How to Grow the Chinese Raisin Tree? A Detailed Guide to Raising Hovenia dulcis
The Chinese raisin tree is also called hovenia dulcis, wanzi pear, qiujiang zhiju, chicken-claw chain, golden-hook pear, and so on. Its fruit is rich in nutritional value, and its wood is of good quality, making it a fine timber. So, what cultivation techniques are there for the Chinese raisin tree? Let's find out together!
1. Land management
The Chinese raisin tree is a fruit tree with strong adaptability, which is also why it is widely distributed in our country. However, for a better harvest, the land you choose should still be somewhat fertile, with a fairly deep fertile soil layer, because the Chinese raisin tree can grow to over ten meters tall, and too shallow a layer is not good for its roots to take hold. Secondly, the surroundings should be fairly open, with no very tall trees shading it, as the Chinese raisin tree has a very high demand for sunlight. Choose a relatively moist site, and it is even better if it is near a river.
2. Seed propagation and seedling raising
Like many fruit trees, the Chinese raisin tree is propagated from seed. Before sowing, the seeds should first be soaked for several hours so that their seed coats gradually open their transport channels to the outside, and then moist soil should be used to raise the seedlings. Sandy loam is best if available, because sandy loam is more breathable and favorable for seed development. Cover the seeds with 2-3 cm of soil, with a spacing of about 10-20 cm. After sprouting, begin to pay attention to fertilizing and watering, and also manage the temperature well during this period. Never let the temperature drop below 10 degrees; below 10 degrees will cause the seedlings to die. When they have grown to about one meter, they can be transplanted to the planting site. Seedling raising generally starts around November, and the seedlings can be transplanted after 4-5 months.
3. Cultivation and planting
Although the fruiting period of the Chinese raisin tree is very long, its growth is also relatively slow. It basically will not bear fruit in the first 3-4 years, and afterwards the fruit will gradually increase. At the initial stage of planting, the holes should be as deep as possible, 0.6-1 m deep, and some fertilizer needs to be placed at the bottom as a nutrient supplement for the early stage. The fertilizer must not directly touch the roots. After planting, press the soil down slightly and then water. In the first few years, weed irregularly, and the frequency can gradually decrease. At the beginning, keep fertilizing to once per season, at the start of the seasonal transition, and water depending on the situation.
4. Later management
Some people, in order to make the Chinese raisin tree produce more branches, bend the main trunk so that the sun-facing side can grow branches faster. When doing this, be sure not to do it too frequently; 2-3 times per tree is enough. Too many times will cause the sapling to grow crooked. In terms of pest and disease control, the common pest of the Chinese raisin tree is aphids. Once found, treat them promptly with a pesticide; a 2000-fold aqueous solution of 40% dimethoate will have a good control effect. In addition, the branches and leaves that have become diseased, died, and fallen should be cleaned up thoroughly and taken out of the orchard to prevent later reinfection.
The above is the cultivation technique for the Chinese raisin tree compiled for you by the Tuliu.com editor. We hope it can help you!