Szafirki(Muscari) are bulbous plants that produce dense clusters of ball-shaped, blue flowers. Most of them are frost-resistant and easy to grow. They blend in nicely with other bulbous plants that bloom at the same time (especially narcissus and tulips). Meet the most interestingsapphire varietiesand find out whatsapphire planting, cultivation and reproductionin the garden!
Szafirek (Muscari)
Fig. pixabay.com
Sapphire varieties
The genus of grape hyacinth includes about 50 species . In spring, the stalks of 10-20 cm high grow from the whorl of narrow leaves, with inflorescences consisting of tiny, charming bells.
Among the sapphire species, one of the most popular isArmenian grapewith fragrant cob alt flowers appearing in April. Armenian grape hyacinth grows up to 25 cm, leaves grow already in autumn, in winter they remain green to slowly dry out after flowering. In trade we will findArmenian sapphire varietiessuch as: 'Blue Spike' with blue, densely filled flowers, 'Cantab' blooming beautifully from mid-May, with light blue flowers with a white edge, or the sapphire variety ' Early Giant 'large-flowered type.
A very similar species to the Armenian sapphire issmall-flowered sapphireHowever, it has shorter and rounder clusters that do not smell. Thesmall-flowered sapphire variety'Alba' with white bell-shaped flowers and the pink-blooming 'Carneum' variety are especially recommended.
Planting sapphires in the garden
Sapphire bulbs should be planted 5-8 cm deepin the period from late summer to mid-autumn.The idealplanting date for sapphire bulbs is September and OctoberThese plants look best when planted in a group. The soil for planting sapphires should be well loosened so that the plants can grow and form adventitious bulbs. For this purpose, it is best to dig the soil by adding compost to it, which will additionally improve its properties.
Szafirki in the garden
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Sapphire bulbs have a very thin skin, so we should not leave them without a cover. It is best to plant them in the ground immediately and cover them with a layer of mulch.
Note!Remember about the appropriate planting depth of sapphire bulbs, which is 5-8 cm. Too deeply planted bulbs will not sprout and will not bloom.
Planting sapphires for pots
Most sapphires can be grown in containers and window boxes , thanks to which we can create original compositions that will decorate our terraces or gardens from the beginning of spring.In pots filled with freshly composted soil and peat,plant sapphire bulbs to a depth of 2 times the diameter of the bulb , therefore a little higher than when planting into the ground.
Sapphires in a pot
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Sapphires planted in potscan be ground in the garden, covering them with a layer of pine needles for the winter, or placed on a balcony in a sheltered, quiet position, insulating them from low temperatures with styrofoam. In spring, we gradually water the sapphires, stimulating them to vegetate.
Growing sapphires
Sapphires grow best in highly drained soil, in a sunny position, in a rock garden or in a bed.
Note!Sapphires tolerate light shade under trees and shrubs, but in too much shade they will not bloom.
Sapphires are resistant to low temperatures Some sapphires, such as the Armenian grape, multiply rapidly and can be expansive. These plants can grow for several years without transplanting, hibernating in the ground. In the cultivation of sapphires, it is worth reaching for a fertilizer for blooming flowers or compost that will stimulate their growth. Also, do not forget to water these plants regularly.
Sapphires planted with hyacinths
Fig. pixabay.com
Sapphire reproduction
Sapphires are propagated by division , but they can also be reproduced from seeds. We divide overgrown groups of bulbs every 3-4 years in the summer, when the sapphires are at rest. Take the clumps of sapphires out of the ground and divide them as soon as the leaves turn yellow after flowering.
Sow the seeds from mid-summer to the inspectionThe sapphires obtained in this way should bloom 3-4 years after sowing.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
