Pricking out involves transplanting the seedlings into separate, more spacious containers. In this article, we'll explain how to properly prune lobelia and when to do it.
Picking lobelia seedlings and its necessity
The benefit of transplanting is the harmonious development of the flower; the branching roots allow the plant to receive more nutrients and sprout more abundantly. It is usually transplanted with the root ball. The seedlings are distributed among different containers, primarily for convenient placement under light. There are quite a lot of seeds, and therefore, a large number of seedlings germinate.
Growing lobelia without pricking it out is possible, but it will grow more slowly. Planting is done en masse and then transplanted into a pot or open ground.
The picking can be done once, for the greatest effect – twice.
Timing for transplanting lobelia seedlings
Pricking out should begin after the first 2-3 leaves emerge, with the seedlings no taller than 2 cm. Initially, consider the plant's condition, appearance, and growth rate. This should take approximately 3 to 5 weeks from sowing.
How to properly transplant lobelia seedlings
Once two leaves have formed, you can begin the transplanting process. The key to success is proper preparation:
- prepare the ground;
- select the appropriate container;
- purchase suitable fertilizer.
Soil preparation
First of all, the soil should be light, loose, and nourished, so add humus, peat, or sod. Alternatively, you can purchase a special soil mix from the store. The soil should be sifted, steamed, and disinfected. For disinfection, you can use the universal pest control product Fitosporin. Before planting, the soil should be neutral and moderately moist.
Preparing containers
The transplant container should be approximately 6 x 6 cm in area or have a capacity of 200, 300, or 500 ml. Drainage holes should be made in the bottom of the container or a drainage layer should be added; expanded clay or pebbles will work. A disposable plastic container, such as a cup, is convenient for transplanting.
Lobelia picking technology
Picking plants at home is not difficult if you follow these recommendations:
- The seedlings should be watered with warm water beforehand, preferably a couple of hours before planting. This is done to soften the root ball, as disturbing it can damage the root system.
- Fill the pickling container approximately two-thirds full.
- Form small holes.
- Remove shoots in bunches of 5-10, slowly and carefully, using, for example, a spoon or a small spatula.
- When transplanting lobelia into one container, maintain a distance of 2-4 cm between shoots.
- If the planting was carried out in peat tablets, then it should be divided into 2 or 4 parts and transplanted into a more spacious container.
- Plant in a hole and cover with soil up to the leaves.
- Moisten the soil, avoiding contact with the sprouts. Use a small spoon or syringe for this.
- After shrinkage, the water can be replaced with a special Energen solution.
- To protect against fungal diseases, it is recommended to add 1 tablet of Gliocadin to the soil.
The plant loves light and does not tolerate high humidity, so when caring for it, it is necessary to maintain a suitable temperature, sufficient lighting, systematic moderate watering and feeding with mineral fertilizers.
