Cultivation technology and propagation method of cockscomb

Cockscomb, also known as cockscomb flower, old red, pen cockscomb, etc., is an annual herbaceous plant of the genus Cockscomb in the Amaranthaceae family. It is widely cultivated all over the world. It blooms in summer and autumn. The flowers are mostly red, in the shape of a cockscomb, with bright colors and high ornamental value. Let’s talk about the cultivation techniques and breeding methods of cockscomb.

1. Cultivation technology

1. Soil: Cockscomb can adapt to a wide range of soils, but it grows best in loose and fertile soil. When potting, you can use leaf mold or peat soil with a small amount of fine sand, and mix in an appropriate amount of decomposed manure or cake fertilizer crumbs as base fertilizer.

2. Watering: Cockscomb likes a warm, humid, sunny and well-ventilated environment. Watering should be done in moderation so that there is no water accumulation and the roots do not dry out. When watering, be careful not to have water accumulation in the pot to prevent root rot. During the growing period, the soil in the pot should always be kept moist to prevent drought, otherwise the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.

3. Fertilization: Cockscomb likes fertilizer, apply cake fertilizer water once every week. Applying decomposed organic fertilizer as base fertilizer is more beneficial to the growth of cockscomb.

4. Temperature: Cockscomb is not resistant to high temperatures and easily turns yellow in hot and dry summers. The suitable temperature for growth is 18-24℃, and the temperature for wintering should not be lower than 5℃.

5. Light: Cockscomb likes plenty of sunlight, likes fertilizer and warmth, can tolerate scorching sun, and is afraid of shade. It should be placed in a sunny place when caring for it. When there is insufficient light, the stems and leaves will grow too long, affecting the quality of flowering.

6. Repotting: Cockscomb needs to be repotted and the soil changed once a year. Replace part of the old soil in the mud ball, let it dry slightly, remove some of the old soil and residual roots, and then replant it. If you add an appropriate amount of decomposed cake fertilizer or organic fertilizer as base fertilizer when repotting in spring, and at the same time mix in an appropriate amount of culture soil and fine sand, the root system can develop well and the flowers will be particularly bright and rosy.

2. Breeding Methods

The main methods of propagation of cockscomb are seed propagation and division propagation.

1. Seed propagation: Cockscomb seeds are small, so it is suitable to sow in shallow pots or transplant seedlings. Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water for a day to germinate. For spring sowing, use shallow pots filled with fine and fertile soil. After sowing, cover with fine soil so that the seeds are not exposed. After spring sowing, shade and moisture retention are required. After emergence, light and water management should be strengthened, and liquid fertilizer should be applied appropriately to promote the healthy growth of the plants and facilitate flowering. When the seedlings have 5 to 6 leaves, they can be transplanted into the field for production. Sow in autumn and it will bloom in the spring of the following year. For small-scale planting, hole sowing or row sowing can be used. For hole sowing, dig holes with a spacing of about 25 cm between plants and rows, and sow 4 to 5 seeds in each hole. Strengthen management after the seeds germinate, grow and emerge, and after they are cultivated into strong seedlings, they can be planted in the field for production.

2. Propagation by division: Division should be carried out before budding in spring. Cut off the branches that sprout from the rhizome and separate them into several small plants, each with roots and buds, and then plant them separately. The disadvantage of division propagation is that the reproduction coefficient is low and it is impossible to propagate a large number of new plants for planting.

The above is the relevant content about the cultivation technology and breeding methods of cockscomb. Through reasonable maintenance and correct breeding methods, the healthy growth and good flowering effect of cockscomb can be guaranteed.