Extend the flowering period
Summer is the highlight of the Heyday of Cape basket achieved. The flowers shoot up. After the first appearance, the withered flowers should be cut away - even before the fruit / seed heads develop. That saves the perennial strength.
also read
- Flowering time: when do cape baskets ignite their fireworks?
- Why and how to hibernate the cape basket
- Cutting the lead root - when, how and why?
Next, there is a rest period for several weeks. Do not be surprised! The second flowering phase begins in late summer or Early autumn and lasts into October, depending on when the first frost sets in.
Prune back in autumn - preparation for wintering
The second pruning takes place in autumn. After the flowers have passed due to the frost, the cap daisy is cut down to 1/3 of its size. Then it can be set in. This pruning is useful, as the plant can therefore be used in winter wintering has to supply fewer leaves with water and nutrients.
Cut away shoots that have formed in spring over winter
As spring approaches, it's time to slowly get the cape basket used to the sunlight again. This evergreen plant has often formed new shoots and leaves over the winter. You should now cut this hand-high. This is followed by a brisk new growth.
Is the cape basket suitable for vase cutting?
You can cut off the freshly opened flowers and put them in a vase. They are well suited for the vase cut. It is best to cut them off in the early morning hours and renew the vase water daily so that the flowers last a long time.
Cutting to obtain cuttings
If you want to increase the cape basket:
- in spring or summer
- Select and cut off strong shoots
- Minimum length 10 cm
- remove lower leaves
- half in Potting soil stick and keep moist
- put in a warm place
- Rooting after a few weeks
Tips
If the shoots of the cape basket are heavily attacked by aphids, it is advisable to cut off the infected parts so that the pests do not spread to other parts.