How to grow osmanthus so it thrives? Keep these care tips in mind
The moment osmanthus is mentioned, it brings to mind the time when osmanthus is in full bloom, when the air is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus, and it smells so intoxicating and refreshing. So how should osmanthus be grown to grow well? Which matters need attention?
Soil
Osmanthus does not have strict requirements for soil and can generally grow, but it must not be planted in alkaline soil, low-lying land, or soil that is too heavy and poorly drained. A slightly acidic sandy soil with deep, loose, fertile layers and good drainage is preferable.
Light
Osmanthus likes sunlight and is not tolerant of shade and cold, so it needs to be planted in a place with plenty of sunlight.
Temperature
Osmanthus is a subtropical plant and needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. Although osmanthus is relatively cold-tolerant, the temperature must not fall below minus 13 degrees, and the optimal suitable growth temperature is 15-28 degrees.
Watering
Osmanthus likes moisture. During the young stage of osmanthus and when mature trees are blooming, pay attention to watering regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If it is too dry, flowering will be affected. Especially in summer, be sure to ensure sufficient water and water in the morning and evening depending on the situation.
Fertilizing
Organic fertilizer is the main type. When osmanthus sprouts in spring, apply a fully decomposed, diluted cake fertilizer water or pig manure liquid about every 10 days. After July, applying compound organic fertilizer is best. In early September, apply the last liquid fertilizer mainly based on phosphorus fertilizer, which can promote the growth of osmanthus and help it bloom.
Pruning
When osmanthus sprouts in spring, cut off dead branches, weak branches, and diseased branches. After flowering in autumn, cut off overly dense branches to strengthen the tree.
Pest and disease control
For insect pests, diluted insecticide can be sprayed directly for control. For diseases, simply cut off the diseased leaves and branches.
Notes on growing osmanthus
Remember: do not use alkaline soil or soil with poor drainage and aeration to grow osmanthus; when watering osmanthus, do not cause waterlogging, otherwise it is easy to cause the osmanthus roots to turn black and rot, and the leaf tips to scorch, and in severe cases even lead to the death of the osmanthus; if you want to transplant osmanthus, it is best to do it on a cloudy and rainy day.
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