Content
- Nervous or easy? The care of the thimble
- Which propagation method has proven itself?
- How important are the casting and fertilizing?
- How and when should you cut thimble?
- Pests and diseases: potential hazards?
- Is it necessary to overwinter the thimble?
- Tips & Tricks
Nervous or easy? The care of the thimble
He is planted in no time. But what will follow next? Is the thimble heavily in need of care or does it get along well without help? Here are the answers to the most important care questions.
Previous article Find a good location for thimbleWhich propagation method has proven itself?
Foxglove does not have to be replanted every year. This biennial plant likes to multiply on its own. When their seeds get the chance to mature, they germinate in spring. Alternatively, sowing can take place selectively in spring or summer. The seeds (light and cold germs), can be sown directly in the field or in pots / bowls are preferred.
How important are the casting and fertilizing?
The thimble attaches importance to regular watering when it is protected from rainstorms. As a moisture-loving plant, he loves water in abundance. Several times a week, he should therefore be supplied with rainwater (like no lime). For a short time he tolerates periods of drought. With fertilizer he is content with it, if he is supplied in the spring with a complete fertilizer.
How and when should you cut thimble?
If you do not want the foxglove to multiply, you should cut off the faded stems. The cut is done with pruning shears to the ground. Usually the cut can be done in autumn (second year of life of the plant).
Pests and diseases: potential hazards?
Pests usually keep away from it because of its toxicity. But diseases can be dangerous to him. To recognize such cases among others:
The diseases that affect the thimble are usually powdery mildew, leaf spot and root rot. The causes are predominantly a too wet substrate, a calm, too short planting distance as well as an insufficient nutrient content of the soil.
Is it necessary to overwinter the thimble?
The usually two-year-old thimble does not necessarily winter. He is sufficiently frost hardy in this country. Only in rough locations is frost protection recommended, for example in the form of a cover of leaves or bark in the root area.
Tips & Tricks
Gladly, a light mulch cover made of bark can be spread over the root area of the thimble. This mulch cover imitates a protective forest floor and the thimble needs to be watered and fertilized less frequently.