Overview of Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC.
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC., commonly known as nodding beggarticks, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. This plant is an annual herb that is native to North America, specifically the eastern and central regions of the United States. It grows in a variety of habitats, including wet meadows, marshes, and swamps.
General Appearance of Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC.
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. grows up to 5 feet tall and spreads up to 3 feet wide. It has a slender, erect stem that is covered with small hairs. The leaves are simple, alternate, and toothed with a pointed tip. They are 2-6 inches long and 0.5-2 inches wide. The nodding beggarticks' flowers are yellow and bloom from July to September. The fruit is a small, brown, oval-shaped achene that contains two small needle-like seeds.
Common Names
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. is known by several common names, including nodding beggarticks, swamp marigold, cobbler's pegs, devil's sticktight, and tickseed sunflower.
Uses of Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC.
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. has been used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and skin irritations. The leaves and stems have also been used as a poultice for bruises, sprains, and swellings.
In addition to its medicinal uses, nodding beggarticks is used in landscaping for its attractive foliage and bright yellow flowers. It is a popular addition to butterfly and pollinator gardens and is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Light Requirements
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. typically grows in areas with full sun exposure. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and thrive. Lack of proper sunlight may lead to stunted growth, poor development, and reduced flower production. Therefore, it is essential to locate the plant in an area with ample exposure to sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. is between 60 to 75°F. The plant is sensitive to frost and cannot withstand freezing temperatures. It can only tolerate a brief period of drought before its leaves start curling up to conserve moisture. Therefore, it is critical to ensure the plant is grown in a suitable temperature range to facilitate proper growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6 to 7. The soil should be porous with good water retention capabilities to prevent dehydration during dry weather conditions. Adequate soil nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are essential for the plant's growth and development. Before planting, it is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter to provide sufficient soil nutrients and ensure good soil structure.
Cultivation Methods for Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC.
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. prefers growing in areas with full sun exposure; however, it tolerates partial shade. It thrives in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, and pH ranging from acidic to slightly alkaline.
Sow the seeds outdoors after the last frost date, or indoors 4-6 weeks earlier and transplant seedlings to the garden after the frost danger has passed.
For outdoor sowing, plant the seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch in rows that are 12-18 inches apart, and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-14 days.
Watering Needs for Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC.
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. requires moderate watering, especially during its growth phase. Water the plants once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and the soil's moisture level.
During dry seasons, increase the frequency of watering, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as the plant's flowers are susceptible to fungal infections.
Fertilization for Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC.
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting to improve soil quality.
Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every four weeks during the growing season to boost the plant's growth and flowering performance. Follow the label instructions for application rates and methods.
Pruning Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC.
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. does not require much pruning, except for removing spent flowers and stems to encourage continuous blooming.
Cut back the plant's stems by about one-third of their original length after the first flush of flowers has faded. This will promote the growth of new branches and more flowers.
Deadhead the flowers regularly to prevent seed formation, which can slow down the plant's blooming pace. Pinch back any overly long or leggy stems to maintain compact growth.
Propagation of Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC.
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. is a beautiful ornamental plant that can easily be propagated through various methods. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters in height, with numerous branches and yellow flowers. Here are some of the most common propagation methods used for Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC.
1. Seed propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. is through seed propagation. You can collect the seeds from the matured plants and sow them in a seed tray filled with well-draining soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the tray in a warm and sunny location. The seeds will germinate within 3 to 4 weeks, and you can then transplant them to individual pots or in the ground.
2. Stem cutting propagation
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem from the parent plant, about 6 to 8 inches long, and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the pot in a warm and humid location and water it regularly. The cutting will develop roots within 3 to 4 weeks, and you can then transplant it to a bigger pot or in the ground.
3. Division propagation
Division is another way to propagate Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. by dividing the matured plant. Dig up the parent plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a good amount of roots and shoots. Plant each section in a pot or in the ground, water it regularly, and keep it in a sunny location. The divided plants will establish themselves within a few weeks and start growing.
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. is a versatile plant that can quickly adapt to different propagation methods. By following the above methods, you can easily propagate Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. and enjoy its beautiful blooms in your garden or indoors.
Disease and Pest Management of Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC.
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is commonly known as Big Devil's Beggar Ticks. Like any other plant, this species can be affected by various pests and diseases that can harm its growth and productivity. In this article, we will discuss some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affects Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. is Powdery Mildew. It is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant and appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. This disease reduces the plant's ability to photosynthesize, and as a result, the plant may become stunted and weak.
To manage Powdery Mildew, it is recommended to keep the plant dry by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation. Additionally, removing affected leaves and treating the plant with fungicides can also help control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that affects Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. is Aphids. These tiny insects feed on the plant's sap and can cause the plant to become weak, stunted, and discolored. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts other pests like ants and can promote fungal growth.
To manage Aphids, it is recommended to physically remove them from the plant using a strong spray of water or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, providing good air circulation and avoiding over-fertilization can help prevent their infestation.
Another common pest that affects this plant is Spider Mites. These tiny pests can cause severe damage to the plant by feeding on its sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and brown and eventually fall off. They also produce webs on the leaves, which makes the plant look unsightly.
To manage Spider Mites, it is recommended to remove affected leaves and treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, providing good air circulation and avoiding dusty conditions can help prevent their infestation.
Conclusion
Bidens cernua L. var. radiata DC. is a beautiful and productive plant that can be affected by various pests and diseases. However, with proper disease and pest management techniques, their infestations can be controlled and managed. It is important to monitor the plant regularly and take necessary measures to ensure its growth and productivity.
