How to Grow Catalpa: Catalpa Planting Methods and Precautions
As for what a catalpa is, most people may not know, and may not even be clear on how to pronounce "catalpa," but this does not mean we can ignore the existence of the catalpa and the benefits it can bring to our lives, so as the number of people who know about the catalpa gradually increases, the number of people growing catalpas is also constantly growing, and therefore catalpa growing techniques have become a very practical body of knowledge.
How to Grow Catalpa
The catalpa likes light and is relatively cold-tolerant, so when growing a catalpa you need to keep the temperature within a relatively warm range. The catalpa likes moisture and is neither drought-tolerant nor waterlogging-tolerant.
The catalpa has relatively strong vitality and a very long lifespan. At the seedling stage it grows relatively slowly, but after about 10 years of growth the rate speeds up.
Catalpa Planting Methods and Precautions
1. Planting the catalpa
The catalpa can be planted in either spring or autumn. Before planting, dig the planting holes well. In addition, planting with a soil ball can improve the survival rate, but you must also take care not to plant too deep, as planting too deep will cause the plant to suffer from smothered buds. When planting, you should also apply some decomposed base fertilizer and mix it evenly with the planting soil. After planting, water once thoroughly, then water once each again after three days and after five days.
2. Water and fertilizer management for the catalpa
In daily care you should pay attention to water management for the catalpa. In addition to the first three waterings after planting, you should also choose to water thoroughly twice between May and October. When there is a lot of rainfall in summer, there is no need to water unless it is excessively dry, and in winter you should also apply a good anti-freezing watering. After the plant has reached four full years, it is enough to just water well for green-up and for frost protection. In addition, the catalpa likes fertilizer; apply sufficient base fertilizer when planting, and in May you can apply some urea, which can make the plant's branches and leaves luxuriant and can accelerate growth.
3. Shaping and pruning the catalpa
Because the catalpa has relatively strong sprouting ability, it tolerates pruning. In spring, when the new shoots reach about 30 cm, select suitable main branches and then cut away the excess branches. During the growing season you should also wipe away newly sprouted buds. If you want to expand the crown, you need to shorten the main branches and select and keep outward-facing buds.
4. Precautions for growing catalpa
The catalpa is likewise easily threatened by pests and diseases. Common insect pests include the globular stink bug, the gypsy moth, the Paulownia tortoise beetle, and the catalpa pyralid moth, all of which can be controlled by spraying insecticidal preparations. In addition, a common disease of the catalpa is anthracnose, which is prone to occurring under high temperatures and poor ventilation, so in addition to spraying pesticide you should also pay attention to water and fertilizer management for the catalpa to improve the plant's disease resistance.
Grafting Propagation of Catalpa
Grafting of the catalpa can be carried out in winter or spring. Bud grafting can be chosen in spring or late autumn. In winter you can graft indoors and then store in damp sand, and then plant out in early spring. Grafting around Qingming is best, and grafting while covering with soil as you go gives a higher survival rate. In addition, the cleft grafting method can be used, that is, prepare the needed scion and rootstock, align their cambium layers well, bind them with hemp rope and plastic rope, and seal them well with damp soil. Buds will sprout in about 10 days.
The Effects and Uses of Catalpa
1. The ornamental value of the catalpa
The catalpa's flowers are elegantly understated and its branches are strong and upright, and it has been widely planted since ancient times. Whether in imperial palace courtyards or famous scenic gardens, traces of the catalpa can be seen everywhere. Because its tree form is graceful and its flowers elegantly understated, and it has a unique grace in its branches, tree form and other aspects, it can be used for greening as an ornamental garden plant.
2. The medicinal value of the catalpa
The catalpa can also be called a plant whose every part is a treasure, because its leaves, bark and seeds all have the effects of dispelling dampness, relieving pain and stopping bleeding. Because the seeds contain citric acid and alkaline salt components needed to treat kidney disease, wet peritonitis, and externally swollen beriberi, among others, it is a good medicine for treating illness. At the same time, its roots or bark boiled into a decoction and applied as a wash can treat fistula sores and all kinds of swellings and toxins.
3. The ecological value of the catalpa
The catalpa has a well-developed root system, so it has a powerful effect of windproofing and fixing soil, and because it is cold-tolerant and drought-tolerant it is also an excellent tree species for riverbank protection. In addition, the catalpa also has relatively strong resistance to a variety of toxic gases, and can purify the air and reduce noise.
4. The industrial value of the catalpa
The catalpa's timber is very good and its uses are very broad, so its economic value is very high. It has strong bending strength and impact toughness, ranking among the foremost of broadleaf timber. In addition, its trunk is very straight, and the wood grain is straight, the figure is exquisite, it is moisture-resistant and rot-resistant and not easily attacked by insects, so it is very easy to process. It is specially used to process high-grade products or special products, mainly used for gunstocks, ships, or artificial boards, and can also be used to make musical instruments or sporting goods, among others.
The catalpa is a plant that can be propagated by grafting. Of course, catalpas grown by the grafting method are more suitable as ornamental plants, but if you truly want to realize the value of the catalpa, you still need to start from sowing catalpa seeds, as only in this way can the role of the catalpa be fully brought into play.