Lavatera is a flower also known as the wild rose. It attracts gardeners because there are very few species, and finding them in our vast expanses is even more difficult. To bring this exotic plant to your flowerbed, you need to know when to plant Lavatera and how to grow it from seed.
Description of the flower
Eat perennial Lavatera is a variety of annuals, ranging in height from 50 to 150 centimeters. It thrives alongside other flower varieties in flowerbeds, indoors, or on balconies. Its root system grows well, and its leaves have a slightly fluffy surface and are arranged alternately. The flower's color palette ranges from delicate to vibrant tones: light pink, vibrant crimson, brown, purple, light yellow, and white. This rich palette makes it a stunning addition to a flowerbed, whether alongside its own relatives or alongside other plants, becoming not just a fragrant bloom but a true centerpiece.
Flowering begins at the beginning of summer and continues until late autumn. Flowers can be cut and placed in a vase—after cutting, Lavatera can remain blooming for up to a week. Growing Lavatera from seed is a simple but careful process, requiring careful attention to the timing of planting as seedlings and in open ground.
Recommended reading: What plants should I plant in my garden so they bloom all summer?
Sowing dates
Wild roses are traditionally planted directly in open ground. However, in some regions, there's a risk of repeated frosts, so gardeners play it safe and prefer to plant Lavatera seedlings first. The timing of planting Lavatera seedlings depends on the region and the prevailing climate.
In the southern regions of the country, the best time to plant wild rose seedlings is early March. In the temperate zone, it's best to take your time and begin planting Lavatera seedlings in late March or early April.
But if we talk about growing Lavatera from seeds and the timing of planting them (photos and videos) in open ground, then the best time is mid-April and May.
Important! Late planting of seeds in open ground is more suitable for regions with moderate or warm climates. For colder regions, growing from seedlings or in greenhouses is recommended.
How to grow Lavatera from seeds
Regardless of variety, wild roses prefer sunny locations and light, fertile soil. Lavatera won't do well in clayey or waterlogged soil, so when choosing a suitable location, consider the needs of this beautiful rose.
Also, the chosen location should be draft-free, although ample air circulation will positively impact the flower's growth. When growing Lavatera from seed in a flowerbed, it's best to choose varieties that grow up to 60 centimeters tall, while taller varieties are best planted near a fence, as they form a stunning hedge.
Although wild roses enjoy good, abundant watering, they don't tolerate stagnant water. Therefore, it's best to plant in soil with good drainage.
Before growing Lavatera from seeds according to harvesting schedule, you should prepare a site for it. To do this, dig the soil in the selected area to a depth of 30 centimeters. While cultivating, add mineral fertilizer and a mixture of rotted cow manure. For full growth and development, the plant will need phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, which are applied at a rate of one teaspoon per square meter.
After digging the soil, level the surface with a rake and dig furrows 15-30 centimeters deep. Boiling water is poured into the prepared furrows. Sow the seeds in these furrows once they have cooled from the boiling water.
To prevent plants from interfering with each other as they grow and creating shade, maintain a distance between them when planting. Optimally, 15 to 20 centimeters are used. Once the seeds are in the prepared furrows, they should be covered with soil (no more than one centimeter thick) and compacted. Water the plants immediately afterward.
If you do everything correctly and don't forget to give the flower proper care, the wild rose will begin to bloom by the beginning of the summer season.
A few words about leaving
Growing Lavatera from seeds is not limited by planting times, as you should not forget to care for the plant in the future.
Here are some basic recommendations for caring for Lavatera:
- Tall varieties require staking, as their stems are very large. To do this, drive a wooden stake 80 centimeters high near the flower and tie the lower portion of the stems to it;
- Water thoroughly once a week; during persistent drought, this should be done twice a week. Each bush requires 20 liters of water;
- The soil should be loosened at least once every seven days. Once the plant reaches a height of one meter, you can forget about this work, as it can damage the root system at such a high growth rate;
- Fertilizing should be done twice: before flowering and after the bud formation phase.
Growing Lavatera from seeds and the timing of planting shouldn't cause confusion for either experienced or novice gardeners. After all, if you follow all the tips and recommendations, you'll be successful, and you'll be able to admire the blooms by the height of summer. unusual flowers!