How to plant Albizia julibrissin seeds? Master the correct sowing method

The Albizia julibrissin tree, also known as the silk-flower tree, has wood that can be used to make furniture, and its flowers have high ornamental value and symbolize marital harmony and family unity, making it deeply loved by people in our country. So, how should Albizia julibrissin seeds be planted?

1. Collecting seeds

Albizia julibrissin is usually propagated by sowing. Seeds are collected between September and October. When collecting, choose plump pods free of pests and diseases, sun-dry them to thresh out the seeds, and store them dry in a dry, ventilated place to prevent mold.

2. Seed treatment

Between March and April of the following year, the seeds must be treated before sowing. Because the seed coat of Albizia julibrissin is hard, to make the seeds germinate evenly and emerge quickly, 2 weeks before sowing soak them in a 0.5% potassium permanganate cold water solution for 2h, then remove them, rinse them clean with water, and soak them in hot water at about 80°C for 30s (no longer than 1min at most, otherwise the germination rate will be affected); after 24h they can be sown. Using this method to force germination, the germination rate can reach 80%-90%, and after emergence the seedlings grow vigorously and are not prone to disease.

3. Raising seedlings

There are two seedling-raising methods: nutrient-pot seedling raising and nursery-bed seedling raising.

① Nutrient-pot seedling raising. There are 2 commonly used nutrient soils: one is 60%-70% burnt mud ash, 20%-30% garden soil, 9.5% garbage or barn manure, and 0.5% calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer, mixed evenly; the other is 90% fertile topsoil, 7% plant ash, 1% bone meal, and 2% decomposed animal manure, crushed and mixed evenly. Sow 2-3 seeds that have undergone germination treatment per cup, cover with some mud ash or fine soil 1cm after sowing, and if conditions permit, sprinkle some pine needles on top. Arrange the sown nutrient cups into beds 1cm wide and of indefinite length, and earth up around the bed to the same height as the cups to retain moisture. About 180,000 cups/hm2 or so are arranged, and they sprout and emerge 1 week after sowing.

② Nursery-bed seedling raising. The nursery bed should be chosen in a place sheltered from the wind and facing the sun, with deep soil, sandy loam or loam, and convenient irrigation and drainage. Loosen the soil, break up the clods, and make a seedbed facing east-west, 1m wide, with a level surface. Before sowing, first apply decomposed human manure and calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer on the bed, then cover with a layer of fine garden soil. Use wide-row drilling or broadcasting, cover with a layer of fine mud ash about 0.5cm thick after sowing, then cover with rice straw, water it to moisten, and keep the soil moist. For seed quantity, sowing 45-60kg/hm2 is needed for seedling transplanting, and 30-37.5kg/hm2 if not transplanting. Within 7d after sowing, spray 1-2 times of water on sunny days to keep the seedbed moist. After the seedlings emerge, gradually remove the covering; after the first true leaf has generally unfolded, remove all the covering and pull out weeds.

The seed method for Albizia julibrissin seeds is relatively simple; you only need to do the seed soaking work well before sowing.