What are the propagation methods for golden osmanthus? A full breakdown of common propagation methods

Golden osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans var. thunbergii) is a traditional flower of our country. In mid-autumn, when the clustered osmanthus blooms in profusion, and on a quiet night with a full moon, drinking wine and admiring the osmanthus, its rich fragrance fills the nose and lifts the spirits. So what are the propagation methods for golden osmanthus?

1. Layering by bending branches

The suitable time for golden osmanthus layering propagation is around March to April. According to the number to be propagated, dig a trench around the plant. The width and depth of the trench are both about 20 cm. Following the direction of growth, press the branches down into the trench, cover them with fertile soil, then tread it flat, water thoroughly, and finally mound soil over it into a mound shape.

2. Air layering

Golden osmanthus air layering propagation is suitable around September to October. Split a section of moso bamboo culm into two halves and fill it with moist soil. The selected branch should be robust and the variety should be superior. Put this over the chosen branch, set up a support to hold it, water appropriately to keep the inside of the container moist, and rooting takes about 30 days. It can be removed in the spring of the following year and then transplanted, and thus a new plant is born. Flowering generally takes about 3 years.

3. Sowing

Sowing is suitable from May to June each spring. First pick the mature drupes, remove the outer shells, dry them slightly in the shade, and store them in moist sand. In early spring of the second year they can be broadcast sown into the seedbed, and when the temperature warms up they will germinate and take root. In one year the plant can grow to a height of about 15 cm, and after 2-3 years of growth, when the height generally reaches about 1 m, it can be transplanted and planted out.

4. Grafting

Select a robust one-year-old side branch from a 20-year-old plant, choose and cut a two-year-old bud, graft onto privet (Ligustrum) rootstock, cut a suitably sized plastic film and wrap it, and new shoots can emerge in the same season. Flowering generally takes about 4 years. This kind of propagation is not suitable for landscaping trees, because the main trunk of the plant does not grow straight.

5. Cuttage

Cuttage is generally carried out in February. About 30 days before cuttage, spray an appropriate amount of trichlorfon on the cutting bed to eliminate nematodes in the substrate; after 15-20 days, disinfect with lime water; and 3 days before cuttage, rinse the cutting bed with water. After cuttage, press the bed soil firm, cover between each row with grass, water thoroughly, and also build a shade frame. New shoots that emerge above 6 cm can be transplanted.

Golden osmanthus has been deeply loved by people since ancient times. It is a traditional famous flower, and golden osmanthus can also be made into osmanthus tea, which is loved by the public.