What are the transplanting time and precautions for pomegranate trees?
Pomegranate trees have good drought tolerance and cold tolerance, and are widely planted in many regions across northern and southern China. In addition, the planting methods for pomegranate trees are also quite diverse; they can be propagated by cuttings or by seed, and they have strong vitality and a high survival rate. So after cultivating pomegranate saplings, when should they be transplanted? What precautions should be taken during the operation?
1. When is the best time to transplant pomegranate trees?
If the quality of the pomegranates is not a consideration, then pomegranate trees can be transplanted in all four seasons of the year, but if the pomegranate trees planted afterward are to have high yields and high quality, the transplanting time must be selected according to local conditions.
1. Transplanting time for pomegranate trees in northern regions
Because winters in northern China are relatively cold, when transplanting pomegranate trees it is best to choose early spring, though late autumn is also possible; however, corresponding cold protection and warmth measures must be taken for the pomegranate trees after successful transplanting.
2. Transplanting time for pomegranate trees in southern regions
In southern regions, late spring and late autumn are both good transplanting times, with late autumn being even better.
2. What precautions should be taken when transplanting pomegranate trees?
1. Choose high-quality pomegranate saplings for transplanting
What kind of pomegranate sapling counts as high quality? Simply put, a one-year-old pomegranate sapling should have a height of at least 50 cm and a stem diameter at the nursery of 0.5-1 cm. A two-year-old pomegranate sapling should have a height of more than 80 cm and a nursery stem diameter of 1.5-2 cm; in addition, the root system must be relatively well developed, with the main root at least 20 cm long. For large fruit tree saplings more than three years old, they should be lifted with a soil ball. In addition, it is best to have a quarantine certificate to ensure there are no pests or diseases.
2. A layer of plastic film can be used for mulching during transplanting
If you want to increase the survival rate of transplanting, then regardless of the season in which transplanting is carried out, it is recommended to cover the base of the pomegranate sapling with a layer of plastic film, which can effectively retain fertilizer and water and promote the growth of the pomegranate tree.
3. The transplanting site should be chosen in a wind-sheltered, sunny location
This point is especially important for pomegranate growers in the north, as it can block the north wind and regional cold in winter and increase the survival rate. In addition, regarding soil type, sandy loam is best; apply base fertilizer well at transplanting, and well-rotted barnyard manure is sufficient.
4. Pay attention to the row and plant spacing and direction of transplanting
When transplanting pomegranate trees, the operation should be carried out in a north-south orientation; the row and plant spacing should not be too dense, and it is best to maintain a distance of 2*3 m. Generally, planting about 110 pomegranate trees per mu is sufficient.
5. Fertilizer and water management after transplanting should be appropriate
After transplanting, when there is no rain, it is recommended to water once a week and apply compound fertilizer once every half month.
6. Cold protection measures should be taken well for autumn transplanting
If pomegranate trees are transplanted in autumn, mound soil 50 cm around the trunk of young pomegranate trees until the climate turns warm.
In summary, the transplanting time for pomegranate trees should follow the rule of “autumn in the south, spring in the north,” though specifically it still must be determined by the temperature at the time; the temperature at transplanting is best above 15°C. After transplanting, pay attention to the daily management of the seedlings to promote rooting and survival.