests dangerous to Ageratum

Pests can even settle on Ageratum seedlings, especially if they are grown in a greenhouse. On seedlings you can notice pests such as whitefly and spider mites. In this case, it is necessary to urgently remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with an insecticidal solution.

Cutworms and nematodes can settle on Ageratum bushes growing in the garden. It is very difficult to fight them, and therefore it is better to prevent the appearance of these pests, carefully monitor the condition of the plant, and provide it with favorable conditions.

Ageratum after flowering

On the eve of the first frost, transplant the most beautiful ageratum bushes into flower pots and bring them into the house, onto the balcony or veranda - they will decorate your home until the end of autumn, and maybe even in winter. In March, you can take cuttings from these bushes and root them so that you can plant them in the garden after frost.

In the photo: Ageratum begins to bloom

In general, ageratum is a heat-loving plant that cannot tolerate even the mildest winters. Hiding won't help him either. Therefore, you will have to clear the flowerbed of the remains of ageratum and plant new plants next spring.