Myrtle is a perennial evergreen ornamental plant, endowed not only with beauty, but also with numerous healing properties. Its decorative qualities have been known since the days of Ancient Greece. In the 20th century, the plant was deservedly called a natural healer for its ability to fight various types of microbes, including the tubercle bacillus.
At the beginning of the 19th century, several new varieties of common myrtle (Myrtus communis) were bred in the course of breeding work. Their innovation is that they can withstand short-term subzero temperatures (about 15 degrees below zero).
It is recommended to grow myrtle in the open field in regions with a temperate climate and mild winters with the lowest possible air temperature of about 8 degrees below zero.
Myrtle care rules
Lighting
Indoor myrtle needs full lighting. Bright light for 10-12 hours without direct sunlight is the plant's requirements. In the autumn and winter period, additional illumination with fluorescent lamps will be required.
Air humidity
The plant reacts negatively to drought and dryness of the soil, as well as to an excess of moisture in the soil. In the autumn-winter period, when various heating devices are working, the air in the room becomes dry. So that the plant does not suffer from this, it is necessary to spray 3-5 times a week or 1 time a day.
Soil composition
The optimal composition of the soil mixture for growing myrtle is soil (you can take forest, leaf or turf), humus and sand in the same amount, and approximately 10-20% of the volume of the flower container should be perlite.
Perlite or vermiculite helps to maintain a moderate level of moisture in the soil with an excess or lack of moisture during irrigation. The presence of a drainage layer in the container with the plant is also required.
Propagation of myrtle by seeds
This method of reproduction is simple, but the flowering of the myrtle tree will come only after 4-5 years. Seed germination depends on their age. Freshly harvested material has the highest germination percentage, and with each subsequent year this figure decreases several times, since the seeds lose germination energy.
Planting boxes or other containers for planting seeds should be wide, but not deep - from 7 to 10 cm. It is recommended to deepen the seeds only 3-5 mm. You can scatter them over the surface, and then grind them with a small layer of soil. The landing containers must be placed in a warm room at room temperature, after having covered them with glass.
The appearance of seedlings can be expected in 10-15 days, and the pick should be carried out after 2-3 leaves appear on the seedlings. The first complex feeding - after 30 days. When transplanting, the root collar should remain above the ground.
Seed propagation can be started at any time of the year, provided there is sufficient lighting and humidity levels.
As I understand it, the seeds should be immediately planted in the ground under the greenhouse?