ADVERTISEMENTS:
After reading this article you will learn about the growing and management of annuals.
Growing of Annuals:
In general seeds of annuals are small and are sown in controlled space for better handling. Seeds are sown in pots, boxes and on raised nursery beds depending upon the quantity of seeds to be sown. These nursery beds are prepared 10- 15 cm above the ground. Width is kept about 1 m which facilitates the operation of weeding, watering and thinning.
The length of nursery bed should be about 2-3 meter. The soil should be well prepared by incorporating well rotten farmyard manure (10-15 kg/sq. m.). To check the infection of soil-borne diseases in nursery, soil should be drenched with 0.2% Brassicol or Captan solution. Soil can be sterilized by formaline (2%) and covering with polythene.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Small seeds are mixed with bulk material like sand for even distribution. Seeds are sown in lines which should be 5-6 cm apart and depth should be about 0.5 cm. The depth can be increased with the increase in size of seeds.
After sowing, seeds should be covered with sieved mixture of farmyard manure and soil. Watering should be done twice or thrice a day. The bed should be covered with newspaper or light cloth to ensure darkness which ensures better germination.
The outer surface of nursery beds should be dusted with 5% B.H.C. to check the entry of ants which otherwise carry away the seeds. The seeds start germinating within 2-3 days and then covering is removed. It takes about one month to grow the seedlings sufficiently and is ready for transplanting. By this time, they have 3-4 true leaves.
Preparation of Land and Transplanting of Seedling:
Before laying out the plan, land should be well prepared by digging or ploughing and mixing five kg. well rotten farmyard manure, 10g each of N, P2O5 and K2O per sq. m (40 g calcium ammonium nitrate, 62 g single super phosphate and 16 g of muriate of potash, respectively). It is advisable that before transplanting, light irrigation should be given which helps in better establishment of seedlings.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
According to plan, layout should be done. The seedlings should be transplanted in the cool hours of evening. The tall, medium and dwarf annuals are planted at the distance 30-40 cm, 15-20 cm and 10-12 cm respectively. After transplanting the seedling, watering should be done immediately.
Management of the Annuals:
These annuals are quite tender and require proper attention throughout their life. Regular weeding and hoeing is essential for the development of these seedlings into healthy plants. If weeds are not removed well in time they compete with the main plants, check the growth and affect the flower production.
Regular water supply is also essential for the successful growing of these annuals. It should be done according to the requirement which is influenced by season and soil type. In rainy season, generally irrigation is not required except during dry spell. If rains are not well distributed, irrigation should be done accordingly.
During winter season due to prevalence of low temperature frequent irrigation is not required but is done at the interval of 10-12 days. During summer season, frequent irrigations are required due to high temperature which should be done at an interval for 4-5 days. In light soil frequent irrigation is required than in heavy soil. One month after transplanting of seedlings, another dose of 10 g N (40 g calcium ammonium nitrate or 20 g urea) should be broadcast.
