Kochia

The genus Kochia consists of 90 species of herbaceous and semi-shrubby annual and perennial plants. Almost exclusively used is Kochia scoparia, an annual, fast-growing, very branchy species that can grow up to 0.5-1.0 m. At an early stage of growth, the plant has a loose cylindrical shape of a bush, later it becomes sprawling. It is characterized by many long and thin, almost linear leaves of light green color. With the approach of autumn, the leaves gradually change color, turn red. This is especially pronounced in the variety Kochia broom hairy-leaved (K. scoparia trichophylla). Small flowers are nondescript. The 'Childs' variety is more compact than the botanical type.

The genus Kochia consists of 90 species of herbaceous and semi-shrubby annual and perennial plants. Almost exclusively used is Kochia scoparia, an annual, fast-growing, very branchy species that can grow up to 0.5-1.0 m. At an early stage of growth, the plant has a loose cylindrical shape of a bush, later it becomes sprawling. It is characterized by many long and thin, almost linear leaves of light green color. With the approach of autumn, the leaves gradually change color, turn red. This is especially pronounced in the variety Kochia broom hairy-leaved (K. scoparia trichophylla). Small flowers are nondescript. The 'Childs' variety is more compact than the botanical type.

Cultivation

Kochia broom is grown in the open ground in single or small group plantings, in mixborders and in flower beds. Sometimes it is cultivated in pots on balconies and terraces. They are planted in a permanent place in spring, in loose, sandy or loamy soil. If the plants are cultivated in group plantings, then a distance of 50-70 cm is left between them. For growing in pots of medium (15-18 cm) or large (25-30 cm) diameter, depending on the number of plants, use soil consisting of peat and fertile land (1:1), and apply a complex fertilizer from at the rate of 20 g per bucket of substrate. During the spring, once every 20-30 days, a complex mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 15 g per bucket. If your area is dominated by winds, the plants need support.

Location

In order for plants to form strong, they must be placed in an open sunny area.

Temperature

Kochia broom grows well in warm and moderately warm climates, and is resistant to high air temperatures.

Watering

Water regularly throughout the growing season.

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in March in boxes, which are then kept in a heated room at a temperature of about 15 °C. As soon as the seedlings grow up, they are thinned out. New plants are planted in the ground at the end of May. You can also sow seeds directly in the garden in April, then thin out the shoots.

Diseases

Plants of the genus Kochia are usually not susceptible to diseases and pest damage. The exception is growing in too heavy or waterlogged soil - the bushes rot. In order to prevent this, there is only one way - the choice of loose land and moderate watering.

Acquisition

Seeds can be purchased in specialized retail outlets, and potted seedlings can be purchased in horticultural centers and flower nurseries. When buying seeds, make sure that they are fresh, germinating.