How to Plant Nandina Seeds? A Complete Guide to the Planting Method
SummaryNandina is generally sown in spring. First prepare the seedbed, open furrows with a row spacing of about 30cm and a depth of 10cm, scatter the seeds evenly, then cover them with a layer of plant ash and fine soil, and finally firm the soil and water it. Every year, carry out regular intertillage and weeding and apply dilute farmyard manure. After about three years, the seedlings can leave the nursery and then be planted out.
I. Growth Habits
1. Environment: Nandina tolerates shade and cold, and is suitable for growing in a warm, humid environment. It is relatively easy to care for.
2. Soil: Nandina tolerates drought and moisture, and is suitable for planting in well-drained, fertile sandy soil.
3. Fertilizing: Nandina is relatively fond of fertilizer. During the growing process, liquid fertilizer such as phosphate fertilizer and potassium fertilizer can be applied once a month.
4. Pruning: After nandina has grown for several years, its branches and leaves gradually age and fall off. It can be pruned appropriately, keeping the main stem at about 15cm. Pruning is generally carried out in April, and by autumn the crown can be expanded.
5. Flowering period: Nandina usually grows in woods or thickets, and generally blooms from May to July.
II. Propagation Methods
The propagation methods of nandina are: seed propagation, division propagation and cutting propagation.
1. Seed propagation
(1) Generally sow in spring. First prepare the seedbed well, then open furrows with a row spacing of about 30cm and a furrow depth of about 10cm, scatter the seeds evenly, and after sowing, cover them with a layer of plant ash and fine soil, and finally firm the soil and water it.
(2) The seedlings grow relatively slowly until the second year. Weeding and loosening the soil can be carried out regularly, and then some dilute farmyard manure can be applied. After that, regular intertillage, weeding and fertilizing are needed every year. After about three years, the seedlings can leave the nursery and be planted out.
2. Division propagation
Division propagation is generally carried out before sprouting in spring or in autumn. First dig out the plant, shake off the old soil, cut it apart at the weaker point where the base joins, keeping 2-3 stems per clump, while also retaining some roots. Finally, cut off some of the larger pinnate compound leaves and it can be potted up. After about 1-2 years of cultivation, it will bloom and bear fruit.
3. Cutting propagation
Cutting is generally carried out before the new buds sprout or in summer when the new shoots stop growing. For indoor care, it is enough to strengthen ventilation and light transmission and prevent pests and diseases.
III. Timely Watering
1. Nandina can be watered according to the principle of watering when dry and stopping when wet. In dry seasons, the amount of watering needs to be appropriately increased to keep the soil moist. In summer, water once each morning and evening. To prevent the leaf tips from scorching at high temperatures and affecting appearance, spray the leaf surface about 2-3 times a day to keep the leaves moist.
2. During the flowering period of nandina, the potting soil should not be dry. To increase air humidity, spray water around the plant and on the ground. In winter, nandina enters a semi-dormant period, and the potting soil should not be too wet. A small amount of watering at noon is enough.
IV. Reasonable Fertilizing
1. During the growth of nandina, thin seedlings need a light fertilizer application about every 15 days. Adult plants are given dry fertilizer in May, August and October each year. The first and second applications use a small amount of fertilizer, and the third application can appropriately increase the amount of fertilizer, mainly cake fertilizer and sesame residue.