TheNaturePlanet

After September, as the weather gradually cools down, gardening enthusiasts know that this is the best time for cuttings. Many flowers should be prepared now so that by the time of the Spring Festival, you can welcome the lively blooms, adding a festive atmosphere to your home.

Viola tricolor
As the name suggests, the pansy has petals with three gradient colors (usually blue, purple, and white), giving it an irregular "face" appearance. If you plant it now, it will sprout quickly, and by around New Year’s and the Spring Festival, it will be in full bloom. Additionally, it has a long flowering period, lasting from winter into spring.

Cutting tips: Use loose, nutrient-rich soil. After sowing, wait until the seedlings grow 3 to 4 leaves before transplanting (don't delay, as this can cause leggy growth). To promote abundant blooms, pinch the tips of the seedlings twice during their early stages and apply bone meal fertilizer once. This can extend the flowering period by six months and greatly increase the number of flowers.

Petunia
Petunias are perfect for balcony planting, as they have a long blooming period of up to 200 days, and the plants themselves are small enough to fit in limited space. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white, and in recent years, rare varieties such as starry gradient and multi-colored stripes have been introduced.

Cutting tips: Sow seeds in September, when the temperature is ideal for germination. Once the plants grow, move them to a place with plenty of light. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate once a week, and after flowering, use slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote.

Marigold
Marigolds are perennial plants with vibrant, festive colors, making them perfect for adding a celebratory atmosphere during the Spring Festival. They also have unique edible value, as their seeds can be ground into powder as a food seasoning, and the petals can be made into soap or perfume.

Cutting tips: Sow seeds from September to October. Once planted, they can germinate by the winter of the same year, and by autumn, you will enjoy continuous blooms. For optimal growth, make sure they get plenty of sunlight, which will enhance the color of the flowers.