Kandyk, or erythronium (Erythronium) belongs to the genus of perennial plants belonging to the Liliaceae family. In the wild, this flower is found in the highlands in the countries of North America, Europe, as well as on the Japanese islands. The genus name has Greek roots. The definition "kandyk" in translation from Greek means "dog's tooth". Today, many species are endangered and are included in the list of rare plant representatives of the flora. The genus has about 29 names. The breeders managed to adapt only a few specimens for cultivation.
Description of the kandyk flower
The height of erythronium stems can reach up to 30 cm. Occasionally longer flower stamps grow. The shape of the bulbs is cylindrical. Leaves are opposite with petiolate base. In some species, the leaf blades are painted in a solid green color, in others they are covered with dark spots. They are located near the peduncle, where a large perianth is formed, which consists of six multi-colored petals. It happens that several flowers form on the arrow. The flowering period is in mid-spring. After the flowers fall, an elongated seed capsule appears.
Planting erythronium in open ground
When is the best time to plant
Erythroniums, which are characterized by early spring flowering, are recommended to be planted in a plot located in the northern part of the garden. Here they will be protected by the shadow cast by the crown of trees and bushes. This moderate light is sufficient for the growth and formation of flowers. Later species prefer open and illuminated areas. Adhering to these recommendations, you can slightly delay the moment of flowering of early varieties, or increase the rate of formation of the ovary in late representatives of the kandyk.
The plant develops rapidly on peaty and wet types of soils with an acidic environment with an admixture of leafy soil, humus and sand. Before planting a flower on a site, it is enriched with mineral fertilizers, crushed chalk and bone meal.
For propagation of kandyk, seeds or bulbs are used. Species of American origin can reproduce exclusively by seed. Seed collection is carried out at the beginning of summer.
After ripening, the seed pods crack quickly, so you need to carefully monitor the opening and prevent the seeds from falling to the ground. The boxes are removed slightly unripe and then dried in a dry and ventilated room. The best time for planting bulbs and seeds is August.
How to plant correctly
Kandyk seeds are placed in shallow grooves, observing an interval of at least 5 cm from each planting material. After that, the grooves are covered with a thin layer of earth and watered. In regions where cold and frosty winters are often observed, it is recommended to cover the beds with crops.The emergence of seedlings is expected in the spring. After a month, the sprouts reach a length of about 4 cm. If during this time the seedlings will lag behind in growth, it is worth paying extra attention to watering and feeding. In the first year of life, bulbs with a diameter of 4 mm are formed, the next year - 7 mm. After three years, they take the shape of a cylinder and increase significantly in size. The flowering of erythroniums, which were grown from seeds, begins only 4-5 years after the formation of the first shoots. Before spring sowing, it is imperative to stratify the seeds in the refrigerator for 2 months, wrapping them in a plastic bag containing peat and wet sand.
Special conditions are imposed on bulbous flower cultivation, since certain types of kandyk have their own preferences. Bulbs of American varieties must be buried deeper in the ground than other types. At the end of planting, it is better to mulch the area with crops with any organic material and water thoroughly.
Kandyk care in the garden
Watering
Caring for a kandyk is very simple. The flower can do with little or no watering. Thanks to mulching, it is possible to avoid frequent loosening and the appearance of weeds.
Since erythronium belongs to the early spring flowering forms, there is enough natural moisture. Only under the condition of prolonged dry weather, the site is additionally moistened.
The soil
Periodically, loosening of the soil is carried out near the plantings. It is impractical to feed the soil in the first year, since there is still a sufficient amount of nutrients in the substrate. Mulching the site with peat or humus helps to retain moisture. Erythronium also needs fertilizing with mineral fertilizers used for decorative flowers.
Transfer
Adult kandyk plants that have reached the age of four or five are transplanted to a new place. To do this, the old bulbs are dug up and divided into parts. Transplant activities are carried out in July-August so as not to disrupt the growth of the kandyk. At this time, the leaves of the flower will turn yellow, and the bulbs, on the contrary, will get stronger. After the babies are disconnected from the mother's bulb, the surface of the fractures is smeared with coal powder. Next, the resulting material is planted in the grooves. Bulbs are not stored for long in the air. The scales dry out quickly and begin to fall off. It is allowed to store bulbs in wooden containers filled with damp sand, moss or peat.
Erythronium in winter
Kandyk demonstrates resistance to cold and frost, so it will survive without additional shelter. Nevertheless, experienced gardeners still recommend covering the area with erythronium in areas where severe and snowless winters prevail.
Diseases and pests
The flower is not afraid of diseases and insects. However, the crops are occasionally attacked by field mice, moles and bears. For preventive purposes, planting is done in different parts of the garden. Traps are used to catch pests. Moles and mice are lured with poisonous baits. To catch a bear, fresh manure is poured into the dug hole, where insects will quickly lay eggs. Homemade traps are covered with boards or pieces of slate. Soon, pests gather there, after which they can be destroyed.
Types and varieties of erythronium
Certain varieties of erythronium are in demand more than other types. Consider several popular types of kandyk:
Erythronium american - a flowering perennial that grows in temperate and subtropical latitudes in Canada and the United States. Some plant forms are able to climb even to a height of 1500 m. The bulbs are ovoid, elongated, the surface of the scales is spotty. The length of the leaves is about 20 cm, and the peduncles are 30 cm. The color of the perianth leaves is deep yellow.
Erythronium whitish - is found in the central American states and Canada.Lobeless perianth leaves are presented in pink or blue color.
Erythronium multistem - can be seen in warm regions in the southwestern United States. The plant has oval bulbs. Leaf blades are spotty. The upper part of the flowers is yellow and the lower part is orange. Pedicels are long.
Erythronium Henderson - one of the very first species that came to Europe. Prefers to grow in dry and spacious forests. The rhizome is small, the bulbs are oblong. The leaves are covered with dark spots. The height of the stem ranges from 10-30 cm. The color of the flowers is pale purple, the base of the buds is black.
Erythronium mountain - the area of growth affects the territory of the alpine meadows of the American states, located in the northwest. This is the highest representative of the kandyk with petiolate ovoid leaves and pink or snow-white flowers. Bracts are bright orange.
Useful properties of kandyk
Erythronium is an amazing herbal honey plant that contains sugars, vitamin E, acids and many nutrients. The honey collected from kandyk flowers has a light pleasant aroma and valuable medicinal properties. The tissues of the flower contain vitamins, enzymes and various emollients. It is recommended to use honey for severe coughs and fever. It is used in the cosmetic industry for the production of antiseptic honey water, which has a beneficial effect on the skin.
Erythronium bulbs are often used in traditional medicine. They contain traces of antispasmodics and higher alcohols. As an effective folk remedy, freshly harvested bulbs are used to treat epileptic seizures and prevent seizures. The leaves are edible, they are eaten fresh or pickled. It is good to rinse hair with deciduous broth. It perfectly strengthens and restores hair follicles.
Contraindications
The stamens of flowers are covered with pollen during flowering, the presence of which can provoke allergic reactions in people sensitive to this kind of irritants. Signs of allergy include a runny nose, redness of the tip of the nose and a rash on the skin. In this case, it is better to seek medical help immediately.
The plant's honey also poses some danger, since after its use in the body, the sugar level rises noticeably. For this reason, people with various forms of diabetes should be careful when choosing such a product. It is not recommended to take honey together with multivitamin tablets and dietary supplements, otherwise there will be a risk of hypervitaminosis.
