Farmer's orchids: plants, care & varieties

When is the blooming season of farmer's orchids? Do farmer's orchids differ in their care from normal orchids? We have the answer and will introduce you to the most beautiful varieties.

Botanically, farm orchids and orchids are unrelated. Visually, however, the decorative, symmetrical flowers of the farmer's orchids can definitely keep up with the flowers of their namesake.

Farmer's orchids: flowering time, properties and origin

farm orchids (Schizanthus x wisetonensis) belong to the genus of fissures (schizanthus) in the nightshade family (Solanaceae

). They were introduced as hybrids in Europe around 1900 by crossing two other species of fissures, Schizanthus grahamii and Schizanthus pinnatus, bred. The wild ancestors of the farmer's orchids originally come from Chile. Peasant orchids grow up to 40 cm high and have a slightly pyramidal habit. From May to September numerous small flowers are formed, which depending on the variety are intense pink, red, white or multicolored, e.g. B. bloom in violet and white. The multicolored varieties have a yellow-black to yellow-red center. The five petals are arranged symmetrically, creating two mirror-like halves. The leaves are pinnate and have a roughly toothed leaf margin. Its intense green harmonises beautifully with the colorful blossoms.

Are farm orchids bee friendly?

The pretty flowers of the farmer's orchids are not only a feast for the eyes, they are also an attractive source of food for bees and other insects.

Are farm orchids hardy?

Due to their origin, farmer's orchids are adapted to cold and tolerate temperatures down to -7 °C as long as a frost period does not last too long. But even if they are considered conditionally hardy under the local climatic conditions and can survive the winter, farm orchids do not form new flowers in the following year. These are annual ornamental plants that need to be sown anew every year.

Farmer's orchids: These are the most beautiful varieties

In the trade, the seeds of the farmer's orchids are usually offered as a colorful mixture of different varieties. In nurseries and garden centers, however, pre-grown orchid plants are also offered. The monochrome white farmer's orchids, which are traded under the name 'Pure White', look particularly simple and elegant. Of the multicolored varieties, e.g. B. 'Scarlet bicolor' and 'Lilac bicolor'. Their flowers appear in intense shades of red or in a bright violet in combination with white and the yellow center of the flower.

Planting farmer's orchids: when, where and how to proceed

Due to their origin, farm orchids are quite insensitive to heat and cold and can be planted both in the flower bed and in a pot on the balcony. The plants can be placed in flower boxes as early as mid to late May; they should only be placed in the flower bed from mid-April. Since the farmer's orchids can withstand temperatures down to -7 °C without any problems, there is normally no risk of damage from late frosts. In terms of location, farm orchids are relatively undemanding. You prefer one sheltered, sunny to semi-shady spot, but also feel comfortable in the shade. A permeable, nutrient-rich substrate such as our peat-free one is suitable for planting in planters Plantura organic potting soil. It is also important that the planter has a drainage hole so that excess water can drain off and there is no waterlogging. In the flower bed, the permeability of the soil can be increased by mixing some sand into the soil. The distance between the plants should be approx. 20 cm are observed.

Tip: In the flower bed, a sufficient distance should be kept from neighboring plants so that the foliage is well ventilated. Dew and rain must dry quickly, otherwise damage from fungal diseases can occur.

Caring for farmer's orchids: you should pay attention to this

Farmer's orchids have a high water requirement and must be watered regularly. Make sure that the substrate never dries out completely. If the top 2 cm feel dry, you should reach for the watering can and give the plants some water. The flowers and leaves should remain as dry as possible. The nutrient requirements of farm orchids are also high. It should be refilled regularly so that the plants continue to produce new flowers throughout the growing season. A liquid flower fertilizer such as our purely organic one is suitable for this Plantura organic flower & balcony fertilizer optimal. It provides your flowers with a balanced nutrient ratio and thus offers the best conditions for lush blooms. Put the liquid fertilizer in a watering can every 1 to 2 weeks in a dosage of 3 to 5 ml per liter of water and then fertilize the farm orchids with the irrigation water.

To keep the plants stimulated to form new flowers, a Pruning recommended after the first flowering phase. To do this, remove the faded flowers around mid-June and shorten the plants to about a third of their height. The plants should also be trimmed a little on the sides. After the second flowering, you can cut back again. A fertilizer application after the pruning measures gives the farmer's orchids strength for new growth.

Propagating farm orchids with seeds

Farmer's orchids can be propagated generatively via seeds. Harvest the seeds in fall and store in a cool, dark, dry place. Next spring, the young plants can be grown indoors from March. To do this, fill seed trays or small pots with substrate and sow the farm orchid seeds at a sowing depth of approx. 0.5cm out. Ours is a suitable substrate, for example Plantura Organic Herb & Seed Soil very good. Place the jars in a sheltered, bright place out of direct sunlight. At a temperature of approx. The seeds germinate at 15 °C and continuous moistening with a spray bottle. When the plants are a few centimeters high, they can be pricked out, i.e. carefully separated and replanted about 20 cm apart. Alternatively, the seeds can also be sown directly into a seedbed in the garden in April. They germinate within approx. 3 weeks. When the seedlings are strong enough, they can be pricked out and the young plants then planted in their designated places.

tip: When the young plants are approx. When you reach 10 cm, you should cut out the tips. This encourages them to tiller and achieve bushier growth.

If you are looking for other bee-friendly plants for the balcony, we recommend our special article on the subject bee friendly balcony plants.