Growing mirabilis from seeds is the most economical way to grow a unique plant on your site. Its amazing characteristics attract gardeners of all levels, both experienced and beginners. The procedure cannot be called complicated, but some nuances need to be followed. Therefore, it is better to sow mirabilis seeds after reading useful information.
Origin of Mirabilis
Bright tropical flowers with an unusual name are herbaceous plants. The Niktaginov family includes more than five dozen species.
Southern Guest Flower
Unfortunately, only one variety of night-blooming bushes has taken root in Russia. They call it Jalapa, but due to the lack of related species, the flower received the name of the entire family. The variegated flowers growing in the Russian Federation are simply called mirabilis.
And even on Russian soil, mirabilis has chosen a certain climate. He liked the warm southern latitudes. Since its homeland is South America, and the species itself is perennial, the bushes need moderate winters, which they found in the Russian outback.
Interesting! Mirabilis is often called the Night Beauty. It's all about the time of its flowering. The plant keeps the bud closed all day, and only in the evening the flower blooms.
Flowering lasts throughout the dark part of the day, and the next morning the bud fades.
Lush color
While one flower fades, the plant immediately produces new buds. The flowering season lasts until the first frost. Mirabilis often decides to bloom a flower in cloudy weather. Then you can admire the blooms during the day.
Thanks to its unpretentiousness, mirabilis has become a traditional debut for gardeners. Caring for a plant does not require special skills and is quite intuitive. In addition, no special equipment is needed to grow Nightflowers.
Mirabilis
Mirabilis itself is a perennial plant. However, those wishing to grow a night flower in cold regions will benefit from its annual cycle. To continue the work, it is enough to correctly collect the seeds and save them for the next season.
Mirabilis prices
mirabilis
Botanical description of the Mirabilis jalapa flower
The Latin name of the night beauty is Mirabilis jalapa. It can literally be translated as an amazing flower from the town of Yalapa.
Night beauty is typically a perennial plant with a straight stem. The shoots are quite brittle and branch well. The leaves are elongated, green, with solid edges, smooth, and sit on short petioles. Tap roots form tubers, thanks to which the plant resumes its growth in the spring.
The fragrant flowers deserve special attention; their peculiarity of opening in the evening and closing at dawn is the basis for the name.
What does Mirabilis look like?
Mirabilis has a rather attractive appearance. Neat bushes crowned with variegated inflorescences make you want to take up floriculture and certainly grow Night Dawn on your site.
Morning dew on Mirabilis
Since Mirabilis is a herbaceous species, the height of its bush rarely exceeds a meter. Most of the representatives growing in the south of Russia grow up to 80 cm. The structure of the bush itself is strong and well-knit. The trunks may be bare or pubescent. Their surface is often sticky. The leaves are thin, planted oppositely.
The root system of the plant is tuberous, the structure of the rods is convex. The plant comes from hot regions, so the structure of its root allows for the accumulation of moisture.
Mirabilis root system
Mirabilis blooms generously, opening up to 16 flowers at a time. They are located on the upper parts of the stem or in the axils of the crowns. The shape of the flower is elongated, partly reminiscent of a gramophone pipe. The front of the funnel widens. Often the edges of the petal are torn and cut.
A distinctive feature of mirabilis is a huge range of patterns and shades. Different inflorescences can form on one representative.
Variety of colors
Also on one flower there are multiple shades collected in striped patterns. There are also plain flowers. Mirabilis has a huge number of flowers in its arsenal. Ranging from pale yellow tones to dark burgundy shades. There are also pink samples, as well as completely white ones.
Yellow one-color bud
The end of flowering is marked by the appearance of fruits. After the flower withers, a small dark-colored box appears in its place. The brown fruit with a ribbed texture contains only one seed. By the time it matures, it acquires an elastic structure and a wrinkled surface. The seed is oval and quite large in size. There are about one and a half dozen pieces per gram of dried seeds. In favorable conditions, it can be preserved for three years.
Most common varieties
Let's look at them in more detail. As mentioned earlier, today the mirabilis flower is represented by more than 50 varieties. Yalapa is the most popular because it has unique properties, however, the following varieties are also widespread in our country:
- Elvira. A characteristic feature of this variety of mirabilis is its chic fluffy crown. The shoots are quite wide in diameter and very strong. The leaf blades have a dark green tint. The flowers reach 4 centimeters in diameter.
- Red lollipop. It grows in height to almost one meter. The stems have a smooth texture and dark green color. The leaves are oval and slightly wavy along the edge. The diameter of the fruit is on average 6 centimeters.
- Iolanta. The bush has a classic round shape. The shoots are quite thick and highly branched in the upper part. The main difference from other representatives of this group is the bright flowers of quite large size. The flowering period lasts from late spring until the onset of the first frost.
- Tee time Fomyula Miksche. As in the case of the moth, the shrub has a spherical crown and grows up to 90 centimeters. The leaves have a simple shape and are slightly elongated in length. The shoots are well branched and have no foliage in the lower part. The fruits are medium in size and have a bright color, so the flowers of this variety will be an excellent decoration for any garden plot.
In addition to the above-mentioned mirolibis, multi-flowered varieties are very popular among many gardeners. They have excellent decorative properties, so they are often used in landscape design.
Methods for growing mirabilis from seeds
There are several ways to grow mirabilis. When using seeds, gardeners resort to one of two reliable methods.
The first stage of planting seeds
How to get a bush from seeds:
- Growing using seedlings. Reliable method. Suitable for novice owners.
Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers
- Planting directly into open substrate. You will have to wait until the soil reaches the required temperature. The method is suitable for those who have experience growing flowering plants in open space.
Prices for mineral fertilizers
Shoots in pots
They begin to sow seeds for seedlings in early spring. From March to May, the plant gains the necessary strength and will be able to withstand cold nights, if such occur after planting in the soil.
To grow mirabilis from seeds, you will need disposable seedling pots, seeds and prepared soil. The variegated flower loves moderate soil and does not tolerate overly acidic soil. Therefore, prepare the mixture in advance.
This is what the seeds look like
The substrate is based on sand. A little less turf soil and peat powder will be needed. Mirabilis is not too whimsical, so you can dilute the soil with limestone or a clay mixture. The substrate needs to be mixed and steamed before planting the seeds.
When choosing containers, preference is given to deep, narrow cups. The root system of sprouts develops quickly, but is directed downwards and not to the sides.
Planting Mirabilis seeds
Since the seeds of the Nociformes are large, they will need a lot of space. To avoid damaging the seedlings by diving, sow the seeds in separate cups. The maximum quantity in one pot is 2 pieces. If both sprouts sprout, wait until they harden and transplant them into separate containers. The optimal planting depth is 2 cm.
Young sprouts
There is no need to soak the seeds before planting. It is enough to lower them into a damp substrate. If soaking is necessary, it is carried out throughout the day in warm water. In this case, seedlings will appear much faster - in a few days.
To speed up the emergence of a sprout, fertilize the hole under the seed with a small amount of fine ash. This substrate promotes the active development of the root system.
The first shoots hatch in about a week. The process may take 14 days depending on the external temperature and other factors. After pecking, the fry actively grow. After about two weeks, the young animals can be transferred to larger pots. Peat bogs 8 cm in diameter are suitable.
Peat pots for growing
By the end of May, when the risk of returning cold has passed, the flowers planted in March can be moved to open space.
Advice! It is advisable to wait for really warm nights so that the cold does not destroy the young bushes. If the risk of frost is still high, cover the bushes with plastic wrap at night.
When planting in the ground, the bushes are provided with free space. To prevent grown plants from shading each other and competing for moisture, leave at least half a meter of space between them.
In an open area
Mirabilis can also be grown in open ground. This method is somewhat riskier, since at the initial stage of growth the plant is too demanding. However, experienced gardeners choose this method.
Bush in open space
Before planting seeds in the ground, the soil is prepared. A small amount of lime is added to the substrate. For bushes, it is better to choose a corner of the site protected from the wind. It is optimal if it is not covered with shadow. The ideal soil for mirabilis is considered to be clay or loamy.
Jalapa tolerates dry periods well. However, drought can negatively affect the number of inflorescences. Lack of water will also affect the development of the bush, so skipping watering is not recommended.
Mirabilis jalapa
Over the entire season, the bushes require several feedings. Fertilizers can be applied three to four times. For this purpose, a special complex fertilizer is used.
Place for planting seedlings
Mirabilis loves heat very much, so in open areas it is necessary to choose an area that is well lit and warmed by the sun. And also there will be no drafts and cold north wind. The flower feels good in partial shade, but in such conditions it will not bloom so luxuriantly. Plants die when moisture stagnates at the roots. This flower should not be planted in lowlands. If groundwater is close, it is better to make a bed on a hill.
Advice! It is better to plant the flower away from other crops, as it is very aggressive and can crowd them out.
The soil should be moderately fertile, neutral or alkaline. Mirabilis does not grow in acidic soil, so in case of high acidity it is necessary to lime it.
Loamy or clay soils with good drainage are suitable for this flower.
Alternative methods of propagation of mirabilis
Some enthusiasts practice propagation of mirabilis by budding. The method is controversial, but has a right to exist. To implement it, you need to take a plant grown from a seed and examine its root system. For jigging you will need cuttings that are half lignified. They are carefully separated and left until the cut dries.
Planting young animals in the ground
Sometimes the cuttings are placed in a special growth stimulator. You can grow a bush by simply placing the desired part of the root in steamed soil. To develop, the cutting will need room temperature and regular moisture. Under favorable conditions, the cuttings will take root and by the end of spring will be ready to be transplanted into the garden.
Some gardeners prefer propagation using a tuber. The excavated part of the root is placed in a mixture of sawdust and sand. The tubers are left at low temperatures - from +3 to +5. Store the rhizome until spring. This method is considered the least reliable, since the plant rarely survives to planting due to lack of moisture.
Tuber preparation
Caring for mirabilis bushes
Like any plant, mirabilis requires moisture and sunlight. The remaining aspects of care do not differ from the maintenance of other flowering bushes. The advantage of the species is its ability to survive unfavorable periods, which is very important for novice botanists.
Transferring seedlings from pots
The main point of care is careful dosing of moisture. In order to achieve optimally lush color, you need to find the golden mean of moisture and not flood the bushes. Stagnant moisture will immediately affect the condition of the flowers.
However, of two evils, it is better to choose drought. Mirabilis tolerates it much more easily.
To speed up the development of the plant, it is fed with minerals. Solutions are chosen specially designed for flowering bushes.
Table 1. Stages of caring for an adult plant.
| Stage | Recommendations |
| Weed removal | Weeding is carried out as necessary, eliminating wild grasses from the soil. |
| Loosening the substrate | Depending on temperature conditions and humidity, the soil is periodically fluffed up. |
| Eliminating flowers | It is preferable to remove wilted and dried flowers from the bush. Some owners leave inflorescences, but in this case there is a risk of self-seeding. Bushes self-sow especially often in warm regions of the country. |
| Bush formation | In favorable conditions, mirabilis takes on a neat, regular shape, so it does not require pruning of shoots. Without pruning, the bush is a round, beautiful plant. |
| Sun | Mirabilis loves sunlight, but direct rays will be destructive for it. Excessive shade, on the contrary, leads to the development of a loose, collapsing bush. |
| Watering | The flowering bush does not like drought, and responds to proper watering with dense flowering. Water mirabilis in the evening. |
| Fertilizer | Special mixtures are used as fertilizer, but in no case fresh manure or compost. It is better to apply mixtures for the first time before flowering begins. |
After the end of the warm season, the bushes you like are sent for the winter. To do this, the top part of the plant is cut off and the rhizome is tightly wrapped in paper. At a temperature of +7, the root is likely to survive until spring. As soon as it awakens, the tuber is planted in a pot before the onset of warm nights.
Planting seedlings in open ground
The optimal time for the event is early May. This is for warm regions. In areas where the weather is colder, it is best to delay replanting until early June. During the first days, it is recommended to cover the seedlings at night to protect them from possible temperature changes. Mirabilis reacts negatively to a decline. If the thermometer shows 0 °C, the plant may die.
Place the seedlings at a distance of at least 40-50 cm from each other. The bushes are spreading and powerful, requiring enough space. The soil on the site is prepared in advance. Mirabilis does not like acidic soils, so gardeners use dolomite flour, ash or lime for deacidification.
A hole is prepared for each seedling, compost (3 l) and complex mineral fertilizer (2 tbsp) are placed on the bottom. The fertilizer is sprinkled with a little soil so as not to burn the mirabilis roots.
The seedlings are transferred into the holes along with a lump of earth, covered with soil, compacted a little and watered abundantly.
The root zone is mulched.
Fertilizers applied to mirabilis are sufficient for the entire season. Additionally, it is recommended to add a mineral phosphorus-potassium complex during the flowering phase. It is better to take a dry form and feed it before watering.
It is important to take into account some aggressiveness of Mirabilis towards its neighbors. A powerful bush can suppress weaker species. Therefore, when composing a composition, this fact must be taken into account. Phlox and daisies are considered ideal partners for mirabilis, but in single plantings it feels much better.
Collection and preservation of mirabilis seeds
Despite the availability of ready-made mirabilis seeds, amateurs prefer to collect them from the fruit themselves. It is important to take into account that the idea can be implemented only on closed ground. Otherwise, the seeds simply do not have time to ripen.
Sending seeds for storage
Seeds are formed in fruits that appear in place of dead inflorescences. The fruit capsules are carefully removed from the plant and sent to dry. Choose ripe and strong fruits of the correct shape.
After drying, the seeds are placed in natural burlap. A paper envelope will also work. Store seeds in a dark and warm room. Room temperature is optimal for this. Dried material retains its viability for quite a long time. You can plant seeds even after three to four years.
Health of Nociformes
To get a thick and lush color, you will need not only high-quality care, but also prevention of bush diseases. Mirabilis is a persistent species, but often falls victim to common ailments.
Most often, bushes are attacked by rust and leaf spotting. Any fungicide-based product will help eliminate the problem.
The beauty of a night flower
Another common problem is rotting of the root system. The reason for this is excessive watering and stagnation of moisture in the substrate. The problem can be solved with a transplant. Decaying plants are carefully dug up, and the soil underneath is treated with a fungicide and dried. After the procedure, the watering regime is adjusted.
Diseases, pests and methods of combating them
Mirabilis is resistant to common flower diseases and pests, but is susceptible to some problems during cultivation. They are mainly associated with violation of the rules for caring for the night beauty.
One of the diseases is rust. Brown spots on the leaves indicate infection. The plant becomes infected with the fungus through water when watering. This disease cannot be treated, so mirabilis with signs of the disease are dug up and disposed of. The remaining bushes are treated with fungicide: Hom, Oksihom, Fundazol.
When the soil is waterlogged, Mirabilis suffers from root rot. A diseased plant drops its branches and begins to dry out. If this problem is identified, the bush is dug up and disposed of, the hole in which it grew is treated with Fitosporin-M.
Pests avoid mirabilis. The only danger to it is from aphids, and then only if they move from another plant nearby. If aphids are noticed on the night beauty, the bush should be washed a couple of times with a solution of laundry soap, and then treated with an insecticide - Actellik, Aktara, Iskra, Karbofos, etc.
Mirabilis is quite resistant to diseases
