Origin
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. secundus (Greene) Kruckeberg var. secundus is a flowering plant that is native to western North America, particularly California and Oregon.
Common Names
This plant is commonly called glandular jewel-flower, Secund California mustard, and stickyrock mustard.
Uses
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. secundus (Greene) Kruckeberg var. secundus is often used as an ornamental plant. It can also be used for habitat restoration projects.
General Appearance
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. secundus (Greene) Kruckeberg var. secundus is a biennial or perennial herb that can grow up to 120 cm high. Its leaves are covered in glandular hairs and have a blue-green color. The flowers are bright yellow and have four petals that form a cross-shaped pattern. The seeds are borne in long, narrow pods that split open when ripe.
Growth Conditions for Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. secundus (Greene) Kruckeberg var. secundus
Light: This plant thrives in shaded areas with filtered light. It does not do well in direct sunlight and can even suffer from sunburns. The ideal amount of light would be 3-4 hours of direct morning sun followed by filtered light for the rest of the day.
Temperature: Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. secundus (Greene) Kruckeberg var. secundus prefers temperate climates with mild temperatures. The plant can tolerate a broad range of temperatures, from 20-85°F (-6.6-29.4°C). However, it tends to grow best in the 45-75°F (7.2-23.8°C) range.
Soil: The plant prefers a well-draining soil with a pH range of 6-7.5. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil needs to be fertile and rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic soils, but it does not do well in alkaline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. secundus (Greene) Kruckeberg var. secundus grows best in habitats with full to partial sun, good air circulation, and well-drained soil. In cultivation, the plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of the plant vary depending on the climate and the season. It requires regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil moist. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
To ensure that the plant grows well, it is recommended to fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The fertilizer should contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to support the plant's growth.
Pruning
The pruning needs of Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. secundus (Greene) Kruckeberg var. secundus are minimal. However, if you notice any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, it is recommended to prune them to prevent the spread of disease and promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. secundus (Greene) Kruckeberg var. secundus
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. secundus (Greene) Kruckeberg var. secundus can be propagated through seed or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest way to propagate Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. secundus (Greene) Kruckeberg var. secundus is through seed. The seeds can be collected from mature seed pods, which are produced after the plant has finished flowering. The seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until ready to be planted.
Before planting, it is recommended to scarify the seeds, which means to break or scratch the seed coat to allow moisture to penetrate the seed. Scarification can be accomplished by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or by soaking them in water for several hours.
Once scarified, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the fall or early spring. It is important to ensure that the soil remains moist during germination.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. secundus (Greene) Kruckeberg var. secundus can also be accomplished through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken in the late summer or early fall when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be taken from the upper portion of the stem, approximately 4-6 inches in length. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting into a well-draining soil mix and cover with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cutting should root in approximately 4-6 weeks.
Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. secundus (Greene) Kruckeberg var. secundus is known to be susceptible to several diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. To manage powdery mildew, ensure proper ventilation around the plants by planting them in well-spaced rows. You can also use fungicides such as neem oil or horticultural oil to control the spread of powdery mildew. For leaf spot, remove the affected leaves as soon as you notice them and dispose of them safely away from the plant. You can also apply a copper fungicide to control the spread of leaf spot. Rust can be managed by removing infected leaves and applying a fungicide. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions when choosing and using fungicides.
Pest Management
The plant can be affected by several pests, including aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps into the garden. You can also use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control aphid populations. For caterpillars, handpick and dispose of them safely. Alternatively, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control their population. Spider mites can be managed by regularly spraying the plant with water to remove them. You can also use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control spider mites. Make sure you follow the instructions on the label when using insecticides.
