A Detailed Guide to Magnolia officinalis Planting Techniques and Management Methods
Magnolia officinalis is a common medicinal herb in our country. Its bark, root bark, flowers, and seeds can all be used as medicine, and it has the effects of resolving phlegm, dispelling wind, and drying dampness. It is now widely planted in Sichuan, Hubei, and other places. So what are the Magnolia officinalis planting techniques?
1. Site selection and land preparation
The Magnolia officinalis tree is a light-loving and fertilizer-loving plant, so a sunny, wind-sheltered area should be chosen for planting. The soil is required to be loose, fertile, and well-drained. It can be planted in mountain yellow-red loam soil in the south. The seedling nursery site should be at an altitude above 300-800 m, with a slight slope. For the afforestation site, choose a sunny slope with deep soil, loose texture, fertility, and convenient irrigation and drainage. In winter, deep-plow the seedling nursery site, apply 3000 kg of farmyard manure per mu, harrow finely and level, then make beds. On the afforestation site, open holes at a 3×3 m spacing between plants and rows. Generally, the length, height, and width of each hole are all 50 cm.
2. Propagation methods
The propagation methods of Magnolia officinalis include seed propagation, cutting propagation, and layering propagation. In production, seed propagation is mainly used. Generally, select superior mother plants that have grown for 15-20 years for seed production. Collect mature seeds, and after a series of treatments, mix the seeds with wet sand at a ratio of 1:3 for storage, to be sown the following year. Sowing can be done in spring or autumn. Spring sowing is in February-March, and autumn sowing is in November. When sowing, use the drill method, open shallow furrows about 3 cm deep in the seedling nursery site, sow the seeds evenly, cover with soil and grass to retain moisture. Use about 15 kg of seed per mu.
3. Seedling stage management
After the seedlings emerge, promptly remove the covering grass, and do a good job of loosening the soil and weeding. Pull out weeds as soon as they appear, and keep the seedling nursery site free of weeds. After weeding, it is recommended to spread a layer of burnt soil, which can protect the roots of the seedlings and promote their growth. At the same time, pay attention to shading from the sun to avoid strong light burning the seedlings, and mainly take drainage and waterlogging prevention measures during the rainy season to avoid water accumulation and root rot. When the seedlings grow to the five-leaf hearting stage, apply 5 kg of urea per mu as topdressing. It can be broadcast during the rainy season, or on sunny days, mix urea with water and splash it on.
4. Transplanting
After growing in the seedling nursery site for one year, they can be transplanted. If it is a higher-altitude area, then two years are needed before transplanting and establishing. For planting, choose late autumn for a higher survival rate. Dig out the seedlings with roots, plant them in the prepared holes, straighten the seedlings when transplanting, spread out the root system, and do not let it bend. Then cover with soil in layers and compact. When the hole is half filled, lift the seedling once to let the root system spread out, water, and then cover with a layer of loose soil.
Overall, Magnolia officinalis is very easy to grow. As long as you choose the land well, dig the holes well, plant the seedlings well, and do a good job in water and fertilizer management, it will be fine.