Characteristics of the Bessera plant, rules for growing in the open field, advice on reproduction, difficulties in cultivation (diseases and pests), species. Bessera belongs to the monocotyledonous plant family Asparagaceae. You can meet these representatives of the flora in the territory of the American states, as well as in Texas and Mexico. They often grow there at an altitude of about 1,500 meters above sea level. In this genus, scientists have counted only two varieties, of which the species is especially popular - Bessera elegans. Some other plants that were previously part of the Besser genus are now reclassified under other genera, which include Androstephium, Drypetes, Flueggea, Guapira and Pulmonaria.
| Family name | Asparagus |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Growth features | Herbaceous, bulbous |
| Reproduction | Seed and vegetative (division of an overgrown bush) |
| Landing period in open ground | Seeds are sown in May |
| Disembarkation scheme | Distance between seedlings up to 20 cm |
| Substrate | Lightweight and moisture permeable, sandy or loamy |
| Soil acidity (pH) | 6, 1–7, 8 |
| Illumination | Open area, brightly lit but shaded from direct sunlight |
| Moisture indicators | Moisture stagnation is harmful, watering is moderate, drainage is necessary |
| Special Requirements | Unpretentious |
| Plant height | 0.5-0.6 m |
| Color of flowers | Coral, purple, |
| Type of flowers, inflorescences | Umbrella |
| Flowering time | August-October |
| Decorative time | Summer-autumn |
| Place of application | Rabatki flower beds, rock garden, garden containers, bouquets |
| USDA zone | 5–9 |
This representative of the green world received its scientific name in honor of the Austrian-Russian scientist who was engaged in botany and entomology, while he was a doctor of medicine - Wilibald Gotlibovich Besser (1784-1842). But on the territory of European countries, you can often hear how the plant is called "coral drops" because of the color and shape of its flowers.
All Bessera are bulbs and can grow for many years. The outlines of the corms are spherical, its diameter does not exceed 2.5 cm. The plant can reach a height of 50-60 cm in height. The stems are hollow inside, their surface is sinewy. The leaves of a flower usually grows 2-3 pieces, they are mainly located in the root zone, forming a rosette, as they are located mainly almost horizontally. At the same time, the leaf plates are formed long and narrowed, linear or cylindrical, their length is 25-60 cm. The color is a rich green hue, which is favorably combined with the opening bright flowers.
When the herbaceous plant Bessera blooms, rather decorative flowers form, the corollas of which very much resemble bells. They are crowned with flowering stems, which originate from the middle of the leaf rosette and can form 6-10 units. While the buds are not yet open, their outlines are drop-shaped, drooping. Their length does not exceed 2, 2 cm. There are 6 shares in the perianth. A little later, their tops protrude, and at the base there is splicing, then the flower takes the form of a bell.
Usually the petals have a rich coral hue on the outside, their keel is green in color, there may be a white or reddish stripe inside. There are varietal varieties with a purple tint of the corolla. The color of the stamens is bright, red, at the base they grow together, forming a whitish column. Anthers of a gentle grayish-blue tone. The pistil in the corolla is crimson. From these flowers, inflorescences are formed in the form of an umbrella, in which there are from 4 to 10 buds. The buds are attached to the pedicels, which vary in length in the range of 2.5-4 cm.
After flowering, the fruits of Bessera ripen, which take the form of a small box filled with seeds. When fully ripe, the capsule opens, and the seed material spills out onto the soil next to the mother plant, although some are picked up by the wind and carried to a short distance. Seed germination is low, so a very small number of them germinate.
The flowering process in Bessera begins at the end of summer and stretches almost until the end of October, so the garden is decoratively decorated with its bright flowers, when many other plants have already grown pepper and went into dormancy. Recommended for growing in flower gardens and rockeries. Mostly collectors of garden flora are fond of this flower. If there is a desire to decorate balconies or terraces with such plantings, then they can be cultivated in garden containers. Flowers in bouquets have shown themselves well, so florists use them for cutting.
Bessera: care and planting of a herb in the open field
- Landing place. "Coral drops" prefer well-lit flower beds, but it is better to create a shade in the summer from direct sunlight. It is important to remember that sufficient lighting (west, east or south location) will encourage abundant flowering. If the herbaceous plant Bessera is planted in open ground with full shade, then its growth will be inhibited.
- Growing temperature. The most favorable conditions for the growth of this plant are considered indicators in the range of 19-21 degrees. Since Bessera does not tolerate frosts, it is recommended to cover it with a special material (for example, spunbond) for the winter.
- Watering. Bessera is a herbaceous plant and prefers abundant soil moisture in the summer months. But it is important not to bring moisture to stagnation, since waterlogging will quickly destroy the corms. As soon as the topsoil dries up, then watering is necessary. In the summer months, when it is especially hot, humidification is performed every 3 days a week.
- Air humidity. For "coral droplets" the most suitable humidity is in the range of 55–65%. But if on summer days it is too dry and hot, then it is recommended to spray with cool water.
- Landing Bessera herbaceous plant in open ground is mainly carried out at the end of spring, when return frosts have already passed and young seedlings or cuttings will not be destroyed. Usually, up to 20 cm should be left between the holes. In this case, the depth of the hole directly depends on what exactly is planted. If seedlings are placed in the hole, then the hole is dug out to the size of the earthen coma and a little deeper, so that when watering and compaction, the roots do not end up on top. The planting depth of the corm depends entirely on its size and is usually up to two diameters of the planting material. To avoid waterlogging of the soil, drainage is laid at the bottom of the hole.
- The choice of soil for planting. A lightweight substrate with good water permeability is suitable for growing "coral drops". Loam or sandy loam soils are suitable. In order for the plant to receive at first a sufficient amount of nutrients into the substrate before planting, it is necessary to apply a complete complex fertilizer, such as "Kemira Universal".
- Fertilize Besser it is necessary during the growing season 3-4 times, while it is important to remember that organic matter is categorically contraindicated. The plant responds best to the introduction of complex mineral preparations, such as diamofoska and nitrophoska. As a microfertilizer, you can use the "Master" tool. But many growers recommend reducing the dosage 2-3 times from that indicated by the manufacturer, so that greenery does not build up to the detriment of flowering.
Besser breeding tips
Such a herbaceous plant with "coral drops" flowers can be obtained both by seed and vegetative method - by dividing a bush or planting corms.
When breeding Bessera by seeds at the end of February, you can grow seedlings. Before planting, it is recommended to soak the seed material in a solution that stimulates germination (it can be heteroauxinic acid or similar preparations, strictly following the specified instructions). All due to the fact that seed germination is very low. If you cannot get the stimulant, then experienced growers advise using the juice obtained from the leaves of aloe. The recipe is simple: in a glass of water, you can dilute 2-3 drops squeezed out of the leaf, but so that the liquid is not "snotty" consistency, the leaves are kept for 2-5 days on the refrigerator shelf. After receiving such a product, the seeds are dipped into a container and left there for up to 10 minutes. Then they are removed and placed between two small layers of moistened cotton wool (you can use cotton pads) and wrapped in a plastic bag. This will help keep the humidity high when germinating Bessera seeds.
At the same time, a time is expected when miniature sprouts will hatch at the seeds, periodically checking the wrapped seed material, and you can plant them in containers filled with a moist and loose substrate. The soil mixture is made up of peat, humus and river sand, but you can use any ready-made commercial soil for flowers. As a container for planting, both ordinary seedling boxes and containers with cups squeezed out at the base are used.
Besser seeds are planted very carefully so as not to damage the sprouts. To do this, flower growers use toothpicks, which guide the seeds into the prepared holes in the soil. Seeding is carried out to a depth of no more than 5 mm. The distance between the holes is kept 3-4 cm. After the seeds are placed in the soil, they are covered slightly with the same composition. To maintain moisture, the container with crops is covered with a piece of glass or wrapped in transparent polyethylene. A place is allocated for the seedling container on the sill in the south direction.
Watering the crops is done very carefully and only if necessary, the soil slightly dried up on top serves as a guide. In this case, it is important that the water in the container does not stagnate. For this, drainage holes are initially made in the bottom for the outflow of excess moisture. Even with proper care, the seeds sprout very uncomfortably.
When all these recommendations are followed exactly, then when growing seedlings in separate pots, diving of seedlings is not required. If young Bessera are in a common box, then using a teaspoon, they can be transplanted separately into peat cups using the same substrate. Care for the seedlings in the future will consist in the fact that irrigation should be carried out in a timely manner, and the heat indicators are maintained within 18-20 degrees. The lighting level should be adequate, but not in direct sunlight.
Before the seedlings of Besser are planted in open ground (in about two weeks), they must be hardened. First, the seedlings are taken out into the street during the day for an hour, then for half an hour longer and gradually bring this time to around the clock. The best time to plant on a flowerbed is May, and a warm and fine day is chosen.
If the seedlings are grown in peat cups, then they are simply transferred to the prepared hole, otherwise, the plant is removed and they try to set it in the ground without disturbing the earthen lump. It is recommended to carry out a slight deepening, as over time the soil will settle down a little, and the roots may be exposed. Watering the seedlings is carried out in such a way that the substrate thickens a little and becomes wet, but there is no stagnation of liquid.
If you do not want to grow seedlings, then the seeds of the herbaceous plant Bessera are sown in prepared beds in May. Usually, the sowing rules already described are followed.
Coral droplet corms can be planted in late spring. The distance between the holes is kept up to 20 cm. They are deepened by no more than two onion diameters. Bulbs germinate after 2-3 weeks. If there is a possibility of return frosts, then the planting time can be slightly pushed back, or if the planting has already been carried out, then this place is covered with agromaterial. The soil is prepared before planting - it is dug up and mineral fertilizers are applied, for example, "Kemira Universal 2".
Bessera diseases and pests, difficulties in cultivation
It is important to note that, despite all the tenderness of this herbaceous plant, Bessera is quite resistant to damage by harmful insects or diseases. If upon examination it was found that the leaves or stems have become lethargic or they are covered with spots of brown or whitish color, then it is recommended to treat with systemic fungicides, such as "Nutrofen" or "Shark". When cobwebs or bugs are found, the plant is sprayed with broad-spectrum insecticides, for example, "Aktara", "Defes" or "Actellik".
It is important to cover the plantings, even if winters are mild in your area. Due to the fact that the corms are very delicate, their death is possible even with positive temperatures. If water accumulates in the soil, then this will also lead to their defeat. When the soil is waterlogged due to watering, yellowing of the leaf plates occurs.
If there is too much fertilizer applied, then Bessera will begin to build up the deciduous mass, but at the same time it has poor flowering or may not come at all. Since the peduncles have a thin diameter, with strong gusts of wind, it is possible that they break off. For this, supports are placed that will prevent this problem. Many similar products are presented by GreenBelt, Palisad or VitaFlor, in the form of pegs, spirals or ladders.
Types and photos of Bessera
Bessera elegans is also called Bessera elegans. The corm of this perennial spherical, can reach a diameter of 2.5 cm. A brittle and hollow, venous stem originates from it, growing in height up to 30-60 cm. The leaf plates are linear or cylindrical, they can measure 60 cm. Usually 2 of them are formed. –3 pieces, of which a rosette can be formed in the root zone. Foliage can often exceed peduncles in height. Their parameters are 40 cm, usually 6-10 flower-bearing stems are formed. They are crowned with umbellate inflorescences, gathering from 4-6 buds. Until the perianth lobes open, the outlines of the buds are drop-shaped and only in full disclosure does the flower resemble a bell. The color of the petals is very bright, coral. The flowers look drooping on the pedicels, the length of which is 2.5 cm.
The flowering process occurs at the end of summer or in September, while they can stretch up to 60 days. The seeds ripen in a capsule-shaped fruit. When the box is fully ripe, it will open and the seeds can either spill out onto the ground or be picked up by the wind and carried away. The native lands of natural distribution are the territories of Texas and Mexico.
Bessera tenuiflora (Bessera tenuiflora). The plant was first described in 1918. Occurs in the lands of Baja California. It also prefers to settle in the coastal zone of the mainland of northwestern Mexico. The variety is very rare; its bulb is practically not available for sale.
Bessera ttyutensis (Bessera tenuiflora). It is native to the state of Jalisco in coastal southwestern Mexico. Botanist R. Delgad made the first scientific description in 1992. In nature, it grows on gentle slopes, in the soil of granite origin, pine-oak vegetation and mountain mesophilic forests.
Bessera plant video:
