Periwinkle - a grassy evergreen, not in vain attracting the attention of gardeners. The flower has a spectacular appearance, so it pleases the eye. Landing is not difficult - everyone can handle it. The plant is unpretentious, it is not difficult to take care of it, which is a huge advantage. With the help of such a pretty flower, you can decorate any room. About the nuances of growing vinca at home, plant care, read below.

Planting periwinkle seeds

Periwinkle is a perennial shrub with flowers of pink, snow-white or light purple hue. The plant is climbing - with proper care, it reaches 60 cm in height. If the growing conditions are appropriate, the flowering of the periwinkle is very long - lasting 5 months. It begins in May and ends in September. Planting a periwinkle at home is a simple task. However, there are important rules to follow in order to grow a healthy flower.

Important! If you use seeds collected from your site for planting, you need to prepare them. The material is soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate, and then in growth stimulants.

When to plant

Planting dates are of great importance both for planting outdoors in the open ground, and in an apartment in a pot. Environmental conditions are created artificially, so you can plant a flower in the spring, summer and even in the winter. At the same time, the most favorable time for planting is still spring, and early.

Seeds for planting can be purchased at a specialized store or use the material after home breeding. Everyone chooses a plant variety based on personal wishes.

Soil and capacity

For the periwinkle, you need to choose the right soil mixture.

The best option is soil containing:

• peat;
• leaf humus;
• turf land.

TOThe components are taken in the same proportion and some sand is added to them. Such a composition is great for planting a periwinkle. You can simplify your task and buy the necessary substrate in the store. It is necessary to acquire a soil mixture based on peat, sand and vermiculite. The flower can be grown in peat tablets. This method is modern and very easy. You just need to fill the washer with water and wait for it to swell - the container with the nutrient substrate is ready.

The soil should be acidic or neutral. Soil of a high level of acidity is not suitable for growing a flower - in it the root system of the plant feels uncomfortable.

As for the capacity, it is only important that it be spacious. The root system of the periwinkle is impressive, therefore, the pot should be of the appropriate volume. However, too deep and broad should not be taken.

How to plant

Landing begins with the fact that a drainage layer of medium-sized expanded clay is laid out at the bottom of the container. Then the tank is filled with nutritious soil mixture, where the seed is planted. It is not necessary to bury too much into the ground - just plant it to a depth of 1–1.5 cm. You can plant it with grooves or in holes of 2-3 seeds. Between the rows there should be a distance of 3 cm minimum.

Then you need to:

• fill the grooves or holes with a mixture of soil;
• compact the soil slightly;
• water the seeds with enough water;
• to cover the container with sowing with black polyethylene - it is necessary for the seedlings to develop;
• leave the container in a warm place with a temperature of +23 ... + 25 ° C.

After a week, the seedlings will hatch. When they take root and 2-3 leaves appear, the container with seedlings should be left in a place where there is enough light, and the temperature is +16 ... + 20 ° C. Watering seedlings requires moderate. Sprouts need to be fed 3 weeks after their appearance.

Did you know? Periwinkle is a poisonous plant, while it has a rich composition of vitamins and minerals. It is widely used in medicine, successfully coping with various diseases.

It is necessary to use a mineral complex - nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizers. When the seedlings reach a height of 8 cm and each leaf contains 4 leaves, you can proceed to picking. In one pot or pots should be transplanted 2-3 sprouts.

Plant care

Periwinkle is an undemanding plant, but care must still be taken correctly. The care is standard and uncomplicated. Only following the rules will lead to the fact that the flower will grow healthy and beautiful.

Watering

Periwinkle loves water, so watering should be regular, but not too plentiful. Excessive water will negatively affect the flower - the roots will begin to rot. A plant with such a root system is easier to replace than treating a shrub.

Watering is necessary as soon as the earthen lump dries up. Optimal - 3 times a week. Most often, flower pots are placed in pallets. Do not allow stagnation of moisture. If, after 10–20 minutes after watering, water remains in the pan, the liquid must be drained.

Lighting

Periwinkle needs diffused light. A container with a flower can be placed on the windowsill, but it is important that direct sunlight in the morning does not fall on the plant. If there is not enough light for him, the stems will begin to stretch. As a result - the loss of an attractive appearance.

Temperature

The flower does not accept heat. The most suitable temperature for him is + 25 ° C. You can not leave the pot with the plant where it is too cold. Allowed to lower the temperature to + 20 ° C.

Humidity

It is important to maintain the required level of humidity. For this, the plant must be sprayed periodically. Use necessary purified or well-maintained water. The liquid should not be cold - only warm or room temperature.

Spray in the morning so that the moisture has time to evaporate before dark. The procedure with flowering plants should be especially careful. You can not allow water to get on the buds, because in this case the flowers will quickly lose their beautiful appearance.

Top dressing

Periwinkle, like other flowers, must be fed. Fertilizing is necessary almost all year round, only in winter this is not necessary. During the period of active growth, they are fed every two weeks. Thanks to this, the plant will delight with abundant and prolonged flowering.

Important! Fertilizing in dry soil is strictly prohibited. In this case, a concentrated solution can negatively affect the roots of the plant - provoke a burn.

It is necessary to use mineral fertilizers. In the spring, nitrogen fertilizers are introduced, which contribute to the formation of green mass. During the flowering period, phosphorus top dressing is used.

Pruning

Periwinkle weaves, so it must be cut annually. To maintain a compact form of the plant, you should shorten the long branches. You also need to get rid of withered buds in time - this can extend the flowering time.

Did you know? Periwinkle tinctures and decoctions are effective for impotence and erectile dysfunction. For preparation, only grass collected during the flowering period is suitable.

The crown of the plant will be thick if you pinch off the tips of young shoots, which then begin to form lateral branches. It is also necessary to regularly carry out sanitary pruning. I remove weak or damaged shoots. Be sure to use only sharp tools so as not to harm the health of the flower.

Transfer

Periwinkle must be transplanted annually. Thanks to this, its flowering will be very beautiful and plentiful. Each year, the pot should be taken several sizes larger, since the flower grows and needs enough space. Before transplanting, the container must be disinfected - at least rinse with boiling water, maximum - use special tools. Also, before planting, you need to carefully examine the root system of the plant.Roots that have lost viability should be removed. When trimming, they retreat 4 cm from the dead tissue. Slices must be sprinkled with charcoal. It is necessary to transplant in a special soil mixture - the same as for the first planting. A description of the process for transplanting periwinkle from pot to pot is presented below. Adult plants can be transplanted twice a year, and young plants - strictly annually.

Follow the step by step instructions:

1. Put the drainage layer on the bottom of the tank. Use expanded clay, broken brick or clay shards.
2. Put the flower in the center of the pot and just cover it with fresh soil.
3. Press the soil around the plant well so that there are no "air pockets".
4. Water the flower abundantly.
5. If the soil is heavily settled, add another substrate to the pot.

Winter preparation and care

3my periwinkle is at rest. At the same time, in order for the plant to return to the normal rhythm of life with the advent of spring, it should also be properly looked after in the cold season. In winter, the flower must be kept indoors with a temperature of +14 ... + 15 ° C. Particular attention should be paid to the soil - it should not freeze. The frequency of watering should be reduced. Due to an excess of moisture in the winter, not only the roots, but also the stems can rot. It will be enough 1 time per week. Fertilizing at this time is not necessary. Actively feed the plant with the advent of spring.

Diseases and Pests

Any plant can become ill or be attacked by pests. Periwinkle is no exception.

If the flower is not properly looked after, such problems may occur:

1. Foliage withering away. Signals that direct sunlight is falling on the plant, and scattered light is needed. It is necessary to rearrange the flower in another place.
2. Yellowness at the tips of the leaves. It says that the room is too hot, dry air. It is necessary to moisten the plant by spraying. You can also put a container of water near the pot.
3. Reduced flowering. If the plant does not bloom, then the growing conditions are not the same, it is cold in the room. Periwinkle needs warmth. Flowering is reduced due to a lack of useful components in the soil - you need to fertilize the soil.
4. Dropping buds - A sign that the plant needs watering. Do not overdry the soil in the pot.

If the flower is affected by fungal diseases (powdery mildew, root rot, etc.), urgent need to take action. It is better to use fungicides right away - they are as effective as possible. The range of such funds is wide: Karbofos, Topaz, Kuproksat, Skor, etc. are suitable.

Periwinkle is attacked by such pests:

1. Shield. Slowing the development of the plant, sticky drops, yellow spots on the foliage - all this indicates a defeat by the scab. If there are a lot of parasites, the foliage on the flowers can dry out or fall off. The best folk control methods are spraying with soapy water or using garlic infusion. Professional drugs will help get rid of pests in the shortest possible time. To get rid of scale insects use "Fufanon", "Actellik", "Fitoverm".
2. Aphid. Signs of the lesion are easy to detect - parasite colonies are visible on the lower part of the leaves, on the shoots and buds. Foliage is folded and deformed, adhesive drops appear on it. Also, the leaves and buds begin to fade. You can use folk remedies — treat the flower with a decoction of rhubarb or wormwood leaves, infusion of onions, marigolds, yarrow, nettle, tansy, tobacco and dandelion. For the fight against chemicals, Fitoverm, Decim, Actellik are suitable.

The flower is resistant to other pests.

Periwinkle is a beautiful plant with which you can easily transform the appearance of any room. To grow this wonderful flower at home is completely uncomplicated. He does not require special care. Follow simple rules - and a healthy plant will delight you with lovely colorful flowering.