Origin
Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. var. trichophila (Stapf) Bailey, commonly known as summer cypress, is a member of the Chenopodiaceae family, native to Eurasia. The plant has been introduced across the globe because of its ornamental and medicinal values.
Common Names
Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. var. trichophila (Stapf) Bailey is known by several common names in different regions. Some of the common names include burning bush, Mexican fireweed, greenmound, mock cypress, and summer cypress.
Uses
The plant is widely used for ornamental purposes, especially in the United States, Japan, and China. It is also used as a cover crop in soil conservation and as a source of fiber for the creation of ropes and twines. Furthermore, Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. var. trichophila (Stapf) Bailey has been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as bronchitis, cough, and asthma, among others.
General Appearance
Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. var. trichophila (Stapf) Bailey is a small, annual, herbaceous plant that grows up to a height of 0.5-2 meters. The plant has a deep root system and can tolerate drought conditions. The leaves are narrow and arranged alternately along the stem, with a bluish-green color and a rough texture that feels like sandpaper. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and green, and are typically found in clusters. The seeds are small, hard, triangular, and black, enclosed in a persistent, bladder-like perianth. The plant blooms from July to September.
Light Requirements
Kochia scoparia var. trichophila typically thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, it does best when it has access to plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Range
This species of plant prefers a warm and dry climate with temperatures ranging between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand hotter weather as well, but if the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may not survive.
Soil Preferences
Kochia scoparia var. trichophila is adaptable to various types of soils but prefers well-draining loam, sandy soils rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should range between 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate drought and salinity to a certain extent as well.
Cultivation of Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. var. trichophila (Stapf) Bailey
Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. var. trichophila (Stapf) Bailey, commonly known as Summer Cypress, is a fast-growing plant that is versatile and easy to cultivate. This plant is known to thrive in areas with full sun exposure and well-draining soils.
Watering Needs
Although Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. var. trichophila (Stapf) Bailey is drought-resistant, it is crucial to water the plant regularly during the initial growth stage. The plant requires deep watering daily until the roots are well established in the soil. Once the plant is established, Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. var. trichophila (Stapf) Bailey can withstand moderate drought conditions.
Fertilization
The Summer Cypress plant is a light feeder, and its growth and development do not require a lot of fertilizers. For best results, it is advisable to add some organic compost to the planting soil before sowing the seeds. You can also boost the plant's growth by adding a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning
Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. var. trichophila (Stapf) Bailey requires periodic pruning to keep it maintained and looking tidy. You can prune the plant by pinching the tips of the branches or cutting back any unwanted or straggly growth. Pruning also helps to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming lanky or leggy.
Propagation of Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. var. trichophila (Stapf) Bailey
Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. var. trichophila (Stapf) Bailey, commonly known as burning bush, is a hardy and drought-resistant plant native to Eurasia. It is an annual plant that reproduces by seed. Propagation of Kochia scoparia can be easily achieved by seed sowing.
Seed Sowing
Kochia scoparia seeds can be sown directly outdoors in the early spring, after the last anticipated frost. The seeds should be scattered on the soil surface and pressed gently. It is important to ensure that the seeds are not covered with soil as they require light to germinate.
Alternatively, Kochia scoparia seeds can be started indoors 4-6 weeks prior to transplanting outdoors. Seeds can be planted individually in peat pots or a seed tray with a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist and warm (around 70°F) until germination, which usually takes 5-10 days.
Transplanting
When the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they are ready for transplanting. They should be planted outdoors in a full sun location with well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, for the first few weeks until the root system has established itself. Kochia scoparia plants should be spaced approximately 12-18 inches apart.
Overall, Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. var. trichophila (Stapf) Bailey is a hardy plant that can be propagated with ease by seed sowing. Whether sown directly outdoors or started indoors, seedlings should be transplanted to a sunny location with well-draining soil and receive adequate water until their roots are established.
Disease management
Kochia scoparia is susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases, including leaf spot, stem canker, powdery mildew, and downy mildew. These diseases can be managed through cultural and chemical methods.
Cultural control measures include practicing good sanitation by removing infected plant parts, avoiding overhead irrigation to minimize leaf wetness, and planting disease-resistant varieties. Additionally, cultivating the soil to increase drainage and reduce compaction can also help prevent the spread of disease.
Chemical control methods include the use of fungicides and bactericides. It is important to properly identify the disease and choose the appropriate chemical control, as some diseases may be resistant to certain chemicals.
Pest management
Kochia scoparia is also susceptible to several pests, including aphids, spider mites, and grasshoppers. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce yields.
Cultural control measures can be effective in managing pests. These measures include removing weed hosts that may harbor pests, crop rotation, and planting pest-resistant varieties. Additionally, using reflective mulches and sticky traps can help deter insect pests.
Chemical control methods may also be necessary to manage pest infestations. Insecticides can be used to treat aphids and grasshoppers, while miticides can be used to treat spider mites. It is important to properly identify the pest and choose the appropriate chemical control, as certain pests may be resistant to certain chemicals.
