Our grandmothers, growing garden strawberries, or strawberries, as we used to call them, did not particularly worry about mulching. But today this agricultural technique has become fundamental in achieving High Quality berries and reducing crop losses. Some might say it's a hassle. But practice shows that labor costs in in this case pay off handsomely. In this article we invite you to get acquainted with the nine the best materials for mulching garden strawberries.
Succulents are very diverse. Despite the fact that “little ones” have always been considered more fashionable, the range of succulents with which you can decorate modern interior, it’s worth taking a closer look. After all, colors, sizes, patterns, degree of prickliness, impact on the interior are just a few of the parameters by which you can choose them. In this article we will tell you about the five most fashionable succulents that amazingly transform modern interiors.
The Egyptians used mint as early as 1.5 thousand years BC. It has a strong aroma due to the high content of various essential oils, which are highly volatile. Today, mint is used in medicine, perfumery, cosmetology, winemaking, cooking, ornamental gardening, and the confectionery industry. In this article we will look at the most interesting varieties of mint, and also talk about the features of growing this plant in open ground.
People began growing crocuses 500 years before our era. Although the presence of these flowers in the garden is fleeting, we always look forward to the return of the harbingers of spring to next year. Crocuses are one of the earliest primroses, whose flowering begins as soon as the snow melts. However, flowering times may vary depending on the species and varieties. This article is dedicated to the earliest varieties of crocuses, which bloom in late March and early April.
Cabbage soup made from early young cabbage in beef broth is hearty, aromatic and easy to prepare. In this recipe you will learn how to cook delicious beef broth and cook light cabbage soup with this broth. Early cabbage It cooks quickly, so it is placed in the pan at the same time as other vegetables, unlike autumn cabbage, which takes a little longer to cook. Ready cabbage soup can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Real cabbage soup turns out tastier than freshly prepared cabbage soup.
Blueberries are a rare and promising berry crop in gardens. Blueberries are a source of biologically active substances and vitamins, have antiscorbutic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, general strengthening properties. The berries contain vitamins C, E, A, flavonoids, anthocyanins, microelements - zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, as well as plant hormones - phytoestrogens. Blueberries taste like a mixture of grapes and blueberries.
Looking at the variety of tomato varieties, it’s hard not to get confused - the choice is very wide today. Even experienced gardeners are sometimes confused by it! However, understanding the basics of selecting varieties “for yourself” is not so difficult. The main thing is to delve into the peculiarities of the culture and start experimenting. One of the easiest groups of tomatoes to grow are varieties and hybrids with limited growth. They have always been valued by those gardeners who do not have much energy and time to care for their beds.
Once very popular under the name of indoor nettle, and then forgotten by everyone, coleus today is one of the brightest garden and indoor plants. It is not for nothing that they are considered stars of the first magnitude for those who are primarily looking for non-standard colors. Easy to grow, but not so undemanding as to suit everyone, coleus require constant monitoring. But if you take care of them, bushes made of velvety unique leaves will easily outshine any competitor.
Salmon backbone baked in Provençal herbs is a “supplier” of delicious pieces of fish pulp for light salad with fresh wild garlic leaves. The champignons are lightly fried in olive oil and then water it apple cider vinegar. These mushrooms are tastier than regular pickled ones, and they are better suited for baked fish. Wild garlic and fresh dill get along well in one salad, highlighting each other’s aroma. The garlicky pungency of wild garlic will permeate both the salmon flesh and mushroom pieces.
Conifer tree or shrubs on the site is always great, but a lot of conifers is even better. Emerald needles of various shades decorate the garden at any time of the year, and phytoncides and essential oils, released by plants, not only aromatize, but also make the air cleaner. As a rule, most zoned adults coniferous plants, are considered very unpretentious trees and shrubs. But young seedlings are much more capricious and require proper care and attention.
Sakura is most often associated with Japan and its culture. Picnics in the canopy flowering trees have long become an integral attribute of welcoming spring in the Land of the Rising Sun. Financial and academic year here it starts on April 1, when the magnificent cherry blossoms bloom. Therefore, many significant moments in the life of the Japanese take place under the sign of their flowering. But sakura also grows well in cooler regions - certain species can be successfully grown even in Siberia.
I am very interested in analyzing how people's tastes and preferences for certain foods have changed over the centuries. What was once considered tasty and was an item of trade, lost its value over time and, conversely, new fruit crops conquered their markets. Quince has been cultivated for more than 4 thousand years! And even in the 1st century B.C. e. About 6 varieties of quince were known, and even then methods of its propagation and cultivation were described.
Delight your family and prepare themed cottage cheese cookies in the shape of Easter eggs! Your children will be happy to take part in the process - sift the flour, combine all the necessary ingredients, knead the dough and cut out intricate figures. Then they will watch with admiration as the pieces of dough turn into real ones. Easter eggs, and then with the same enthusiasm they will eat them with milk or tea. How to make such original cookies for Easter, read our step by step recipe!
Among tuberous crops, there are not so many decorative deciduous favorites. And caladium is a true star among the variegated inhabitants of interiors. Not everyone can decide to own a caladium. This plant is demanding, and first of all, it requires care. But still, rumors about the extraordinary capriciousness of caladiums are never justified. Attention and care can avoid any difficulties when growing caladiums. And the plant can almost always forgive small mistakes.
We have prepared a hearty, incredibly appetizing and simply easy-to-prepare dish for you today. This sauce is one hundred percent universal, as it goes with every side dish: vegetables, pasta, or anything. Chicken and mushroom gravy will save you in moments when you don’t have time or don’t want to think too much about what to cook. Take your favorite side dish (you can do this in advance so everything is hot), add some gravy and dinner is ready! A real lifesaver.
Tell us what linen looks like? One day, while walking with my child in the park, we came across a rather tall bush with blue flowers. A woman passing by said that it was flax blooming. Since school, I remember that the plant has blue-blue flowers, but I was confused by the fact that it was at the end of summer, and I always thought that flax had already faded by this time.
The warm climate and fertile soil of our homeland create favorable conditions for growing in industrial scale not only cereals, but also many other crops. Thus, in central Russia you can often find entire fields that from afar look like a giant blue cloud. This is flax in bloom - one of the ancient plants, which is known for its oilseed and spring qualities. It is from flax stalks that special fiber is obtained for the manufacture of natural fabric, and the seeds are the raw material for the production of flour and.
What does linen look like?
This grows annual plant quite a large but sparse bush. The average height is 60 cm, but there are more tall views“tall” up to 1.5 m. The central stem itself is straight and thin. The bulk of numerous small lanceolate leaves are located in its lower part, while at the top the shoot forms lateral branches. The leaves are colored light green and covered with a barely noticeable waxy coating.
The fresh above-ground part of the plant is poisonous and should be used for internal use it is forbidden.
The root system of flax is taprooted, the central root is thin, but not too long, colored White color. In the upper part, the lateral branches are slightly larger, while at the bottom the rod is overgrown with many small roots and threads.
How does flax bloom?
At the beginning of summer, unsightly-looking bushes are transformed when they bloom on long peduncles. delicate flowers. They are not too large, from 1.5 to 2.4 cm in diameter, collected in thyroid racemes, and consist of five wide petals with rounded edges.
The color of flax inflorescences depends on the specific variety. The most commonly grown species are those with blue and blue flowers, but there is also flax that blooms with white, pink and red-violet inflorescences.
Flax blooms for a long time and lasts all summer.
How does flax bear fruit?
At the beginning of autumn, in place of the buds, fruits begin to ripen - small, up to 8 mm long, ball-shaped boxes with false partitions, inside of which small seeds are formed. There are usually no more than 10 seeds, and they themselves are flat and shiny, with a sharp top, and brownish in color. 
Given the beauty and diversity of plant species, many gardeners want to know how flax grows, how to plant it correctly and care for it. Summer residents are not stopped even by the fact that it is distinguished by its ability to grow quickly and crowd out other flowers.
- Oilseed. This decorative variety is often cultivated in room conditions. Most often, such a plant is grown in order to obtain flax seeds, which are distinguished by their high nutritional value, as well as healing properties. As a rule, the bush does not exceed 0.3 meters in height. The flowers are not very large. They can be colored yellow, bluish, or even red.
- Decorative. This type It is distinguished by its unpretentiousness, so even a person far from gardening can grow it. In addition, you should know that various decorative varieties of flax are used to make durable fabric, used for sewing clothes, linen, etc.
- Large-flowered. This variety of flax began to be grown in mid-latitudes not so long ago. But in this short time, it managed to become one of the most popular varieties among gardeners. The height of a medium-sized bush, as a rule, does not exceed 50 centimeters. The flowers of this variety have very large size, and they can be painted in a variety of colors color shades. Such a plant is perennial; if it is provided with favorable conditions for growth, then without replanting it can be grown in the same place for five years.
- perennial flax. This variety is the most widespread compared to others. Very attractive bushes of this flax are used to decorate borders, flower walls, etc.
- must not be poisonous;
- must not pose a danger to bees;
- should not be used in protected water areas;
- must have a shelf life of no more than 21 days.
- Flax is grown in one area no more than once every 7 years;
- Tested seeds are used for sowing;
- Fertilize the soil in accordance with the recommendations;
- Use selected flax varieties that are disease-resistant.
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How should a flower be grown?
Growing flax in the time of our great-grandfathers was considered important and very responsible. This was due to the fact that this agricultural crop was considered quite valuable. It was used to make oil, flour, weave linens, and used it to insulate houses. That is why our ancestors accumulated a whole arsenal of knowledge about the time of planting and harvesting flax.
For example, a sign of sowing was the flowering of rowan trees, the opening of oak buds and the cuckooing of the cuckoo. Usually this time fell in the second half of May. In addition to all the signs, much attention was paid to the condition of the earth. The soil should be very moist and at the same time sufficiently warm. It was necessary to plant the seeds in the ground before the feast of Saints Helen and Constantine.
Today, some of the advice of great-grandfathers is listened to, but other recommendations have appeared related to changing weather conditions and modern technologies. Many gardeners resort to lunar calendar, which is very convenient for determining days favorable for sowing flax. Thanks to modern weather conditions, it is possible to plant the plant at the end of April or at the beginning of May. In this case, as before, the condition of the soil must be taken into account.
When growing flax, you need to know that it is not frost-resistant. Temperatures below +3ºС are fatal for it. In this regard, it is advisable to uproot it when harvesting. For a good harvest, the soil should not be waterlogged. But the looseness of the soil, on the contrary, has a positive effect on the growth of the crop, since thanks to this root system receives sufficient oxygen.
Flax is often negatively affected by fungi. To combat them, gardeners use fungicides. Weeding also plays an important role in the growing process. It is necessary to ensure that weeds do not choke out the emerging shoots of the cultivated plant. Harvesting usually begins in early September, when the weather is dry and warm weather. So, the stems are pulled out and dried in sheaves. Particular attention is paid to the color of the stems: they should be light yellow. It is this color that indicates that the plant has not dried out.
Depends on the plant variety
There are several varieties of flax. These include oilseed, large-flowered and ornamental. They learned to grow the oilseed species a long time ago; they produce useful products from it. linseed oil. Those who decided to breed on their own personal plot such a plant, you should know about its developed root system. Therefore, it is recommended to plant such an oilseed crop separately from other plants, and the area should be quite spacious.
Oilseed flax
Oilseed flax needs moderate watering, and it is also quite heat-loving. Harvesting must begin when the stem height is from 20 to 70 cm. Modern gardeners advise buying certain varieties of oilseed crops for propagation at home. These include Novinka-198, Start, Lubensky-7.
How to grow flax to obtain valuable oil? To do this, you must follow certain rules. Firstly, professional gardeners do not recommend planting in areas where corn has previously been planted. The fact that flax is planted in the same place for 2 or more years in a row will also have a negative impact on the yield. But if its predecessors were watermelons, melons or winter crops, on the contrary, this will help increase productivity.
The oilseed plant must be planted in a special way. So, the distance between the rows should be about 15 cm, and the depth of the row should not be more than 7 cm. Required condition laying seeds is their disinfection in order to avoid harmful effects fungi. For this purpose, drugs with protective and stimulating effects are used. They must be used in accordance with the attached instructions.
When the first shoots appear after approximately 7-10 days, you should Special attention pay attention to protecting them from weeds and various pests. Weeds need to be weeded as they grow. Spraying with herbicide compounds helps get rid of all kinds of pests. In addition, the plant needs mineral fertilizers. The best option are nitrogen, phosphates and potassium. Each of them is used in different phases of flax growth. For example, nitrogen is fertilized during the period of emergence and before flowering, phosphorus throughout the growing season, and potassium during the formation of buds.
Oilseed flax, the cultivation of which requires special conditions, must also be harvested in a special way. First you need to remove the head, clean and dry them. After this, the stems and roots should be removed. When the crop is harvested, the soil is plowed and dug up. It is recommended to store medicinal seeds in a room with a humidity of no more than 10%.
Large-flowered variety
To grow large-flowered flax, you also need to have certain knowledge. This plant variety has gained popularity due to its diversity. color range. Such flowers serve as decoration for many garden plots. Their advantage is that they look fresh for several days; the withering process does not occur immediately. If you plant large-flowered flowers in May, they will bloom from June to October inclusive.
Flower growers also prefer this plant because it blooms well, even if it is not replanted for 5 years. However, it is necessary to pay attention to appearance leaves and inflorescences. If necessary, you need to change their landing location. Large-flowered flax grows well in sunny areas. When choosing a planting site, preference should be given to slopes, because there the water in the soil does not stagnate.
In order for the plant to bloom as early as possible, it is recommended to sow the seeds in a greenhouse or in special containers on windowsills in April. Strengthened seedlings are transferred to open ground in May under good conditions. weather conditions. That is, the soil temperature plays an important role; it should not be less than +12ºС. For long-term flowering, you can try to transplant the flower to another area after 2 weeks.
Replanting does not harm the flax; it can be done by separating it from the bush. In order for the damaged root system to recover more quickly, it is sprinkled with soil mixed with compost. As a result, flowering quickly resumes. Holes should be dug up to 50 cm deep. They are filled with a solution of water with nitrogen-phosphate fertilizers. Bushes are placed in these holes and covered with soil.
Features of decorative species
Decorative types of flax are much easier to grow than those described earlier. In addition, they are distinguished by a wide variety of colors. Decorate garden plots alpine slides and flower beds of these colorful flowers. Ornamental species can be grown only in places with moderate soil moisture. In addition, ornamental species love the sun very much, so the area should be well lit.
Decorative flax is grown by seed. The soil for planting them must be well heated. Depending on this, the seeds are planted in the soil either at the end of May or at the beginning of June. If at a given time the ground is not yet warmed up enough, you can sow the seeds in a greenhouse or on window sills. Under optimal weather conditions, the emerging sprouts should be transferred to open ground.
Soil for decorative look flax must contain a sufficient amount of humus and drainage. You can enrich the soil with organic fertilizers. It is imperative to take into account the distance between seedlings and planting depth. So, the sprouts must be planted approximately 5 cm from each other, the depth of the hole should not exceed 7 cm.
A description of the process of growing decorative flax must necessarily include care. First of all, weeds should be dealt with, as they appear, immediately remove them so that they do not clog cultivated plant. Despite the fact that flax does not like excess moisture, it needs to be watered in dry weather. However, in autumn period You should stop watering the plant, as it should dry out naturally.
The flower also needs feeding. However, you don’t need to do it too often: no more than 2-3 times a season. Since decorative flax is often attacked by pests, for example, the flax flea, in this case it is recommended to spray it by special means. As for neighboring plants, it is desirable that these be species with similar growing conditions. That is, they should not be too moisture-loving and have a moderate root system.
Perennial flax
From decorative varieties The most popular is perennial flax. Among them, Aquilegia, Lupine, Rudbeckia, Terry Caspeia and others became the favorite flowers of gardeners. In addition to the fact that their seeds are easy to grow, they can also bloom in the same place for several seasons without replanting. They will tell you how to plant perennial flax correctly experienced gardeners. By following these rules, you can easily grow such a plant at home.
As in previous cases, do not forget about the importance of soil conditions and weather conditions at the time of planting. So, closed soil is more suitable for planting perennial seeds. Only after the sprouts appear, and the air temperature outside is not lower than +20ºС, can they be transplanted into open ground. If, nevertheless, decorative flax seeds are immediately planted on a personal plot, then this should be done in dry weather. The ground should not be too wet.
In those climatic zones where it is warm enough throughout the year, perennial flax can be planted closer to autumn. The planting process is made easier by the fact that the seeds do not have to be placed in the soil; they can simply be sown. It is believed that in this way they adapt faster to the soil. And the seeds of flax varieties such as Rudbeckia and Aquilegia can be laid directly on the surface of the soil and then watered. They are so unpretentious that they can germinate in such conditions.
You should know that perennial flax sown in the spring will bloom this year. But if you sow in the fall, flowering will only be observed next year. It is important to remember that seeds sown in autumn must be protected from winter cold. To do this, they are sprinkled with a layer of soil and insulated, like other flowers.
There is one more rule that needs to be taken into account when planting perennial flax seeds in the fall. So, it is recommended to gradually accustom them to cold soil. They do it as follows. Place the seeds in a damp paper napkin or towel and wrap them in a bag. After this, the bundle is placed in the refrigerator for approximately 7 days. However, it is not necessary to resort to this method.
For those who are going to grow flax on their plot, there are a couple more tips. Firstly, when the height of the sprouts reaches 5 cm, they need to be thinned out so that the gap between the sprouts is about 10 cm. Secondly, unlike annual species, some perennials are difficult to tolerate replanting. Therefore, when buying plant seeds, you should consult the seller about the features of growing the selected species.
So, linen is beautiful and at the same time useful plant. Having decided to plant it at home, the main thing is to decide what the purpose of the idea is: colorful flower beds or health care.
A gardener, when choosing flowers to grow in the garden, often undeservedly bypasses perennial flax. The fact is that from very ancient times this flower was considered an excellent decoration for a home, which could also protect it. This culture is distinguished by its unpretentiousness, but at the same time it has a relatively high decorative value, since it has a very beautiful flowers. There is an opinion that the flowers of this plant must be blue, but this is far from the case.
Description of perennial blue flax
Len is herbaceous plant. This genus includes about 200 very diverse species. Often flax is not very large bushes, the height of which does not exceed 50 centimeters. Despite the fact that the shoots of this culture are very thin, they are relatively powerful. The flowers vary in size (from very large to small). They can be painted white, bluish or red-pink.
This plant is widely cultivated by gardeners middle zone. It thrives in temperate climates, so it can be found in nature in Africa, North America, and also in some areas of Asia and Europe.
Types and varieties of flax
Among everyone known species and flax varieties, the most popular among gardeners are the following:
Planting a plant in open ground
The plant cannot be called particularly picky about growing conditions, but still flax, regardless of the variety or variety, needs sufficient quantities sunlight, therefore, the site for planting it must be chosen that is not completely shaded by houses or trees.
Advice. If you are a resident of a region where the sun is considered a rather rare phenomenon, unfortunately, it is better for you to refuse to grow perennial flax.
The soil for planting flax can be almost any, but you are unlikely to be able to grow flax in a swampy area. The soil must be light, with sufficiently deep groundwater. Perennial flax will take root well even on slopes (but not too steep).
It is better to plant perennial varieties of flax in closed ground, but if the climate is warm enough, you can sow them directly into open ground, and it is advisable not to deepen the seeds into the ground, but simply spread them out on the ground and spray them with water from a spray bottle.
Growing in open ground is possible both in spring (when the temperature reaches a stable 20 degrees) and in autumn (when the temperature has not yet dropped below 20 degrees).
Advice. When growing perennial flax in open ground, be sure to take into account the cold factor: planting cannot be done in damp or rainy weather, and after this process, the seeds must be covered with a small layer of soil, then insulated like a regular flower crop.
Plant propagation
Perennial flax is propagated in several ways:
Care
Procedures for moistening the soil for decorative flax should be light, not too abundant, but frequent. If you can water the flax regularly, the funny flower heads will literally cover the entire clearing or border. But watering is not vital for flax. If you cannot water the plants constantly, allow a drought, the bushes will not die, the seeds will still form, and they will bloom beautifully. But not for long, and their beauty, of course, cannot be compared with the parade of months-long flowering when watered.
Since flax does not have thick and spectacular greenery and cannot cover the soil under continuous plantings, weeds will spoil the decorative appearance of the plantings and give the flax a neglected appearance. It is necessary to weed the soil, removing weeds when they are small. When weeding, do not rush to loosen the soil too much: flax roots lie shallow and are too easy to damage.
If you want to limit self-seeding of flax, then it is better to cut off the fruits in a timely manner, preventing the seeds from ripening.
Choosing a location. In regions with a small amount On sunny days, growing flax is problematic. For it, choose sunny areas protected from strong winds. Temperature. Optimal temperature during active growth and flowering of flax - up to +17 degrees. During seed ripening, dry and warm weather is needed. Priming. To grow flax you need a deep site groundwater and breathable, loose soil. Moist loamy soil with medium density is most suitable; flax grows worse on sandy soil. Heavy clayey, as well as acidic soils not suitable for this plant. Watering. Carry out periodic moistening, avoiding stagnation of the soil in the area with flowers. 
In warm and dry weather, watering is carried out 1-2 times a week; by autumn, the frequency of watering is gradually reduced. Do not water during rains during the growing season and in winter. To maintain the decorative appearance of the plant, faded flowers are systematically removed. Weeds are removed in a timely manner and plantings are weeded in a timely manner. During the period of active growth, during the formation of buds, fertilizing is carried out with complex mineral fertilizer. Excess nitrogen at the beginning of flax growth can lead to delayed flowering, lodging and the development of rust.
Diseases and pests
The main pests that plague the crop: flax trips, butterflies, flax flea beetles; they are used to combat them. special drugs. It is almost impossible to completely stop using chemicals in the garden, in connection with this there are certain criteria. Means allowed for use:
Chemical protection should only be used if there is a threat of pest invasion. All instructions for use must be followed. Before using chemicals, the exact disease or pest is identified. It should be noted that many gardeners and owners of small garden plots have already greatly limited or even completely abandoned chemical means of protection.
To reduce the occurrence of serious diseases, it is necessary to follow basic agronomic rules:
If excess nitrogen has formed in the soil, then this fact reduces resistance to disease. A lack of potassium impairs the quality of fibers and increases the development of diseases in plants. Sufficient levels of zinc, boron, copper, and manganese in the soil help fight diseases. 
Applications of flax seeds
In medical practice and folk medicine Flax seed mucilage is used internally and externally. In both cases, an enveloping and anti-inflammatory effect is used: when taken orally, the mucus envelops the affected area, relieves irritation and pain during inflammatory processes on the mucous membranes gastrointestinal tract for stomach and duodenal ulcers, colitis and Crohn's disease. The mucilage and glycoside linamarin cause the mild laxative effect of flax seeds. The beneficial properties of flax mucus are also used for poisoning (especially with irritating substances), for inflammation of the kidneys and Bladder, with cholelithiasis, with dry cough.
Preparing flax seed mucilage is quite simple and quick: 3 grams of flax seeds pour 1/2 cup hot boiled water and shake for 15 minutes, then filter. The resulting mixture is taken 1 tablespoon 4 times a day. You need to prepare the mucus every day, because... it quickly deteriorates during storage.
In crushed form, flax seeds are used in the form of flaxseed porridge as a mild laxative and weight loss, cleansing the intestines. In this case, the effect of the glycoside linamarin, which has a regulating effect on intestinal motility and secretory function, is manifested. Can be taken as a mild laxative and cleanser with fresh whole seeds or crushed flax seed paste.
Swelling in the contents of the gastrointestinal tract, the seeds mechanically irritate the receptors of the intestinal walls, thereby enhancing peristalsis, promoting the movement of feces, and also providing an enveloping and anti-inflammatory effect.
For these purposes, take 3 teaspoons of whole or crushed flax seeds per 1 glass of water or milk, leave for 3 hours with frequent shaking, and drink immediately before bed.
As part of complex preparations, flax seeds are used for cholelithiasis, urolithiasis, pancreatitis, overweight and obesity, with atherosclerosis, early stages oncology as an antioxidant, during radiation therapy, and against helminthic infestations.
Recipe for cleansing and relieving intestinal inflammation: place 2 tablespoons of flax seeds in a thermos and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave overnight, strain and drink 1/2 cup before meals.
Externally, flax seeds are used in the form of compresses for inflammation of the skin, boils, and burns.
Dry heated seeds in bags are applied for deep heating for colds, radiculitis, myositis.
Before using recipes with flax seed, it is recommended to consult a doctor; it is important not to cause exacerbations, especially with urinary and cholelithiasis.
Linen in landscape design
Perennial blue flax is quite popular among gardeners. This flower is recommended for use in a variety of group compositions, for example: in mixborders, rock gardens, flower beds, and also in very picturesque borders.
It has been noticed that flax goes well with those crops that need a lot of sunlight and are characterized by a fairly high resistance to drought. Perennial flax exhibits excellent growth when planted in a Moorish lawn. It is recommended to plant it together with such beautiful flowers as marigolds, clover, daisies, and cornflowers.
Perennial blue flax certainly deserves attention from gardeners. Its advantage is that it is not too picky about growing conditions, it is relatively easy to care for, and this flower is very beautiful.
Flax belongs to both annual and perennial plants. The plant genus numbers more than 200 various types. The flower is very popular among gardeners. Currently, many varieties of flax with different colors and sizes of flowers have been bred.
Care and cultivation of flax
Flax grows best on fertile, and light, alkaline soils, in the open sunny areas. The flower can also grow in poor soils. In general, the plant is not whimsical and does not require special care. Water the flower moderately so that the soil always remains moist. It is important to avoid overmoistening the soil and stagnating water. Flax does not particularly need fertilizers, but before planting the plant, you can add organic fertilizers in the form of compost or humus, as well as mineral fertilizers with potassium content.
For the winter, the plant does not require shelter, but in some cases the plant is covered with spruce branches or fallen leaves.
Reproduction
Flax is propagated by dividing the bush, cuttings, and seeds. Sowing of seeds is carried out in spring or autumn before winter. Perennial can be sown throughout the summer. Seeds are sown immediately in open ground permanent place or into containers that subsequently contain outdoors. The flower does not like transplantation, so the seedling propagation method is ineffective. Perennial flax will bloom only in the second year after sowing the seeds.
Flax propagation by dividing the bush is carried out in April or after flowering, usually in August. The bushes can be divided in the second year of the plant's life. The separated parts of the bush are planted at a distance of about 20 cm from each other. In order for the bushes to take root, they are regularly watered and protected from direct sunlight. It is worth noting that propagation by dividing a bush is less effective than propagation by seeds, in terms of the fact that plants grown from seeds grow stronger and bloom more abundantly.
