Emilia

Family: Asteraceae. This annual plant reached the gardens of Europe from India long ago, but still remains an exotic rarity.

Plants reach heights of 50–60 cm. Dark green glossy leaves are gathered in a basal rosette. Numerous bare stems - flower stalks - branch in the upper part and end in small slightly drooping fluffy inflorescences. The diameter of the inflorescences is about 1.5 cm; their coloration is bright

Location of Emilia: Emilia is heat-loving and drought-resistant. It tolerates high temperatures well during the summer.

Care for Emilia: 5–7 days after thinning they are fed with balanced fertilizers. Another feeding is done before budding.

Propagation of Emilia: by seeds. There are up to 1500 seeds in 1 g. To obtain 100 plants you need 0.5 g of seeds. They are sown directly into the ground at the end of May. Seedlings appear 7–10 days after sowing. They are thinned, leaving 15–20 cm between plants. Plants flower in late June - early July and bloom abundantly until the frosts.

Uses of Emilia: Emilia is good in colorful flower beds and in a Moorish lawn. Its cut flowers are used in floral arrangements. When cut, Emilia exudes a milky sap, so cut stems should be dipped in hot water or seared so that the sap, which thickens in air, does not clog the vessels and prevent water from reaching the stems.