Home » Gynecology » How to grow kochia at home. Kochia broom: growing seedlings, care, decorative and medicinal properties

How to grow kochia at home. Kochia broom: growing seedlings, care, decorative and medicinal properties

Kochia is an ornamental deciduous plant from the Chenopodiaceae family. Its homeland is East Asia and Africa, although already for a long time it is actively cultivated throughout the world. Kokhia is also popularly known as “summer Cyprus”, “bassia”, “izen”, “annual cypress”, “broom grass”, “prutnyak”. Slender, lush bushes provide great scope for creativity for gardeners. They are used to decorate fences, borders and flower beds. Its unpretentious nature allows even a beginner to master plant care.

Botanical description

Kochia is a perennial or annual ornamental crop with a rapidly growing crown. The genus includes herbaceous and subshrub forms. They acquire an attractive appearance already in early June and remain until the first frost. The average height of kochia is 60-80 cm. It consists of many thin, highly branched shoots along the entire length. At the base there is an erect woody stem.

Some people, when they first see kochia, attribute it to conifers. The reason for this is very narrow leaves that resemble needles. However, foliage, like upper part shoots are very soft and pleasant to the touch. The narrow leaves have short pubescence. Young kochia are covered with light green, emerald leaves, but within just a few months they change to pink and crimson.

In addition to decorative leaves, kochia has flowers, but the tiny buds do not attract attention. They gather in paniculate inflorescences in the axils of the apical leaves. After pollination, miniature nuts ripen. Each bears only one seed, which remains viable for two years.

Types and varieties of kochia

The genus Kochia has about 80 species. In our country, only a few of them are used in ornamental gardening.

An unpretentious and drought-resistant plant that forms spherical bushes. In autumn, the crown turns red and burgundy. The plant can withstand even slight frosts, so it will delight you with its decorative appearance until late autumn.

The variety forms slender, elongated bushes up to 1 m high and 50-70 cm wide. Narrow, pubescent leaves are light green in spring, and become burgundy by autumn. The plant prefers sunny areas and can grow in depleted soils.

Compact spherical bushes do not exceed 50 cm in height. The branching shoots are densely covered with light green foliage. It does not change color throughout the year.

Based on the listed species, breeders have developed several ornamental varieties:

Growing

Kochia is grown from seeds. They can be pre-planted as seedlings or directly in open ground. Kochia is sown for seedlings from the end of March to the end of April. For sowing, prepare shallow boxes that are filled with garden soil and sand. It is advisable to calcinate the soil before use. Moisten the soil and try to evenly distribute small seeds on the surface. They are pressed in with a board and not sprinkled. The container is left in a room with an air temperature of +18…+20°C. In order for seeds to germinate, sunlight must fall on them.

When shoots appear, the temperature should be lowered to +10°C. With the appearance of three true leaves, kochia is planted in small pots. You can plant 3 seedlings in each container with a diameter of 10 cm. At the end of May, when the spring frosts have passed, seedlings 10-15 cm high can be planted in open ground. Kochia loves space, so there should be a distance of 30 cm between the bushes.

It is allowed to sow kochia directly into open ground. This is usually done in the southern regions, in the second half of May. Autumn plantings are possible, then kochia will germinate after the snow melts. IN favorable conditions abundant self-seeding is observed. The seeds can withstand light frosts, but young shoots can die immediately from the cold. Before sowing, the flower bed should be dug up and a small amount of peat and sand added. The seeds are distributed on the surface and carefully watered. Shoots are expected in 10-12 days.

Rules of care

Caring for kochia is not difficult. The plant is very unpretentious and is distinguished by its vitality. However, it is important to choose the right place for it.

Lighting. In its natural environment, kochia is an inhabitant of rocky and desert areas. Well-lit areas suit her. You can grow kochia in partial shade, but then the bushes will no longer be so dense and will stretch out.

Soil. It is important that the soil is well drained and allows water and air to easily pass to the roots. It must have a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. The soil should be loosened and weeded several times a season. Low-lying areas that are subject to flooding are contraindicated for the plant. Root system Kochia needs space, so it is impossible to grow the flower in pots. As soon as the rhizome becomes crowded, the crown stops growing and flowers appear. The same problem occurs when there is insufficient distance between plants.

Watering. Kochia is a drought-resistant plant, so it can be content with natural precipitation. If the summer is too dry, the leaves begin to droop. In this case, watering will be beneficial.

Fertilizer. For active growth, kochia needs regular feeding. The first one is applied 2 weeks after planting. Next, fertilize the soil monthly with a solution of mineral fertilizers or organic matter. You can use mullein, as well as ash. Additional fertilizing is applied after each cutting so that the bush can recover faster.

Trimming. The kochia crown is so dense and uniform that it can be given any shape. It may not only be geometric shapes, but also complex garden sculptures. The shoots grow quickly enough, so you can cut them 1-2 times a month.

Plant in landscape design

Kochia is widely used in landscape design. Single plants are planted in the front flower bed and given the required shape. You can also create a whole ensemble of several bushes. In addition to the variety of forms, a combination of plants with different foliage colors gives a good effect. Group plantings of low-growing varieties are used for edging the lawn or decorating paths.

Kochias look great in rock gardens, rock gardens, against the background of tall stones or near fountains. Tall varieties can be used as hedges or for decorating outbuildings.

Emerald varieties are suitable for creating a brightly blooming background. Using group planting, you can create the effect of a vase in which flowers will bloom. tall plants with bright buds. Variegated varieties with crimson or purple foliage look better in the middle of the lawn.

Using kochia

In addition to its decorative function, kochia is used as a medicinal and fodder crop. IN folk medicine Young shoots and seeds are used. They are dried and used to prepare decoctions and alcohol tinctures. Medicines have the following effects:

diaphoretic;
diuretic;
laxative;
stimulating;
cardiotonic;
bactericidal.

Kochia preparations also help reduce the symptoms of eczema, erysipelas, and gonorrhea. In oriental medicine, creams are made from the shoots to strengthen nails and skin.

Young shoots of kochia after pruning can be given to livestock feed. On specialized farms they are used to raise silkworms. In some countries, young foliage is used in cooking for preparing first courses. There are known cases of using kochia to produce soda.

If you are looking for an unusual and at the same time easy-to-care plant for your garden, then kochia is one of them. Spectacular and similar to cypress columns, it will dilute the flower arrangement with lush greenery and give the garden a southern flavor.

Types of kochia

The genus Kochia includes about 80 unpretentious annual and perennial species. In nature, it grows in rocky and semi-desert areas. The plant can reach a height of 130 cm. The bush is covered with thin and long green leaves. In some varieties they turn red or burgundy in the fall. The flowers are unremarkable and not decorative.

About 10 species are used in cultural cultivation.

One of the most common - Kochia hairifolia. This is a densely leafy annual plant up to 120 cm high. The bushes have a beautiful oval shape and grow up to 50–70 cm wide. In autumn they change color to pink or purple.

Forms a compact bush. Good haircut. Grows up to 0.5 m. The leaves are light green and do not change color in autumn.

Kochia dense-flowered . Annual tall species. The bushes grow up to 1.3 m. They differ from other species in that when they bloom, long white fibers form around the base of the flowers.

Kochia wooliflora . A low-growing species with a height of 0.1–0.6 m. The plant is covered with curly hairs of a yellow-green color.

Low growing perennial plant. The height does not exceed 0.1–0.6 m. It has a powerful root system. Numerous shoots up to 70 cm long rise low and spread along the ground. By the end of summer, the bushes are covered with small inflorescences. Then the fibers on the stems begin to fall off, and the shoots themselves become brown.

Growing from seeds

Seeds for sowing must be fresh; they are not stored for a long time. Seeds retain maximum germination for 2 years. Therefore, when purchasing seeds, you must pay attention to the packaging and production time.

Kochia is sown for seedlings at the end of March. The containers are filled with a nutrient substrate; sand or vermiculite is added to it for looseness and moisture permeability.

The soil must be fresh, not previously used for seedlings of other crops. To prevent blackleg, containers are treated with an antiseptic and the ground is watered with a fungicide.

The soil is moistened and the seeds are spread over its surface. They need light to germinate, so they are not buried deeply, but lightly pressed into the ground or sprinkled with a thin layer of sand or soil. The crops are covered with plastic wrap, regularly ventilated and moistened. After the emergence of seedlings, the cover is removed from the boxes.

To germinate, seeds need an air temperature of 18-20°C. The first shoots appear after 7-10 days. To avoid the appearance of a black leg, the temperature is reduced to 10-15°C. Seedlings are watered moderately; the soil in the pots should be moist, but not wet. After 2-3 true leaves grow, the seedlings are planted in separate cups.

Choosing a location and soil on the site

Areas for kochia should be sunny and protected from the wind. Planting in light shade is allowed. With strong shading, the plant will branch weakly and the color of the leaves will turn red. Lowlands with close groundwater are not suitable for cultivation.

Kochia is planted on fertile soils that allow water and air to pass well to the roots. The acidity level should be close to neutral or slightly acidic. On poor soils, the bushes turn out to be low, inconspicuous, with dull leaves.

Before planting, the soil is dug up, humus and compost must be added to the soil at the rate of 10 kg per 1 sq. m. m. or nitrogen mineral fertilizers - ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonium sulfate.

Planting seedlings in open ground

Seedlings are planted in a permanent place when the air temperature is between 15-20°C. In terms of timing, the favorable time for the Middle Zone is the end of May - the beginning of June. Young and tender plants may be damaged by spring frosts.

Kochia loves free space. Bushes are planted in beds at a distance of 30-35 cm from each other. If the plantings will be used as a hedge, then the interval between plants is reduced to 10-15 cm. After planting, the plants are watered.

Sowing seeds in open ground

Kochia seeds are sown in spring or autumn.

When sowing in spring, small seeds are laid out on the surface of moist soil, slightly pressing them. The bed is covered with film until shoots appear. The emerging seedlings are grown to 10-15 cm and transplanted to permanent places.

Kochia reproduces well by self-sowing. If kochia seedlings are sensitive to spring frosts, then the seeds can overwinter in the soil without loss of germination. In autumn, the bushes are left in the garden bed. Ripe seeds will fall to the ground and sprout together in May. Excess shoots are pulled out, and strong seedlings are transplanted into beds.

Care

Watering

Kochia is drought-resistant; water it moderately, focusing on drying the top layer of soil. The plant needs more moisture during the rooting period and in hot weather. On such days, water the kohia more often, otherwise the bushes will become lethargic and drooping. It is better to water in the morning or evening to avoid leaf burns. The soil around the bushes, which has dried out after watering, is regularly loosened.

Top dressing

10 days after planting kochia seedlings in open ground, the first fertilizing is carried out. The optimal regime for summer feeding is once every two weeks. To do this, use complex mineral fertilizers with a predominance of nitrogen, ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride and superphosphate. It is useful to alternate root and foliar feedings . Good also herbal infusions from any weed. With this care, the foliage of the plant will be bright green and well-groomed.

Transfer

Is it possible to replant kochia? If you dig up an adult plant with a ball of earth, shorten the shoots and plant it in a new place, not forgetting to water it regularly, then it will take root. But it’s easier to propagate it by self-sowing or growing it through seedlings.

It is also not advisable to transplant kochia for growing at home. She loves a lot of space, the pot will be cramped for her and the foliage may turn red.

Trimming and cutting

Kochia tolerates pruning well. The plant is used to create vegetable borders and hedges. On kochia, novice gardeners can practice the skills of creating a variety of shapes: rectangular, oval, spherical.

To obtain a lush bush, pinch the tops of the shoots. Young and still tender bushes begin to be cut in June. The frequency of pruning is 1-2 times a month. After cutting, in order for the plant to regain its strength, fertilize with ammonium nitrate.

Shelter for the winter

Annual species have a short lifespan - only one summer season. In autumn, before frost, the plant is removed from flower beds.

Perennial species are prepared for wintering by protecting the bushes from freezing with any covering material. Before this, the shoots of kochia are shortened. In the spring, the shelter is removed after the onset of warming and there is no threat of frost.

Pests and diseases

Of the pests for kochia, the main danger is . It is difficult to see on the plant - it is a very small insect 0.3-0.4 mm long. But the signs of occurrence are easy to detect. Light spots from injections are visible on the leaves - the pest feeds on the sap of the plant. With severe infection, the tops of the shoots become covered with a thin web, the leaves turn gray and fall off. Spider mites are treated with insecticides.

Kochia roots are sensitive and, when over-moistened, are affected by various rots. At the seedling stage, a fungal disease is dangerous for the plant - .

The disease develops quickly and all seedlings can die in a short time. It is important to notice the first signs in time. In seedlings, dark spots-dents appear in places near the root collar. The stems become thinner and begin to rot.

If there are several affected plants, they are removed immediately. Stop watering until the soil dries out. The soil is sprinkled with calcined sand or vermiculite and spilled with a fungicide solution. If the disease continues to develop, then the remaining healthy plants need to be urgently pruned, replacing the soil.

Kochia has a diuretic, bactericidal, tonic effect and is used in medicinal purposes for rheumatism, skin inflammation.

Kochia creeping is used as a forage plant for livestock. For these purposes, it is specially grown in agricultural enterprises.

You will learn how to grow beautiful and lush kochia from the video.

Kochia is an ornamental deciduous plant from the Chenopodiaceae family. Its homeland is East Asia and Africa, although it has been actively cultivated throughout the world for a long time. Kokhia is also popularly known as “summer Cyprus”, “bassia”, “izen”, “annual cypress”, “broom grass”, “prutnyak”. Slender, lush bushes provide great scope for creativity for gardeners. They are used to decorate fences, borders and flower beds. Its unpretentious nature allows even a beginner to master plant care.

Botanical description

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Some people, when they first see kochia, attribute it to conifers. The reason for this is very narrow leaves that resemble needles. However, the foliage, like the upper part of the shoots, is very soft and pleasant to the touch. The narrow leaves have short pubescence. Young kochia are covered with light green, emerald leaves, but within just a few months they change to pink and crimson.

Types and varieties of kochia

The genus Kochia has about 80 species. In our country, only a few of them are used in ornamental gardening.

Compact spherical bushes do not exceed 50 cm in height. The branching shoots are densely covered with light green foliage. It does not change color throughout the year.

Based on the listed species, breeders have developed several ornamental varieties:

Growing

It is allowed to sow kochia directly into open ground. This is usually done in the southern regions, in the second half of May. Autumn plantings are possible, then kochia will germinate after the snow melts. In favorable conditions, abundant self-seeding is observed. The seeds can withstand light frosts, but young shoots can die immediately from the cold. Before sowing, the flower bed should be dug up and a small amount of peat and sand added. The seeds are distributed on the surface and carefully watered. Shoots are expected in 10-12 days.

Rules of care

Caring for kochia is not difficult. The plant is very unpretentious and is distinguished by its vitality. However, it is important to choose the right place for it.

Soil. It is important that the soil is well drained and allows water and air to easily pass to the roots. It must have a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. The soil should be loosened and weeded several times a season. Low-lying areas that are subject to flooding are contraindicated for the plant. The root system of kochia needs space, so it is impossible to grow the flower in pots. As soon as the rhizome becomes crowded, the crown stops growing and flowers appear. The same problem occurs when there is insufficient distance between plants.

Watering. Kochia is a drought-resistant plant, so it can be content with natural precipitation. If the summer is too dry, the leaves begin to droop. In this case, watering will be beneficial.

Trimming. The kochia crown is so dense and uniform that it can be given any shape. These can be not only geometric shapes, but also complex garden sculptures. The shoots grow quickly enough, so you can cut them 1-2 times a month.

Plant in landscape design

Kochias look great in rock gardens, rock gardens, against the background of tall stones or near fountains. Tall varieties can be used as hedges or for decorating outbuildings.

Emerald varieties are suitable for creating a brightly blooming background. Using group planting, you can create the effect of a vase in which tall plants with bright buds will bloom. Variegated varieties with crimson or purple foliage look better in the middle of the lawn.

Using kochia

In addition to its decorative function, kochia is used as a medicinal and fodder crop. Young shoots and seeds are used in folk medicine. They are dried and used to prepare decoctions and alcohol tinctures. Medicines have the following effects:

diaphoretic;
diuretic;
laxative;
stimulating;
cardiotonic;
bactericidal.

Kochia preparations also help reduce the symptoms of eczema, erysipelas, and gonorrhea. In oriental medicine, creams are made from the shoots to strengthen nails and skin.

Kochia is a favorite plant of many gardeners and ordinary flower lovers. Today this ornamental plant is very popular. This popularity is explained by the fact that kochia can gain splendor in a short time. In addition, the plant is well able to tolerate decorative pruning. Kochia is native to China. It was there that a large number of plant varieties were bred, which can take on absolutely any color during growth. The plant was brought to Europe in the 17th century by the botanist Koch. In this article we will talk about how to grow a flower such as kochia from seeds. You can also learn about when to plant and remember other important points.

It is worth saying that if you open special literature on floriculture, you will be able to see that this plant has a lot of names. For example, kochia can be called:

broom tree,
Basia,
Summer cypress.

Kochia is very similar to cypress. And if you look at these plants from afar, they can be confused. The plant is considered unpretentious. Minimal care is required for growth. Kochia can tolerate a lack of moisture and light shading. In favorable growing conditions, the plant can grow to a height of 1 meter.

How to grow kochia from seeds

Well, the time has come to talk about how to grow kochia from seeds at home. At the beginning, it is worth emphasizing that the seeds of the plant have a high degree of germination. And the vigor of growth allows the plant to reproduce by self-sowing.

Note! Pay attention to the expiration date of the plant seeds. Their shelf life should not exceed 1.5 years.

If you are going to sow the seeds in the ground, then choose the first days of May for this purpose. It is during these dates that frosts do not occur, and the plant is very afraid of them. In general, the plant can be sown until mid-July. Kochia grows very quickly. Therefore, she still has enough time to grow and please you. Of course, annual seeds will grow well in a place where there is a lot of light. When planting, it is not recommended to cover the seeds with soil. When planting, it is enough to press the seeds lightly into the soil, which should be moist. After which, the soil with the seeds must be covered with white covering material.

The covering material must be removed after a week or two. If it gets sharply cold, then leave the fabric. You need to remove it when warm weather arrives. When the first shoots appear, then the sprouts should be thinned out. Leave a distance of 10 cm between the plants. When the kochia becomes 15 cm long, it must be sent to a permanent place of growth. Kochia can also be sown before winter. But it is best to do sowing 2 weeks before the onset of frost. In another case, if done differently and in warm weather, the plants will germinate and simply die. If you sow kochia before winter, then place its seeds in shallow furrows and sprinkle with a thin layer of soil, which should be loose and fertile.

Features of growing seedlings for planting in open ground

In this section it is worth talking about how to grow kochia seedlings from seeds. Kochia seedlings are grown so that it becomes possible to acquire an ornamental plant very early that will decorate the garden plot. Seeds are sown for seedlings in March-April. But then it’s worth talking about how to grow seedlings step by step:

Prepare your garden soil. Add a small part of humus, river sand and peat to it.

Pour this soil into a container or box and be sure to moisten it.

Make shallow grooves or simply sprinkle the seeds on the ground. Cover the box with covering material. As a result, a special microclimate can be created.

Crops need to be provided with diffused light from the sun. Also, crops should be at room temperature.

Spray the soil daily to prevent it from drying out.

After a couple of weeks or one week have passed, the container with the seedlings should be moved to a place where there is more sunlight. If the plants are elongated, their tops should be trimmed.

If the plants reach a height of 5-7 cm, then they can be planted in peat pots. At the same time, do the work carefully. Try not to damage the clod of earth with roots.

It is recommended to water young kochia regularly and do one-time feeding, using any nitrogen fertilizers.

When the annual plant reaches a height of 15-20 cm, it can be planted in open ground. Be sure to plant kochia in loose soil and choose a sunny place for this purpose. You can also add sand, ash and a small amount of lime to the planting soil on very acidic soils. In order for kochia to reach its characteristic size, it is important to leave a distance of 30 cm between plants. And if you want to create a decorative fence from kochia, then the distance can be 15-20 cm.

Caring for kochia in open ground

Now you can learn about how to grow kochia seedlings. Now it’s worth talking about how to care for this plant. Remember that competent and regular care can make your kochia even more beautiful.

So, the most important condition in care is watering. It is not recommended to do it often enough. Kochia may suffer from precipitation. If the weather is dry, the kochia should be watered once a week. Do not allow moisture to stagnate. Remember that this phenomenon is more dangerous than drought. To keep the soil moist, use mulching with small crushed stone, decorative stones and bark.

Regular application of fertilizers will quickly restore autonomic system plants after cutting. In addition, thanks to fertilizers, the plant will look great. The feeding schedule should be as follows:

Active plant growth occurs one and a half months after sowing. If kochia is planted in open ground, then apply full mineral fertilizers ten days after germination.

After a month or a month and a half, the annual plant is fed with any mineral fertilizer in which nitrogen predominates.

After cutting and forming the bush, another fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizer is necessary, which will allow the leaves to grow quickly.

Pests and diseases of kochia. How to deal with them

So that kochia grows well in open ground Proper fit and quality care are required. It is worth noting that care activities should not be limited to watering and cutting. It is necessary to ensure that the kochia does not get sick and is not attacked by pests.

It is worth saying that various kinds of pests do not like kochia. That's why they avoid it. However spider mite Ik can still appear on kochia. If this happens, then the plant should be sprayed with a weak solution of an insecticide such as Nero. This drug very effective. The drug is diluted with 1 ml of product per 1 liter of water. You can get rid of this pest in one treatment.

At the seedling stage, the annual plant may be affected by a fungal disease called blackleg. As a result of this disease, the kochia stem at the base turns black and thins, and the seedling itself dies. As preventive measures gardeners cultivate the soil in the nursery. You can dust the ground with ash or spill it with a weak solution of manganese. It is also worth lowering the temperature in the room where the seedlings are located.

Features of decorative haircut

Kochia is considered an excellent processing object on which novice designers can train their skills. Many objects can be created from kochia by cutting. After pruning, the plant is able to maintain its shape for a long time and decorate any garden area. Designers identify the following haircut times:

A haircut is done every two weeks at any time of kochia growth.
Trimming is carried out at a time when the plant reaches maximum growth and development.

Note! Under no circumstances should pruning be done if the plant is in the seed formation stage.

Kochia and its use in landscape design

Gardeners plant summer cypress to make the landscape more decorative. You can plant not only single specimens, but also groups. Plants are planted as a hedge or border.

Kochia planting options:

Tapeworm - in a single copy among ground covering plants or on the lawn.
Group - as a background in flower beds or in a mixborder.
Alpine slide, rock garden - against the backdrop of large stones.
Border - as a hedge.
Topiary - as a plant for decorative cutting and crown formation.

Mistakes gardeners make in growing kochia

You could learn a lot from this article. And you probably realized that this annual is incredibly easy to grow. However, for this to happen this way, it is necessary to take into account some points. So, what to do if:

No shoots. Pay attention to the expiration date of the seeds.

Poor seed growth. This happened because the seeds were sown too deep. As a result, the seeds did not get enough sunlight.

The seeds do not germinate at the same time. The annual plant does not like deep sowing. But the seeds should not be on the surface either. Cover them with a layer of soil.

The seeds sprouted quite rarely. This happened because the seeds suffocated due to lack of fresh air.

The shoots turned out to be of different sizes and uneven. This occurs due to a violation of the temperature regime. The room should not be too hot.

Kochia and its use

In addition to its decorative qualities, kochia can be used as food for farm animals. Brooms are also made from it. The plant can be used in folk medicine. It is used to prepare medicines, which can be used in the treatment of many diseases. Such diseases include:

Inflammation;
Eczema,
Heart diseases.

Kochia is the most common type of plant, which is often used in garden plots. And there is no need to be surprised by this. Landscape compositions using this plant will not lose their attractiveness until late autumn.