Doll (Agrostemma) is an annual herb of the Clove family. In botany, it is often found under the name agrostemma, which translated from Greek means "wreath of the field." Gardeners also call the cockle a torus, a field carnation or a puppet path. The plant with thin leaves and bright inflorescences grows in the center and south of Europe.
Due to the fact that the cockle plant does not require special care, it is easy to grow in areas with moderate climatic conditions. It belongs to sun-loving grasses, therefore it prefers an area with open meadows and fields. The plant is actively used as a decorative element of landscape design. Looks interesting in mass plantings. Malachite greens are covered with delicate flowers of lilac and pink hues.
Doll: plant description
The height of the cockle stems can, on average, reach from 30 to 80 cm. The root system of the herbaceous annual consists of a central rod-type root with adventitious branches, which are covered with a pale gray skin with small hairs. Several shoots appear in the upper part of a single straight stem. The plant has numerous narrow leaves of a dark green hue, which are covered with silvery villi and can be up to 15 cm long. The petioles are absent, the leaves have a consistent type of arrangement.
During the flowering period, which lasts the entire summer period, simple inflorescences, consisting of five petals, bloom on the stems. The size of the flowers can be about 5 cm, while they are virtually devoid of any noticeable aroma. The color of the petals can have a rich palette: purple, purple or lilac. The flowers are characterized by a darker border, which becomes less saturated towards the core. In the center are light-colored stamens and an ovary.
The end of the generative period occurs at the end of August, when fruits are formed in the form of multi-seeded capsules. Under the rough cover there are 5 lobes filled with black oval seeds. Their size ranges from 2 to 3.5 mm.
An ornamental plant is actively planted in personal plots. Despite the beauty of the annual, the cockle is considered to be a weed. If he begins to come across on pastures, then livestock have problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the high toxicity of seeds, its ingestion into pet food can lead to serious diseases.
Features of growing a cockle
Just like other annual plants, the cockle is grown using seeds. Their regenerative abilities remain unchanged for 8 years. In the early spring months, you can start planting seeds directly into the ground. It is also allowed to plant a doll in late autumn. For this, pits are prepared with a depth of about 3 cm, although, according to some reports, sprouts can hatch even through 7 cm of soil. Sow several seeds at once.
Sprouts germinate if the ground warms up at 12-16 ° C heat. Development occurs 1-2 weeks after planting the seeds. Over time, the sprouts need to be thinned so that there is 15-30 cm between them. If the stem has reached 8-12 cm, then you can dig it up together with the ground and plant it.
Caring for a doll
Caring for a doll is not particularly difficult. The plant is well accepted in sandy or clay type soil. But the most favorable are alkaline and neutral soils. To create the most favorable conditions, experienced gardeners advise how to loosen the soil immediately before sowing. Sand should be added to heavy soils. Good seedlings are obtained in areas with calcareous soil.
To ensure active flowering, you need to give preference to places with good illumination. The development process will be more intensive on sunny lawns. If you do not provide optimal conditions for caring for the pupa, the stems will be taller and weaker. There will be fewer leaves and buds.
The cockle grows best in warm climates. High air temperatures are suitable, and the summer heat is not harmful. Only after the onset of severe cold weather with frost do the leaves begin to wither. If the winter is mild, then the plant may bloom next year. But since at the same time it will not be so beautiful, it is customary to use it only as an annual plant.
Types and varieties of cockle with a photo
During the study, two types of cockle were identified: ordinary and graceful.
Common doll (Agrostemma githago)
In height, the branched stem reaches from 50 cm to 1 m. It diverges into many thin processes with fleecy leaves of opposite arrangement, which grow together at the base. A bell-shaped flower calyx about 5 cm in size grows in their sinuses. It consists of five separate petals. They connect at the core and are located on the peduncle. Shades can be different: dull lilac, burgundy, sometimes white. From the middle, thin, ray-like lines, alternating with veins, diverge. The flowering period begins in June and ends in July. With sunrise, the petals open, and in the afternoon they close tightly.
Florists are offered to decorate their flower beds with a variety of varieties of field carnations. The most common varieties include:
- Milas - with lush petals resembling fuchsia in color;
- Milas Seris - decorated with dark purple buds;
- Sakuragai - with medium-sized corollas of a milky white hue.
It is recommended to plant them in small groups.
Graceful doll (Agrostemma gracilis Boiss)
This species is characterized by tall, slightly branched stems that cover small pointed leaves. The tops of the shoots are decorated with large inflorescences ranging in size from 5 to 7 cm. Their color varies from pink to lilac. Purple veins are visible on the light base of the petals. Soft petals of delicate shades bloom from June to September. On the dark green blanket of the meadows, they flutter like shy moths.
The healing properties of the cockle
Due to the high content of toxic substances in the seeds of the plant, the cockle can be used for medicinal purposes only under the supervision of a doctor. Eating large doses can lead to stomach and intestinal malfunction, destruction of red blood cells, heart problems, and seizures.
In a special dosage, the annual has anthelmintic, sedative, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional medicine suggests treating stomach diseases, colds and stopping uterine bleeding with the help of a cockle.
Doll in landscape design
For their simplicity and elegance, cockle flowers are actively used to improve lawns, lawns and flower beds. The annual is combined with black beetles, forget-me-nots, kaleria and ornamental cereals.The plant fits perfectly into bouquet arrangements and can stay fresh for up to two weeks.
