Origin:
Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff, commonly known as Bidens, is a member of the Asteraceae family. The plant has its origin in North America, but it can be found in many other parts of the world as well. It is widely distributed in the United States, especially in the southeastern and southwestern regions of the country.
Common Names:
Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff has many common names, including Tall Swamp Marigold, Bushy Cineraria, Spanish Gold, and Tickseed Sunflower. The plant is also commonly known as the "beggars-tick" because of its ability to stick to clothing and fur due to its hooked seeds.
Uses:
Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff has several medicinal uses. Indigenous people used the leaves and stems of the plant to make a tea that was used to treat a variety of ailments such as gastrointestinal issues, sore throat, and fever. The plant also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in treating swollen joints and muscles. Additionally, the plant is known to have anti-cancer properties, and its extract is used in cancer research.
General Appearance:
Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 3 feet in height. The plant has a bushy appearance, with many leaves growing on a single stem. The leaves are dark green and serrated and can grow up to 6 inches in length. The plant produces numerous yellow flowers that are 1-2 inches in diameter. Each flower has a central disk of small, densely-packed flowers surrounded by 8-10 yellow ray flowers. The plant blooms from late summer to fall, and its hooked seeds stick to clothing and fur, making it easy to spread the plant to new locations.
Light Requirements
Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow optimally. In case of inadequate light, the plant may not produce flowers or may produce weak stems and leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm climate and thrives best in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. However, it can tolerate a range of temperatures from 10°C-35°C. In extremely hot or cold temperatures, the plant may display stunted growth or damage to its leaves.
Soil Requirements
Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, but it performs best in moist soils that are not waterlogged or too dry. The soil should also be free of weed competition.
Cultivation Methods for Bidens Oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. Robusta Sherff
Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to North America and requires full sun or partial shade to grow. The following are some cultivation methods and requirements for Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff:
- Sow the seeds indoors: You can sow the seeds indoors in early spring. Once the seedlings are about four inches tall, they can be transplanted into outdoor beds or containers.
- Outdoor planting: Outdoor planting can be done when the soil has warmed up in the late spring or early summer. It thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and requires enough space for it to spread.
- Spacing: The recommended spacing for planting Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff is around 12-18 inches apart. This ensures that the plants grow healthily and also gives them enough space to spread.
Watering Needs for Bidens Oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. Robusta Sherff
Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff requires regular watering to thrive. Here are some watering needs to note:
- Water frequency: You should water the plants at least once a week or more frequently if the soil is dry.
- Water quantity: The plants require moderate watering, neither too little nor too much. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization Needs for Bidens Oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. Robusta Sherff
Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff requires fertilization to promote healthy growth. Here are some fertilization needs to note:
- Fertilizer type: A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is suitable.
- Fertilizer application: Apply the fertilizer once a month or as required, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pruning for Bidens Oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. Robusta Sherff
Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff requires pruning to promote healthy growth and appearance. Here are some pruning basics to note:
- Pruning frequency: Deadhead the flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.
- Pruning time: Prune after flowering in late summer or early fall.
- Pruning technique: Cut the stems back to the basal rosette, leaving enough foliage for the plant to produce energy for the next growing season.
Propagation of Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff
Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff, commonly known as the San Diego tickseed sunflower, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to southern California, USA and Baja California, Mexico.
Propagation of Bidens oligoflora can be done by several methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Bidens oligoflora can be harvested from mature plants during the fall or collected from the wild. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until planting. The best time to plant the seeds is during the early spring. Bidens oligoflora seeds can either be directly sown outside or started indoors.
To start seeds indoors, plant them in pots filled with a well-draining seeding mix and place them in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Cuttings Propagation
Bidens oligoflora can also be propagated by stem cuttings. This method is best done during the summer when the plant is actively growing. Simply take a 4-6 inch cutting from the plant, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-drained potting mix and keep it moist until roots start to form.
Division Propagation
Bidens oligoflora can also be propagated by division. This method is best done in the spring before new growth has started. Simply dig up the plant and divide it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy root system. Replant the sections in well-draining soil, ensuring that they are kept moist until new growth appears.
Regardless of the propagation method you choose, Bidens oligoflora is a hardy plant that can adapt to a variety of growing conditions. With a little bit of effort, you can easily propagate this beautiful plant and enjoy its flowers for years to come.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff
Bidens oligoflora (Klatt) Wild var. robusta Sherff is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it is not completely immune. The following are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most significant diseases that can affect Bidens oligoflora is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can quickly spread throughout a plant, causing leaf drop, stunted growth, and a reduction in overall plant health. To manage powdery mildew, it's essential to keep plants well-watered and to avoid overhead watering. It's also a good idea to remove any infected leaves or plants as soon as possible to prevent further spread.
Another common disease that can affect Bidens oligoflora is leaf spot. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that presents as small circular lesions on the leaves of plants. This disease is primarily caused by poor soil drainage or overhead watering. To manage leaf spot, it's essential to avoid overhead watering and ensure good soil drainage. Fungicide sprays can also be used to manage severe cases of leaf spot.
Pests
While Bidens oligoflora is relatively resistant to pests, it can still be affected by some common garden pests. One common pest is aphids. Aphids are small insects that can cluster on leaves and feed on the sap of plants, causing stunted growth and a reduction in plant health. To manage aphids, it's essential to introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps. Neem oil and insecticidal soap sprays can also be used to manage severe cases of aphids.
Another common pest that can affect Bidens oligoflora is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of plants and cause yellowing, bronzing, or stippling of leaves. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions, so keeping plants well-watered and increasing humidity around plants can help manage the problem. Miticides and insecticidal soaps can also be used to manage severe cases of spider mites.
By taking preventative measures and acting quickly to manage pests and diseases, Bidens oligoflora can thrive and remain healthy in the garden.
