Galanthus

The genus Snowdrop, or Galanthus (Galanthus), has 18 species of resistant bulbous plants, low (10-15 cm), blooming in early spring, with very similar properties. The snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), 15 cm high, has several drooping flowers on the peduncles with three external -long white and three internal short white perianth lobes in green spots. It blooms from late February to March. Recently, various varieties have been produced with larger or more lush flowers than the botanical species. U 'S. Arnott' - flowers 4 cm long. Even earlier, 'Atkins' blooms up to 25 cm high, lush, with large elongated flowers. There are more than 30 hybrid varieties in the culture, obtained, for example, from the Elves snowdrop (G. elwesii), 25 cm high, with large flowers blooming in late winter, with extensive green spots on the inner tepals; from the Ikari snowdrop (G. ikariae), with wide glaucous leaves and large flowers blooming in spring; from the folded snowdrop (G. plicatus) with glaucous leaves and well-developed flowers its early spring decorative variety 'Varham' is characterized by an abundance of flowers.

The genus Snowdrop, or Galanthus (Galanthus), has 18 species of resistant bulbous plants, low (10-15 cm), blooming in early spring, with very similar properties.

The snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), 15 cm high, has several drooping flowers on the peduncles with three external -long white and three internal short white perianth lobes in green spots. It blooms from late February to March. Recently, various varieties have been produced with larger or more lush flowers than the botanical species. U 'S. Arnott' - flowers 4 cm long. Even earlier, 'Atkins' blooms up to 25 cm high, lush, with large elongated flowers.

There are more than 30 hybrid varieties in the culture, obtained, for example, from the Elves snowdrop (G. elwesii), 25 cm high, with large flowers blooming in late winter, with extensive green spots on the inner tepals; from the Ikari snowdrop (G. ikariae), with wide glaucous leaves and large flowers blooming in spring; from the folded snowdrop (G. plicatus) with glaucous leaves and well-developed flowers its early spring decorative variety 'Varham' is characterized by an abundance of flowers.

Cultivation

Snowdrops are used for planting in groups, on snowdrops, in stony gardens. This is an undergrowth plant, so you can simply plant bulbs of wild crops (and not take care of them) in areas with enough light for development and flowering. In the open air, they can also be grown in pots, bringing them into the house only for the time of flowering. When growing both in the open ground and in pots, the most suitable soil is loamy, moist. Too loose, sandy ground is not suitable. The distance between plants (from 6-8 to 12-14 cm) and the depth of planting bulbs (4-5 cm) varies depending on the development of species and cultivars. If snowdrop plants grow too thickly, the bulbs are "thinned out" in September, that is, they are dug out and immediately planted, increasing the distance between them by several centimeters. Does not tolerate fresh manure. For distillation, large bulbs are used, planted in summer in peat with sand (1:1), watered abundantly and kept at 13-15 °C. Then the temperature is lowered to 8-10 °C for 4 months. Snowdrop blooms in the room after 10-12 days. Transplanted in 5-6 years immediately after harvesting and dividing the "nests" of bulbs without drying them.

Snowdrops are used for planting in groups, on snowdrops, in stony gardens. This is an undergrowth plant, so you can simply plant bulbs of wild crops (and not take care of them) in areas with enough light for development and flowering. In the open air, they can also be grown in pots, bringing them into the house only for the time of flowering.

When growing both in the open ground and in pots, the most suitable soil is loamy, moist. Too loose, sandy ground is not suitable. The distance between plants (from 6-8 to 12-14 cm) and the depth of planting bulbs (4-5 cm) varies depending on the development of species and cultivars. If snowdrop plants grow too thickly, the bulbs are "thinned out" in September, that is, they are dug out and immediately planted, increasing the distance between them by several centimeters. Does not tolerate fresh manure.

For distillation, large bulbs are used, planted in summer in peat with sand (1:1), watered abundantly and kept at 13-15 °C. Then the temperature is lowered to 8-10 °C for 4 months. Snowdrop blooms in the room after 10-12 days. Transplanted in 5-6 years immediately after harvesting and dividing the "nests" of bulbs without drying them.

Location

In shaded but sun-warmed areas, on soils with good drainage; when transplanting wild species, choose a more illuminated place.

Temperature

The crop is winter-hardy.

Watering

Water young plants after germination; then water only if there is little rain.

Reproduction

Propagate by dividing the" nests " of bulbs, without drying them. It is easily propagated by self-seeding.

Diseases

Plants are affected by the fungus Botrytis galantina, which spreads with diseased bulbs. They are thrown away. Some pests, such as Merodon equestris larvae and nematodes, infect the bulbs. They are treated with insecticides and nematocides. You can avoid the appearance of mold and pests by purchasing healthy planting material.

Acquisition

Buy seeds and bulbs (in late summer) or seedlings in cups (in winter) in specialized gardening centers and nurseries. Preference is given to varieties of very early flowering with large flowers.