What is the best month to plant and transplant cherry tree saplings?
SummaryThe best time to plant cherry tree saplings is around October to November in autumn, when the survival rate is relatively high; then transplant in mid-March of spring, keep a spacing of about 20-30cm after planting, then cover the roots with soil and water them. In the early growth stage, fertilization is generally based mainly on quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer.
I. Planting time for cherry tree saplings
Generally, cherry tree saplings should also be planted at a reasonable time, which helps ensure normal growth of the plant. The suitable planting time for cherry tree saplings is around October to November in autumn, which is also a period with a relatively high survival rate, and then they can be transplanted in mid-March of spring.
II. Planting methods for cherry tree saplings
1. Substrate treatment
For planting cherry trees, it is suitable to choose loose, moist sandy loam rich in organic matter, with deep soil layers and good drainage. Before planting, the soil needs to be loosened, and sufficient base fertilizer should be applied at the same time to provide the nutrients needed for the growth of the saplings. During this period, mainly decomposed manure water solution is applied, and generally an appropriate amount of sawdust can be added at the bottom of the soil as a drainage layer.
2. Planting management
Generally, dig 1 small hole every 20-30cm, then place the sapling in it and cover it with a small amount of soil. During this period, only the roots need to be buried, then press it gently with your hands and water it thoroughly 1 time. After the planting survives, the saplings should be watered frequently, but waterlogging must not occur. When the rainy season comes, drainage work should be carried out frequently.
3. Post-planting management
Because cherry trees grow relatively vigorously, an appropriate amount of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer needs to be applied in the young stage, which helps promote root growth and development. Then when they enter the full flowering stage, a thin urea solution can be sprayed on the leaves 1-2 times, and a small amount of boron fertilizer or potassium dihydrogen phosphate can also be added appropriately, then water is applied. During the growth period, the soil should be kept moist frequently.
III. Growth habits of cherry tree saplings
1. Chinese cherries have relatively weak cold resistance and prefer to grow in warm, moist places. They are suitable for planting in places with an annual average temperature of 15-16°C. Sweet cherries prefer to grow in cool, dry places. The natural dormancy period of cherries is 80-100 days. The chilling requirement for sweet cherries to complete dormancy is below 7.3°C, for 1100-1300 hours.
2. Sour cherries need 1200-2500 hours. The dormancy period of Chinese cherries is relatively short, and they generally sprout easily when the temperature warms up in late winter and early spring. If they encounter a “late spring cold snap” (frost or snow), the flower organs will be frozen, seriously affecting yield.
3. Therefore, when planting, pay attention to whether the time of low-temperature cold waves in the local area each spring overlaps with the flowering period. Places where unfavorable weather (frost, snow, strong winds) occurs during the cherry flowering period year after year cannot be used for planting. In places with fewer disastrous weather events, suitable micro-topography should also be selected for planting when establishing an orchard.