How to grow five-petal plum? A detailed guide to cultivation methods

Summary Seedling stage management: five-petal plum sprouts 7-10 days after sowing; after the seedlings emerge, the temperature should preferably be kept at around 20°C, and the room should be kept ventilated and well lit. Planting soil: garden soil and compost can be used, mixed at a ratio of 4:1, with an appropriate amount of superphosphate added. Potting: once the seedlings grow 2-3 pairs of true leaves, they can be potted. Pinching: pinch back at the right time. Reasonable fertilisation: fertilise promptly one week after planting out. Water: the leaf surface should be kept dry, and water should not accumulate at the bottom of the pot.

1. Seedling stage management

Under normal conditions, five-petal plum sprouts about 7-10 days after sowing. After the seedlings emerge, the temperature in the seedling-raising room should be kept at around 20°C, and the room should be kept ventilated and well lit, so as to prevent the seedlings from becoming leggy; they should be given appropriate light.

2. Planting soil

Five-petal plum has relatively high soil requirements. The mix should be prepared on the principle of being airy, water-retentive and rich in organic matter. Garden soil and compost can be used, mixed at a ratio of 4:1, or garden soil, compost and leaf mould can be used, mixed at a ratio of 3:1:4, along with about 1000 g of superphosphate mixed into each cubic metre of the mix.

3. Potting

When the seedlings have grown 2-3 pairs of true leaves, they can be potted. First place broken tile pieces and coal cinders at the bottom of the flower pot, then add an appropriate amount of nutrient soil, put the five-petal plum seedling into the pot, hold the plant upright so the roots can spread out fully, then backfill with soil, firm it down, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.

4. Pinching

When five-petal plum seedlings grow 3-4 pairs of true leaves, pinching back can begin; this helps promote the growth of side branches and makes the plant shape fuller and more symmetrical. Some varieties do not need pinching, such as Qingjing and others.

5. Reasonable fertilisation

About one week after planting out, the seedlings grow fairly quickly and need timely fertilisation to meet the plant's growth needs. A 1000-fold dilution of “Bloom Essence” can be watered on appropriately, but not in excess.

6. Growing temperature

Five-petal plum is a relatively heat-tolerant, cold-shy flower. Its suitable growing temperature is around 20-30°C, and it can grow normally even at temperatures as high as 35-37°C. If the temperature falls below 15°C, growth becomes fairly slow; if it falls below 10°C, growth will be affected, and in severe cases the plant will be frost-damaged and die.

7. Light

Five-petal plum needs full sun during growth. It can also grow normally in a fairly shady environment, but the number and size of the flowers will be smaller, and the flowering period will be shorter. Therefore, ensuring the plant gets a certain amount of light is more conducive to promoting flowering.

8. Water

Five-petal plum is relatively suited to growing in a fairly dry climate. In hot, rainy seasons it is prone to blight, which can cause large numbers of plants to die, so during cultivation the leaf surface should be kept dry, and water should not accumulate at the bottom of the pot.