Origin
Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff, commonly known as Smooth Beggarticks, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America.
Common Names
Aside from its scientific name, other common names for Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff are Smooth Beggarticks, Smooth Bur Marigold, Plain Beggarticks, and Smooth Bidens.
Appearance
Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff typically grows to a height of 1.5 to 3.5 feet. The plant has smooth, slender stems that grow upright, and its leaves are pinnate, dark green, and glossy. The leaves are lance-shaped and often covered in fine hairs. The flowers of Smooth Beggarticks are bright yellow in color, and they bloom from July to September. The plant's seeds are small, black, and barbed, which allows them to easily cling to animal fur or clothing and be transported to new areas.
Uses
Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff is a popular plant among gardeners because of its attractive appearance and ability to adapt to a variety of soil types. It is also used in erosion control projects due to its ability to quickly establish itself and form dense clumps of foliage. Additionally, the plant has medicinal uses in traditional Native American medicine, where it is used as an astringent and as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, coughs, and skin irritations.
Growth Conditions for Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff
Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff is a flowering plant that typically grows in specific growth conditions. Below are the critical growth conditions for this plant.
Light Requirements
Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff is known to thrive in areas with full sunlight. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. In low light environments, the plant may tend to grow tall and thin, producing fewer flowers than usual.
Temperature Requirements
As a tropical plant, Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff requires warm temperatures to grow. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20-27 degrees Celsius. Temperatures outside this range can affect plant growth and flowering patterns.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff is one that is well-drained and rich in nutrients. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. You can achieve this by watering the plant occasionally. Additionally, the soil pH should range between 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
In conclusion, when growing Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff, ensure to provide it with adequate sunlight, warm temperatures, and the right soil nutrients. This way, it will flourish and produce beautiful, vibrant flowers.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff, commonly known as the Hairy Tickseed, is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types. It can thrive in well-drained soils, but it also grows well in moist, rich soils. The plant prefers full sun exposure, but it can tolerate some shade. Sow the seeds in early spring or late fall, and make sure to keep the soil moist until the plant has established itself.
Watering Needs
Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once every week in dry weather, and make sure to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the leaves. Overwatering can lead to root rot and can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Fertilization
Provide the plant with balanced fertilizer in the early spring before it starts to bloom. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the blooming season, as it may lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Pruning
Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff does not require much pruning. However, it is advisable to pinch off the stem tips to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadheading the spent blooms will also help to promote more blooms through the season. In the fall, cut the plant back to the ground to prepare for the following growing season.
Propagation of Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff
Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from the plant during the fall and stored in a cool, dry place until ready for planting. Before planting, stratification treatment may be necessary to break seed dormancy and promote germination. Seeds can then be sown in moist, well-draining soil and kept in a warm, sunny location. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.
Cuttings
Another method of propagation for Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new, healthy growth and rooted in a moist, well-draining soil mix. Cuttings can be treated with rooting hormone to promote root growth and kept in a warm location until well-established.
Division
Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the plant's root system into smaller sections and replanting them in individual containers or in a new location in the garden. Division should be done in the early spring when new growth is just beginning.
Disease Management:
Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff is relatively resistant to many diseases, but it can be susceptible to foliar diseases such as rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. To manage these diseases, the following actions can be taken:
- Remove and destroy infected plant parts: If you notice any infected plant parts, remove them and dispose of them in the trash. Do not compost infected plant material as the fungi can survive in the compost.
- Avoid overhead watering: Reduced moisture on plant leaves can reduce the spread of fungal spores, so it's best to water at the base of the plant rather than from overhead.
- Apply fungicides: If the disease is severe or the plant is high value, fungicide applications may be necessary.
Pest Management:
Bidens dielsii Sherff var. intermedia Sherff is relatively free from pests, but it can be attacked by spider mites, thrips, and aphids. To manage these pests, the following actions can be taken:
- Monitor regularly: Regularly checking for pests can help detect any infestations early before significant damage is caused.
- Practice good hygiene: Keeping the plant and its surrounding area clean and free from debris can help reduce the likelihood of pest infestations.
- Natural predators: Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can be effective at controlling pest populations.
- Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap can be used to manage light infestations of pests.
