Godetia is a member of the genus Cypress, comprising approximately twenty species. It is an annual, shrub-like plant native to California. Godetia is common in Russia, North America, and South America. It has been known since the mid-nineteenth century. Its name (Latin: Godetia) honors the Swiss botanist C.H. Godetia. Godetia is a herbaceous plant with a long flowering period.
Description
Godetia Godetia is an annual plant. The flowers are bell-shaped. Their texture can be simple or velvety, depending on the variety chosen. Godetia can reach a height of 40-60 cm. The stem is smooth and spreading. The leaves are lanceolate. The leaflets bloom profusely, arranged along the stem. The inflorescences are racemose. The flowers are quite large, 6-7 cm in diameter. They have glossy, silky petals, arranged in lush inflorescences. Coloring can be: white, pink, light purple, raspberry, carmine, violet, purple; there are also multi-colored varieties. The leaf blade is recumbent. Flowering is abundant and lasts a long time. Godetia blooms from the second half of July until the first autumn frosts.
When to plant godetia when growing from seeds?
If growing godetia from seed for seedlings, plant them in mid-March. Godetia is planted in boxes filled with nutritious soil, pre-mixed with sand. Bark, peat, or sod soil can be used for fertilizer. Plant in moist soil. Water moderately and timely. The plant does not tolerate drought or waterlogging. The first shoots are expected in sixteen to twenty days. Covering the box with plastic or glass will speed up the process, and the first shoots can be expected in ten to fifteen days.
After germination, the plant requires more light, so the boxes should be moved to a brighter location. The film can be removed, allowing the plant to gradually acclimate to the outside environment. Beware of drafts. Cold air is also a concern during this phase, despite godetia's cold tolerance. planted seeds This can only be done after two leaves have appeared. The seedlings are transplanted into separate containers. There is a significant risk of damaging the plant during transplantation.
To reduce the risk, repot the plant with soil still covering the roots. After two weeks, you can fertilize. A complex fertilizer works well for this. Once the stem has strengthened, the godetia can be transplanted to an open area. The seedlings should be spaced twenty to twenty-five centimeters apart.
When to plant godetia when growing from seeds in open ground?
Since godetia is an easy-to-grow and cold-hardy flower (it can withstand temperatures as low as -3°C), it can be grown from seeds, either as seedlings or in open ground. The plant loves the sun but does not tolerate summer heat. In this case, provide some shade to prevent the plant from dying.
Seeds are planted outdoors after being treated with a potassium permanganate solution. This will increase the plant's resistance to soil pathogens. The plant prefers loamy, neutral soil. An pH indicator can be purchased at specialty flower shops. Godetia's cold tolerance allows it to be planted outdoors earlier, without worrying about frost. In southern regions of the country, godetia is planted before winter.
Godetia seeds should be sown outdoors in early spring, in the first half of March, after preparing the soil in advance. The soil should be rich in nutrients and moist. You can fertilize the soil with humus. The site should be well-lit. The plant also prefers natural moisture. High air and soil humidity significantly impair flowering. After germination, the seedlings should be thinned.
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Leave about twenty-five to thirty centimeters between two flowers. The flower blooms in approximately eighty days. Fertilizing with mineral fertilizer is recommended from sowing until flowering. Mix the fertilizer at a rate of 20 grams per bucket of water two to three times. Faded flowers should be removed, and the godetia should be protected from weeds around it. When to plant godetia from seed in Siberia and other northern regions depends on the arrival of warm weather and the onset of spring in the specific area.
Diseases
Godetia is susceptible to fungal diseases, often contracted from nearby plants. To avoid these diseases, plant godetia away from fruit and vegetable crops. Control them with chemicals. Excess moisture leads to root rot, which kills the plant. Spots on the stems and leaves are a sign of rust.
Types of Godetia
There are about 20 species of Godetia. The most popular are Godetia grandiflora and Godetia amabilis. These have produced a large number of popular hybrids. You can learn about the distinctive growing characteristics and planting times for each variety from reviews and information on the seed packaging.
Godetia amabilis – the petals are predominantly velvety, a medium-branching variety. Colors include red, pink, and white. It can reach a height of thirty to sixty centimeters. The flower diameter is five to eight centimeters. 'Rembrandt,' 'Meteor,' and 'Orange Room' are all varieties of Godetia amabilis.
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The large-flowered godetia reaches a height of at least twenty and no more than 40 centimeters. It is a highly branched species with funnel-shaped flowers up to 8 cm in diameter. The most picturesque variety is the azalea-flowered godetia. It has double flowers, a funnel-shaped form, and a compact habit. The azalea-flowered godetia is grown from seed like the common godetia, planted when weather conditions permit in early spring.
You can see examples of godetia species grown from seed in the photo. Popular names include 'Sybill Sherwood,' 'Godetia Goffre,' and 'Rembrandt.' Godetia resembles an azalea in appearance, hence its nickname, "summer azalea."
Godetias, or summer azaleas, are best grown from seeds in open ground, as they don't tolerate transplanting well. Plant them when spring arrives. Avoid planting different varieties of godetias close together. Godetias thrive alongside other flowers. Godetias have a scent reminiscent of vanilla. When all the flowers bloom, they create a lush, vibrant display.
Godetia: planting and care in open ground