Ixia is an unusual, rare tropical flower that is not found in every garden. That is why many gardeners pay attention to this particular flower in order to add a twist to their garden. And if it is more or less clear with more popular plants, then the planting and care of ixia in the open ground (photo) remains a mystery. What conditions need to be created for a plant so that it takes root and blooms?
The most popular types
Like any other flower, Ixia has a wide variety of varieties. Consider the most popular and beautiful varieties of this tropical flower.
- Greenflower Ixia
Abundant flowering of this species begins in early June, the flowers have delicate green hues against a black pharynx. It grows in height up to 50 centimeters, buds with flowers are neat, small. Features of growing primrose.
- Hybrid Ixia
This variety can grow in height from 35 centimeters to 55 centimeters. The flowers of the plant have a different color: either pale pink or blue. Flowers resemble small stars, which looks very attractive. Very popular variety for garden decoration.
- Spotted Ixia
Conquers love because of its unusual coloring. From the name of the variety, it becomes clear that the color of the flower is spotty, and not plain. The edges of the petals have a delicate purple hue, closer to the pharynx - blue or dark purple. They grow up to 50 centimeters long. The unusual coloring of the petals of the color makes it unique and mysterious.
- Ixia Orange
This variety differs from all others not only in its bright orange flowers, but also in growth. This species is one of the shortest - only 20 centimeters in height. Highlights this variety and a strong tart flavor.
Of course, the list does not end on the listed varieties of Ixia. There are many other unusual varieties, but they are less common.
How to plant a plant
Like many other tropical flowers, Ixia is very attentive to light, heat and moisture. Therefore, for this plant, you should choose a place on the site that would be lit by the sun, and where the shadow would not fall. Despite the fact that Ixia has a high immunity to various diseases, it is better to compress the plant every year to a new place. If on the site grown godetia.
Interesting: Landing and caring for Ixia in the open ground will be different in Siberia. Since the plant is tropical, it does not lend itself to wintering. The corms of a flower must be dug out of the earth every year if it grows in the middle lane.
The soil of these plants prefer non-acidic, loose, high in humus and nutrients. There must be a good drainage system in the soil so that the water does not stagnate, because Ixia does not like moisture.
At the site selected for landing, you need to prepare the soil. Namely, weed it, loosen it, add compost, and only then proceed with planting.
Sowing dates
Ixia: planting and care in the open ground (video) is carried out already in the spring, when the temperature more or less becomes warm and stable. Most often this is the month of May. If you are late with planting, then the sprouts of the flower will be weak or even die.
Before planting plants, fertile soil must be added to the bottom of the pits, and then bury the corms to a depth of 5 to 8 centimeters. The distance between the holes should be 8-12 centimeters if these are plant children, and 10-20 centimeters if these are corms.
Growth and care
After the plant is planted in the soil, it does not require watering.The first watering should be done when the first sprouts begin to be visible, which usually occurs for 2-3 weeks of growth from the time of sowing. The most demanding of Ixia watering at the time of the formation of buds and flowering, during this period the plant must be watered often and abundantly. If the weather is hot outside, then spraying the flowers with soft water will not be out of place to keep the air humidity.
It is also necessary to fertilize the plant. Ixia loves alternating mineral and organic fertilizers. If dried inflorescences appear, they need to be cut. As soon as the plant stops blooming, you should stop watering the flowers. When all the leaves of the plant have already become dry, the bulbs can be dug up for storage for the winter period.
If you grow garden ixia, then you may encounter such a problem as wilting leaves. This is due to insufficient moisture. It is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out even for one day. But, here it must be remembered that Ixia does not tolerate high humidity, therefore, it is necessary to provide the plant with drainage and before planting, additionally treat the bulb of the plant with a fungicide. pay attention to Lunar sowing calendar for 2016 for Siberia.
Bulb storage in winter
After the last leaf of the plant becomes dry, you can dig onions. Bulbs must be dried and treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate for the purpose of disinfection. Further, the bulbs turn into a newspaper and put in a cool place, but not very cold. The most suitable place is a refrigerator.
Planting and caring for ixia in the open ground is not so difficult, the main thing is to consider all the wishes of the plant. Then it will delight with abundant flowering and its unearthly beauty!
