Detailed Guide to Hawthorn Planting Methods and Planting Time

SummaryPlanting methods: Hawthorn is generally propagated by cuttings, division, grafting and sowing. Cutting propagation can be done in spring; select healthy branches and cut them into segments of about 14cm, then insert them into the soil. Division propagation means digging out root suckers and planting them in a nursery. For sowing propagation, the broadcast sowing method can be used, sowing one seed at intervals of about 3cm, then covering with fine sand, or covering with straw. Planting time: February to May and September to November each year are the better periods for planting hawthorn.

I. Planting Time of Hawthorn

February to May and September to November each year are the best periods for sowing hawthorn. Hawthorn seeds sown during these two periods have the highest germination rate and grow the best.

II. Propagation Methods of Hawthorn

Hawthorn has low requirements for soil, and can be successfully cultivated whether in hills, mountains or sandy wasteland. There are now four methods of raising seedlings: cuttings, division, grafting and sowing.

1. Sowing propagation: First, the seeds must be treated by sand storage. In July of the following year, dig out the seeds, then sow them at a row spacing of 20cm, using about 300 seeds per meter, and cover with fine sand to avoid water evaporation affecting seed growth. For broadcast sowing, sow one seed at intervals of about 3cm so that the seeds are evenly distributed, press the seeds into the soil with a small wooden board, then cover with straw for shade.

2. Division propagation: Dig out root suckers and plant them in a nursery.

3. Cutting propagation: In spring, select healthy branches and cut them into segments of about 14cm, then insert them into the soil. After about half a month they can sprout. When the seedlings are about 60cm tall, bud grafting should be carried out.

III. Daily Management

Deeply turning the soil to increase the soil's light transmittance is the most important measure for allowing hawthorn to grow. Apply base fertilizer so the tree has enough nutrients.

Generally, the amount of organic fertilizer used per mu is about 4 kilograms, the amount of urea is about 20 kilograms, superphosphate is 50 kilograms, and plant ash is about 500 kilograms. Topdressing only needs to be done three times a year, which can greatly increase the fruiting rate.

IV. How to Improve the Seed Germination Rate

1. Seed selection

Choosing good seeds is the most critical step. Generally, choose seeds produced recently; the seed surface must not have traces of damage or insect bites. Rotten or damaged seeds are not suitable for sowing, otherwise the quality will be very poor.

2. Promoting germination and awakening seeds

Before sowing, the seeds need to be soaked in advance for about 10 days, changing the water to keep it clean, and then mixed and stored with wet sand and placed in a cool, sheltered place for about half a month. During this period, the sand must be kept moist, otherwise they will not germinate.

3. Planting soil

Hawthorn is a sun-loving plant and needs plenty of sunlight. It has no strict requirements for soil and is suitable for planting on sunny slopes.

4. Tending and care

Seed growth is much the same; just do the daily work of watering, topdressing and weeding. In the early stage of hawthorn seedling emergence, it is not suitable to apply chemical fertilizer or farmyard manure, to avoid burning the seeds due to excessive fertility, but some leaves or plant ash can be used as fertilizer to increase nutrients.