Wishbone plant is a profuse blooming
annual flower that starts flowering early in the season and the plant keeps up
the show through fall, with just minimal deadheading. Wishbone plants are
deer-resistant and they are attractive to hummingbirds. Wishbone plant is a
good choice for borders. Below is the basic information about the plant;
The botanical name: The botanical name
is Torenia Fournieri.
The common name: The common names are
wishbone flower, bluewings.
The plant type: Wishbone plant is an annual flowering plant.
The mature size: The mature size is
about 6 to 12 inches tall, and also 6 to 9 inches wide.
The sun exposure: This plant does
well in partial shade, full shade.
The soil type: The plant prefers a Loamy,
well-drained soil.
The soil pH: The soil pH is between 6.0
to 6.5.
The blooming time: The blooming time is
June to frost
The flower Color: The flower Colors
are white, blue-purple, pink with yellow markings.
The native Area: Wishbone plant is
native to Asia.
How to grow Wishbone plant
You can start wishbone plant seeds
about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Wishbone plant does not actually
transplant well, so you need to start the seeds in peat or paper pots. Make
sure you don’t cover the seeds with soil because they need light to germinate.
Make sure you keep the soil moist and relatively warm, around 70 degrees
Fahrenheit until the seeds germinate.
The light requirement: Wishbone plants are adaptable to many locations. Just make sure the
ideal spot gets morning sun and afternoon shade. By peradventure if you are planting
in a location that is very hot, lean toward putting the plant in a shady
location.
The soil requirement: Wishbone plants are not particular about soil pH, although they do prefer
it to be slightly acidic between 6.0 and 6.5, if possible. The ideal soil for
planting is a loamy, rich, moist, and well-drained soil. When planting the wishbone
plants, make sure you dig in 1 to 2 inches of compost to improve the quality.
Water requirement: Make sure you keep the soil of the wishbone plants moist but not soggy.
Wishbone plants are susceptible to root rot.
Temperature requirement: Wishbone plants grow best in 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day
and about 65 to 70 degrees at night. While
the wishbone plant is growing, cooler temperatures in the morning will really help
the plant to prevent stretch. Wishbone plants are classified as a warm-weather
annual, the plant does not prefer hot or humid weather.
Fertilizer requirement: To actually keep wishbone plants prolific and blooming, you can provide
the plant with a balanced, all-purpose plant food every 2 to 3 weeks. You can aim
for a 10-10-10 balance or 20-20-20 balance. If you are feeding the plant with
liquid fertilizer, you can fertilize the plant twice a month throughout the
growing season with a ratio of a tablespoon of fertilizer concentrate with a
gallon of water.
Pruning the plant: Actually deadheading wishbone plants is not really necessary, although
picking off spent blossoms can really encourage more growth. If the wishbone
plants really look scraggly, you can clip it back to about half its height.
Pest and disease control: Wishbone plants are attacked by botrytis disease; you can remove the
affected plant and ensure that there is good air circulation around the plants.
Wishbone plants are also affected by powdery mildew; you can prune the affected
areas and also use an appropriate fungicide. Wishbone plants are also attacked
by aphids; Aphids are tiny insects that spread disease as they feed on the
bottom of the plant leaves, you can use insecticidal soap or you can wash them
off with a strong spray.
Post a Comment