Cineraria cultivation
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Cineraria jasminoides, commonly known as jatropha, is a perennial herb belonging to the Compositae family. It is typically cultivated for 1–2 years and features erect stems covered with dense hair, reaching heights of 20–60 cm. The plant gets its name from its leaf structure, which resembles that of the cucurbit family. This species thrives in warm summers and cool, humid environments with good air circulation. It does not tolerate high summer temperatures, cold conditions, drought, or waterlogging. It prefers bright light but should be protected from direct sunlight.
The flowering period usually lasts from December to April of the following year, spanning about 2–3 months. Its vibrant, colorful blooms make it highly ornamental, and it is one of the most popular potted flowers during the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival seasons.
**Sowing Time:**
To ensure blooming around New Year’s Day, seeds are typically sown between June and July. For flowering around the Spring Festival, sowing takes place between August and September. For the "May 1" holiday, sowing is done in October. Early sowing results in larger plants, while late sowing produces smaller ones.
**Sowing Medium:**
The planting medium must be well-draining, breathable, and low in nutrients. A common mix is 1 part humus (or peat) combined with 2 parts river sand. After sieving, carbendazim powder is added for disinfection.
**Sowing Method:**
Prepare the seedling pots with the prepared soil, then evenly sprinkle the seeds on the surface. Cover them with a thin layer of fine soil, just enough to cover the seeds. Place a glass lid over the pot to maintain moisture and warmth, and keep it in a shaded area at 15–25°C. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent temperature and humidity fluctuations from affecting germination. Check the soil daily and water if dry, ideally every 2–3 days.
**Seedling Care:**
Seeds usually sprout within 5 days, with full emergence taking about 10 days. At this point, remove the glass for ventilation. Gradually introduce the seedlings to sunlight, but avoid direct exposure to prevent blight. When the seedlings have 2–3 true leaves, transplant them into larger containers. Use a mix of 1 part humus (or peat) and 1 part perlite. Carefully lift the seedlings using bamboo sticks, transfer them to a seedling tray, and drench them with bactericidal solution. Avoid direct sunlight until they are acclimated.
After one month, when the seedlings have 4–5 true leaves, transplant them into 5-inch pots. Pre-add fertilizer to the potting soil and ensure proper spacing of 2–3 cm between plants. Avoid getting soil on the leaves to prevent rot. Place the newly transplanted seedlings in a shaded area for 3–5 days to ease their transition before gradually moving them into full sun.
Keep the soil consistently moist. Apply a 0.1% urea foliar spray once daily for 10 days, with 2–3 applications in total. Due to its strong phototropism, rotate the pots weekly to maintain an even shape throughout the growing process.
**Post-Budding Care:**
Once buds appear, apply a concentrated liquid fertilizer daily. Monitor the soil moisture and allow it to dry slightly between waterings to prevent leggy growth. Spray 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate once a week for 3–4 times to support flower bud development. Stop foliar feeding once most buds have opened and switch to a diluted liquid fertilizer during the flowering stage.