A Complete Guide to the Cultivation Techniques and Management Methods of Nian Ju (Chinese New Year Tangerine)

Nian Ju ripens right around the Spring Festival, which is why it is called Nian Ju. On New Year's Eve, placing a pair of tangerines at the bedside or on the table carries the meaning of “great fortune and good luck arriving with prosperity”. So what are the cultivation techniques for Nian Ju?

1. Cultivation Techniques of Nian Ju

1. Soil: Nian Ju is suitable for planting in well-drained soil rich in humus. It is forbidden to plant tall-stemmed plants such as corn and wheat in the orchard.

2. Fertilizing: Apply base fertilizer to the soil, such as peanut cakes (crushed pellets), etc. Apply compound fertilizer granules with a nitrogen:phosphorus:potassium ratio of 1:1:1 once every half month. No fertilizing is needed in winter.

3. Watering: Under normal circumstances, watering is needed once a day. During dry weather, spray water on the leaves of the plants every day. In winter, when the plants enter dormancy, reduce the frequency of watering and water only after the potting soil has completely dried out.

4. Temperature: Nian Ju likes a warm and humid environment and needs sufficient sunlight, but in summer, avoid exposure to strong sun and provide appropriate shade.

5. Pest and disease control: Summer temperatures are relatively high, and pest problems are prone to occur. When pests are found, promptly spray a 300-fold dilution of dichlorvos or dimethoate. Spraying should be done on sunny days at around 9 a.m. and around 4 p.m. Do not spray under the scorching midday sun to avoid chemical damage.

2. Causes of Premature Aging in Nian Ju

1. Substandard seedlings: Some farmers, seeking quick success, rush to plant without knowing the source of the seedlings, and have no idea whether the fruit seedlings have been quarantined or whether they are old, inferior or diseased seedlings. This is the first cause of premature aging.

2. Rushed planting and careless management: Planting in a hurry before the orchard land has been planned and cleared, without understanding the soil properties; some people choose sandy soil that drains water and leaches fertilizer, or soil that is too compacted.

3. High groundwater table: This is the main cause of premature aging. For farmers growing citrus in paddy fields, because most paddy fields drain poorly, three or four years after planting, the roots have just grown and extended down to the groundwater; the root zone is submerged in water for a long time, causing root rot and leading to yellowing leaves and premature aging. Some farmers think it is a lack of fertilizer and increase the frequency and amount of topdressing, only to waste effort and money.

4. Chemical herbicides: Some orchards, in order to clear weeds quickly, use glyphosate for weed control year after year, which accelerates the aging of the fruit trees.

Nian Ju can be grown on a large scale or as a potted plant at home, and it is relatively simple to grow. Moreover, Nian Ju carries very good symbolism, so at Chinese New Year, be sure to have Nian Ju at home.