Bidens are abundant bloomers, displaying daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow or orange. How to grow and care Bidens: More recent biden cultivars offer blossoms in pink, gold, and white hues. Commonly known as Spanish needles, tickseed sunflowers, and beggarticks, these plants flourish in fertile soil with proper drainage and thrive in sunny locations. How to grow and care Bidens: They exhibit good resilience to drought and high temperatures. In warmer regions, bidens are perennials, while in colder climates with freezing temperatures, they behave as annuals, necessitating replanting on an annual basis.
Common Name: Bidens, beggarticks, black-jack, burr marigolds, cobbler’s pegs, Spanish needles, stickseeds, tickseeds, and tickseed sunflowers
How to grow and care Bidens, For bidens to achieve their largest and most vibrant blooms, they thrive in full sun. It is important to select a planting location that receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. Insufficient light may cause the plant to grow but could result in fewer blooms and a more elongated and less compact appearance.
Whether you decide to plant bidens in an outdoor garden or a container, it is crucial to provide them with soil that has excellent drainage to prevent potential issues like root rot. Furthermore, these prolific flowering plants flourish in nutrient-rich and organic soil. How to grow and care Bidens, While bidens can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, they typically perform best in soil that is neutral to slightly acidic in nature.
Bidens are known for their moderate drought tolerance. Nevertheless, regular watering is necessary to ensure they maintain their optimal appearance and longevity. Generally, providing around an inch of water per week is adequate. It is advisable to water the plants before wilting becomes apparent.
Apache beggarticks (Bidens aristosa) produces delicate yellow flowers in the late summer and fall. Like any bloom, you want these wildflowers to last as long as possible. However, their thin petals and stems make them prone to wilting and rotting. Luckily, a few simple strategies can help extend the life of cut Apache beggarticks flowers.
Pick at the Right Time
Timing is everything when harvesting Apache beggarticks blossoms. Pick them at their peak to get the longest vase life.
The best time is when flowers are fully open. Avoid buds that haven’t opened yet. Go for blossoms that still look fresh, bright, and perky.
Ideally pick in the morning after any dew has dried. Morning offers the highest water content in stems.
Clip stems on a slant using clean, sharp pruners or scissors Make cuts above a leaf node.
Use a Clean Vase
Once cut, it’s equally important to place Apache beggarticks in a vase that will support long life. Start with a clean container to avoid bacterial growth.
Glass vases let you monitor water levels easily, Pick a size that fits the bouquet snugly so stems stay supported
Wash the vase thoroughly in hot, soapy water first. Let it air dry completely before adding flowers.
Avoid any slimy residue on the inside, as this can clog stems and prevent water uptake.
Fresh Water & Plant Food
Re-cut stems by an inch or two and place quickly into a vase filled with room temperature water,
Add floral preservative like flower food to the water as well. This contains sugars to nourish blooms and inhibits bacterial growth.
Change water and re-cut stems every 2-3 days. Replenish water when levels drop below the bottom of stems.
Stagnant, old water allows bacteria to grow and clog stems, preventing hydration. Fresh water keeps stems functioning properly.
Display Carefully
Once arranged in a vase, be careful how you display your Apache beggarticks bouquet:
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Avoid direct sunlight, which heats and dries blossoms quickly. Pick a shady spot instead.
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Keep away from heating and AC vents that blast hot or cold air on blooms.
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Don’t crowd other items too closely around the vase. Allow air circulation.
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Check daily for any wilted flowers. Carefully pinch these off to prevent rotting.
Extend Flower Life
Follow these extra tips to get the most longevity out of cut Apache beggarticks:
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Recut stems frequently to expose fresh xylem tissue. Use a sharp blade for clean cuts.
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Consider using floral preservatives like Sprite or bleach to prolong vase life.
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Place the vase in a cooler spot at night to extend flower freshness.
Troubleshooting Issues
If your flowers still won’t cooperate, watch for these common problems:
Wilting – Can indicate underwatering or bacterial blockage. Recut stems and replace water.
Rotting – Typically a result of bacterial growth in old water. Change water and snip rotted parts immediately.
Drooping heads – Stems may be too short or weak to support flower heads. Recut longer and in cooler water.
With proper care, your cut Apache beggarticks can potentially last up to 10 days or more. Follow these tips to prevent rotting and extend the beauty of these delicate flowers in your home.
Final Thoughts
Apache beggarticks produces delicate yellow blooms that can easily rot when cut for bouquets. However, taking a few simple precautions allows you to enjoy these wildflowers longer. Pick at peak freshness, use a clean vase, refresh water frequently, and care for arrangements properly. Follow these guidelines to prevent rot and extend the vase life of your cut Apache beggarticks blossoms.
How to Grown From Seed
To propagate bidens through seed, sow the seeds either at the conclusion of winter or at the onset of spring. If opting for direct sowing outdoors it is advisable to wait until after the final frost when temperatures have risen to at least the 60s (Fahrenheit).
- For seed propagation, scatter the Bidens seeds on the soil surface and gently press them into the soil without burying them. Ensure that the soil remains consistently moist.
- Position the seed tray in a sunny area where the temperature is maintained at a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Germination typically occurs within a period of 7 to 20 days.
Potting and Repotting Bidens
Bidens are well-suited for container gardening. Over time, as bidens age, they may lose their vitality and vibrancy, indicating the need for division or repotting if they have outgrown their current container. Signs of being rootbound include water pooling at the soil’s surface without proper drainage or roots emerging from the drainage holes.
To address this, obtain another pot of the same size, divide the root ball in half, and replant each portion in separate pots filled with moistened soil. Dividing and repotting the plant every two to three years may be necessary to ensure its continued growth and health.
If the temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, bidens plants will not survive the winter. In regions prone to frost, bidens behave as annuals and will need to be replanted during the spring season.
However, in zones 8-11, bidens can thrive as perennials. Although the blooms will fade during late fall and winter, the foliage retains its vibrant green color throughout the year. The flowers are expected to reappear in the following spring. Applying a 2-inch layer of mulch can provide additional protection and help maintain their robustness.