What are the cultivation methods for crabapple and plum blossom?

SummaryCrabapple and plum blossom are two flowers in the same family but different genera. Their cultivation methods are similar: both need soil that is loose, well-draining and nutrient-rich. During cultivation, ensure ample light; in summer, provide appropriate shade and avoid direct sun exposure. Water according to how dry or moist the soil is, keeping the soil slightly moist. After leaf drop, prune dead branches and diseased branches. In autumn, crabapple should be given more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, and in spring an organic liquid fertilizer; during the growing period of plum blossom, a dilute liquid fertilizer can be applied.

I. Differences between crabapple and plum blossom

Crabapple flowers and plum blossoms are very similar. Both are highly ornamental. When not in bloom, the two are difficult to tell apart, because they belong to the same family but different genera: crabapple belongs to the Rosaceae family, genus Chaenomeles, while plum blossom belongs to the Rosaceae family, genus Armeniaca.

1. Difference in growth form: crabapple grows with multiple stems, while plum blossom grows as a single plant.

2. Difference in branch characteristics: small thorns can be seen on crabapple branches, while plum blossom branches are thornless.

3. Difference in growth height: crabapple is relatively short, generally growing to about 1-2 m, while plum blossom usually reaches a plant height of about 5-10 m, much taller than crabapple.

4. Difference in flowering time: crabapple first sprouts on the branches, then grows leaves, and only then flowers, while plum blossom first flowers on the branches, and after the flowers fall it sprouts.

5. Difference in flower color: crabapple blooms in early spring, with colors such as vermilion, peach red and moonlight white, while plum blossom blooms in late winter, with colors such as white, red, pink and cyan.

6. Difference in petals: crabapple petals are relatively thick and heavy, with a waxy feel on the petals, while plum blossom petals are relatively thinner than those of crabapple.

7. Difference in flowering form: when crabapple blooms, the flowers cling close to the branches, while when plum blossom blooms, it grows stalks.

8. Difference in fruit: the fruit of crabapple is the wrinkled-skinned Chaenomeles fruit, while the fruit of plum blossom is the plum.

II. Cultivation methods for crabapple

1. Choosing soil

It is suitable to use soil that is loose and strongly draining. For home pot cultivation, a mix of peat soil, leaf mold and river sand can be used.

2. Watering at the right time

Crabapple is relatively drought-tolerant. There must be no excess standing water in the pot, and the soil only needs to stay slightly moist, but the soil must not be too dry either, as this will prevent its roots and stems from breathing and easily cause drying out; severe water shortage can even kill the plant. Therefore, in spring water once every 3-5 days, in summer water once every 1-2 days, in autumn water once every 4-6 days, and in winter water once every 15 days.

3. Ample light

Crabapple needs ample sunlight during its growing period. If the light duration is relatively short, it will affect its healthy growth. In the hot weather of summer, appropriate shading is needed to avoid direct sun exposure; in winter, when temperatures are lower, it can be given ample light.

4. Reasonable fertilizing

In autumn, crabapple will drop its leaves. At this stage, fertilize more; phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be applied. In spring, when flower buds grow, apply fully decomposed organic liquid fertilizer. During the vigorous growth stage of crabapple, the fertilizer concentration can be appropriately increased.

5. Pruning branches and leaves

After crabapple drops its leaves and before it sprouts, prune the branches and leaves once as appropriate. During this time, dead branches and diseased branches can be pruned away, and overly long branches should be cut back.

III. Cultivation methods for plum blossom

1. Choosing soil

It is suitable to use soil that is loose, relatively well-draining and nutrient-rich for cultivation. A mix of garden soil, leaf mold, river sand and a small amount of organic fertilizer can be used, or nutrient soil can be used directly.

2. Ample light

Plum blossom needs to be placed in a spot with good light for cultivation. During this period, ensure it receives about 6 hours of light per day, but summer light is too intense, so relative shading measures are needed during this time, keeping plum blossom in a semi-shaded environment to avoid damage from direct strong light.

3. Watering and fertilizing

During the growing period, water according to how dry or moist the soil is, keeping the soil in a slightly moist state, but not too moist. Fertilizing should be done in small amounts and multiple times; a dilute liquid fertilizer can be applied in small amounts, and during this period, never fertilize too concentratedly or too much.

4. Pruning branches and leaves

Proper pruning of plum blossom branches and leaves helps promote the growth and flowering of plum blossom. During this time, promptly prune poorly developed, leggy and diseased branches and leaves, as well as the spent flowers after the flowering period ends. This can reduce the loss of plant nutrients. After pruning, disinfection treatment is needed to prevent infection of the plant.