Rules for caring for garden sour from planting to reproduction

Planting a garden sour cherry in a flower bed will successfully complement the overall flower arrangement. This stunted plant is used in landscape design as a curb and ground cover. Often they also decorate the ground in voluminous pots, tubs and flowerpots. At the same time, oxalis, or, as it is also called, oxalis, looks harmonious with other colors. This is a modest and unobtrusive inhabitant of the flower bed, forming voluminous cushions of leaves that effectively cover the ground. The plant looks good both on alpine slides and rockeries.

From a botanical point of view, "garden oxalis" is not an independent name. This concept means a group of species of this plant that is suitable for growing outdoors in the middle lane. Most often we are talking about common sour (Oxalis acetosella) and its varieties, which are quite resistant to low temperatures and have pleasant flowers of various colors. In the height of summer, the shoots of the plant create a dense blooming carpet.

The Latin name - oxalis - was given to this representative of the flora due to its sour taste (Latin Oxys - "sour"). It has been known to many peoples since ancient times. For example, in many European countries there is a sign that the plant brings happiness and good luck in all endeavors. It is believed that one of the symbols of Ireland is not clover at all, but oxalis. True, it is unlikely that it will be possible to make sure of this for sure - the trefoils of both plants are painfully similar. In Germany, this species is called "die Sauerklee", which means "sour clover".

Common oxalis is often found in the forests of the central zone of the CIS and Europe. Has the popular name "hare cabbage" or "cuckoo clover". Has several interesting features:

• delicate petals are adorned with pretty pink veins;
• after dark and in bad weather, the flowers close, and the leaves fold, going down (this is due to a change in their elasticity under the influence of external factors);
• ripe small seeds literally shoot out of the fruit, because the shell bursts at one moment due to changes in moisture.

Kislitsa species can be annuals, but most of them are flowering herbaceous perennials. Some of them are very thermophilic and are suitable only for growing at home, while others feel great in the open field. Planting and caring for oxalis largely depends on the characteristics of the species.

Necessary conditions for different types

The homeland of so many ornamental species of acid is hot countries, so such plants are suitable for growing on a windowsill, in a winter garden or a greenhouse. In the warm season, such oxalis can be taken outside, thereby decorating flower beds and a garden from May to October. Proper care will help the plant grow green mass faster. After the onset of cold weather, the bulbs are dug up and sent to storage so that these attractive plants can be planted again with the arrival of heat.

The following types of sorrel are classified as thermophilic.

• Triangular... It is easily recognizable by its deep purple, purple and crimson leaves and white flowers. This oxalis is grown mainly indoors, but in warm weather it can also be used to decorate the area around the house.
• Regnella... It has dark purple leaves (about 2 cm long). She usually decorates window sills, but in the summer she does not mind being taken out into the street.It does not tolerate high temperatures, so in the heat it is better to put it in partial shade or a cool place. The ideal option would be to decorate the soil around large garden trees, which will protect the plant from the scorching sun rays. There are varieties of sour Regnell with green leaves.
• Purple... Originally from South Africa. This oxalis has large green drooping leaves (their diameter is 7 cm) and bright pink or snow-white flowers. Will be an excellent decoration for paths and rocky props. Looks great on an alpine slide.

But there are also frost-resistant types of acid, which do not require special care. They easily tolerate cold outdoors.

• Carob oxaliswith brown cherry leaves and small yellow flowers of little interest. It is known to many as a weed, therefore, flower growers, despite the decorative foliage of this species, are wary of it. Its growth must be carefully controlled. If you neglect reproduction from view, then this oxalis will soon fill the entire flower garden, and the beds in the neighborhood, and even penetrate into the territory of neighbors.
• Iron-leaved... This oxalis looks very impressive in the garden. Its voluminous leaves have an unusual shape, because they consist of many oval lobes. Flowers with a silvery color with spots and edging are no less pretty.
• Ordinary, and its popular variety Var. Subpurpurascens, forms a dense carpet decorated with pink flowers. Cold hardy, blooms mainly in May and June.

Reproduction and planting

Oxalis multiplies easily. In order for the plant to develop and bloom as quickly as possible, you need to follow some rules and take proper care of the plantings.

There are three main breeding methods:

• seeds;
• bulbs and tubers;
• cuttings.

Seeds

Planting with seeds can be carried out directly into the ground, but it is better to take care of this in early spring (late March - early April). In this case, the chances of germination of planting material are noticeably increased, and the plant will be able to show itself in all its glory much faster. To do this, you need a container with fertile soil. Seeds are poured onto it. At the same time, you do not need to cover them with a layer of earth - they will germinate without it.

The only thing you need is polyethylene or glass, thanks to which you need to create a greenhouse effect. The soil in the container should be moistened daily, but in no case with a stream of water, but with a hand spray. It is recommended to use settled water at room temperature. If the right conditions were created and the necessary care was provided for the plantings, then the first shoots may appear in a week, or maybe they will need a month. Diffused light and a cool temperature of about + 17 ° C are suitable for them. When the sprouts are strong, the seedlings can be planted in pots, flowerpots, or open ground.

Vegetative propagation

Vegetative reproduction is more popular. Oxalis has a root structure consisting of a main stem and bulbs (other species produce tubers). It is them that need to be separated, and then used as planting material.

1. Planting bulbs (tubers) is carried out in pre-prepared pots of 2-3 pieces or directly into the soil at a distance of 10 cm from each other. It is better to pre-treat them with a manganese solution to kill possible pests and prevent the spread of the fungus.
2. The bulbs or tubers are sprinkled with a thin layer of earth and watered, and then maintained regularly.
3. After a month and a half, you can see lush bushes, already preparing to bloom.

Cuttings

Oxalis also propagates by cuttings. In some cases, even one leaf can be rooted. But it is better for this purpose to cut off a leaf with a part of the stem and either put it in water (it must be changed regularly), or plant the soil.For this, a mixture of sod and leafy soil, garden soil and humus is best suited, which is recommended to take each in equal parts (1: 1: 1: 1). After rooting, you can plant the future flower in a permanent place.

Success depends not only on whether the breeding and planting procedure was carried out correctly. Regular grooming is essential. Although frost-resistant species of sour cherry do not impose special requirements on the conditions, truly beautiful specimens can be grown only by observing certain rules.

Oxalis feels great in both shaded and sunny areas. But the color of its leaves may depend on the degree of illumination. Oxalis loves neutral and slightly acidic fertile soils. This plant loves moisture, so a semi-shaded place is perfect for it - this way the earthen ball will dry much more slowly.

Like any plant, oxalis gratefully responds to caring for it carefully throughout the year.

Care rules

Although this flower is a frost-hardy plant, it should be remembered that most of its species still love warmth. To make wintering more comfortable, plantings should be covered with mulch or simple coniferous branches. This will help the plant overwinter without loss. If the acid plant has tubers, it is recommended to dig them up before the onset of frost and store them in a cool place throughout the winter. Additionally, you can separate the children from it to propagate the plant. With the onset of spring, when the soil is warmed up by the sun's rays, oxalis is planted again.

Oxalis growing outdoors needs moderate watering because it loves moisture. In the absence of natural precipitation and in hot weather, it is recommended to water it every 2 days, trying to prevent waterlogging of the earthen coma, as this can lead to decay of the plant and its subsequent death.

Correct care also includes regular feeding. For this, it is recommended to use complex mineral fertilizers. It is important to pay attention to the fact that for acid sour, it is required to make a solution two times weaker than for other flower crops (and this concentration can be found in the instructions for the preparation).

Three dressings are enough for the whole season:

• the first - with the beginning of the growth of green mass;
• the second is the budding time;
• the third - three weeks after the previous one (during the period of abundant flowering).

Another type of fertilizer that this plant will surely like is organic. For example, a weak mullein solution. Oxalis responds well to feeding: its leaves become more lush, and they are decorated with flower stars.

Possible diseases

Even if the care of the plant was at a high level, it can in rare cases get sick. Although garden parasites do not often pay attention to acid lice, all such there is a risk of infection with whiteflies, aphids, ticks or thyroid glands. If the first signs are found, the plantings (including those located nearby) should be immediately treated with a special insecticidal solution. Another danger lurks in excessive watering, which can cause rotting of the root system, the appearance of rot and fusarium.

Caring for garden sour liquor will not cause difficulties. But the garden will be decorated with a modest but attractive flower, which is beautiful both independently and in combination with other plants on the territory.