Large-flowered handsome New Guinea balsam - features of growing from seeds
Balsam New Guinea is a hybrid obtained as a result of selection of the Hawker plant variety. Like most breeding varieties, this type of balsam differs from its relatives in its larger size. In addition, the stems of the plant are powerful, and not green as usual, but with a red tint. The leaves are also larger, while the color can play in different shades of green, but they are mostly dark in color with a pronounced central vein.
A feature of New Guinea Balsam is that buds of different shapes can bloom on the same bush at the same time: simple and double, monochromatic and painted in several colors.
The variety is a perennial and is widely used in indoor cultivation due to its chic appearance, especially during flowering, which it lasts almost all year round. It can also be planted in open ground, but in this case the flower will be an annual, since it will not survive the low winter temperature.
To grow balsam New Guinea from seeds, you need to make a little effort, because the seeds of the plant are very small.
Related article: growing garden balsam in the country!
Preparing seeds and soil for sowing
For the prevention of diseases, the seeds before sowing must be dipped into a solution of pink potassium permanganate for 10 minutes. Since the seeds are very hard to sprout, they must be additionally soaked in clean and warm water.
To make small grains more convenient to sow, they can be mixed with dry fine sand.
To grow seedlings of New Guinea balsam, it is necessary to prepare very loose soil, otherwise it will be difficult for tender sprouts to break through to the top.
The best option would be to use this mixture:
- 1 part peat;
- 1 part sand.
Sowing seeds
You can start sowing at the end of February. The prepared seeds should be scattered over the surface, avoiding the subsequent thickening of the seedlings. It is not necessary to cover with soil from above, as well as how to water from a watering can, since the seeds are very small. It is better to lightly press them down with your finger and spray liberally with a spray bottle. Cover the top with a bag and put on a light and warm windowsill with a temperature of at least 21 degrees Celsius.
Seedling care
Remove the film after germination. This usually takes about 2 weeks. In a common container, seedlings grow until they have two true leaves. During this time, they must be watered regularly and drafts must be avoided.
Then plant the seedlings in separate pots. When they are a little older, pinch the tops to stimulate branching and give the bush a beautiful shape. Grown from seed balsams New Guinea plants can bloom in 4 months.