It has be the right soil, not too sandy, not too heavy, not stony, doesn't flood and drains well. Rich in organic matter to support a healthy root system. Fertilization may be necessary to supply essential nutrients.
It has to be the right position, not too shady, not too open or hot and not to exposed to wind. Some plants may require 6 hours of sunlight while shade loving plants thrive best away from direct sunlight.
The temperature has to be right, Antirrhinums like a cool temperature to germinate, while Zinnias, Petunias prefer a warmer temperature. Daily temperatures also affect growth. In spring time gardeners will protect certain plants at night if a dip in temperature is forecast.
Water is essential, and it has to be consistent and adequate, as it acts as a solvent for nutrients and supports photosynthesis. But over watering can cause root rot, while under watering stresses the plants and reduces flowering.
So if your gardening isn't flowering, you got it wrong!
But ............ this California Poppy, arrived while the daffodils were dying down and despite the fact, it hasn't been watered, is in a scrappy bit of soil at the edge of the grass, faces south, so in the heat of the day in these searing temperatures, it has survived and not only continued to flower, but the blooms have increased from 4 originally to these, 20 plus!.
10 comments:
What a nice surprise. Yes, Nature always wins.
Californian poppies are so pretty and with the weather we are having perhaps we should all sow more drought tolerant plants.
Yes, Nature always wins through...
All the best Jan
I'm already thinking of what seeds I shall scatter into the patio tubs once the extension is done... love in a mist, nasturtium, calfornia poppies, erigeron...
No wonder why I have trouble growing things. So much to know. :)
Isn’t it amazing how the poppy just decided to thrive on its own terms? Sometimes the plants we don’t fuss over end up being the most generous. Twenty blooms from a scrappy corner feels like nature’s little victory dance!
I'm glad nature wins out in the end. We had a surprise poppy in one of our raised beds in the front garden too. It is in a very exposed place with dry soil and blazing sunshine. Also we haven't watered it at all. And yet it has survived neglect and is putting on a pretty show for us. It sounds like it's doing as well as your lovely poppies and making us all smile.
You certainly nailed all the variables and essentials to growing any kind of plant! And how often we fail, even if we do our best to please the persnickety ones! And then something like your poppies just shows up and shines with no help from us!
Looks like the California poppies found a spot that had their ideal growing conditions. :)
Post a Comment