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 upright stems densely covered with fine hairs, reaching heights of 20-60 cm. The plant is named after its leaf resemblance to those of the cucurbit family. It thrives in warm summers and cool winters, preferring a humid and well-ventilated environment. It is sensitive to high summer temperatures, cold, drought, and waterlogging. It requires plenty of light but should be protected from direct sunlight.
The flowering period usually lasts from December to April of the following year, with blooms lasting about 2-3 months. Its vibrant and colorful flowers make it highly ornamental, making it a popular choice for potted plants during the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival seasons.
Sowing time depends on the desired flowering period. For flowers to bloom by New Year's Day, seeds are sown between June and July. To have flowers ready for the Spring Festival, sowing takes place between August and September. For blooming around May 1st, seeds are sown in October. Early sowing results in larger seedlings, while late sowing leads to smaller ones.
For sowing, a well-draining medium is essential. A mix of river sand and humus (or peat) in a ratio of 1:2 is commonly used. After screening, carbendazim powder is added for disinfection.
When sowing, prepare the nursery soil in pots. Soak the seeds and evenly sprinkle them on the surface. Cover them with 1-2 mm of fine soil, just enough to cover the seeds. Then, place a glass cover over the pots to retain moisture and warmth. Keep them at 15-25°C in a shaded area, avoiding direct sunlight. Check the soil daily, keeping it moist. Water every 2-3 days as needed.
Seedling management begins after 5 days, with germination occurring within 10 days. At this point, remove the glass for ventilation. Gradually introduce the seedlings to light, avoiding direct sun to prevent disease. Once the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, transplant them into a new growing medium made of equal parts humus (or peat) and perlite. Use thin bamboo sticks to carefully lift the seedlings and transfer them to a seedling tray. Drench them with bactericidal solution. Avoid direct sunlight until they acclimate.
After one month, when the seedlings have 4-5 true leaves, transplant them into 5-inch pots. Pre-add fertilizer to the potting soil. Maintain a spacing of 2-3 cm between plants. Ensure that no soil comes into contact with the leaves to prevent rot. Place the pots in a shaded area for 3-5 days to help the plants adjust before gradually moving them into full sun. Keep the soil consistently moist and apply a 0.1% urea foliar spray once daily for 10 days, 2-3 times total. Due to its strong phototropism, rotate the pots weekly to maintain an even growth shape throughout the growing process.
After buds appear, apply a concentrated liquid fertilizer daily. Monitor the soil moisture, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings to prevent leggy growth. Apply 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate once a week for 3-4 applications to support flower bud development. Stop foliar feeding once most buds show color, and switch to a diluted liquid fertilizer during the flowering stage. This comprehensive care ensures healthy growth and beautiful blooms.