Detailed Explanation of the Latest Key Points for Growing Gonggan Mandarin

Gonggan mandarin is known as the king of mandarins. It is a fruit that combines the best qualities of the orange and the mandarin, that is, a hybrid of the mandarin and the orange. It has a long history of cultivation in our country, and in ancient times it was even an imperial tribute fruit. So what should be noted when growing Gonggan mandarin? Let us find out together.

1. Planting

First, we should select seedlings with well-developed roots, thick and strong growth, no pests or diseases, a height of about 60 to 80 cm, and relatively thick stems. Before planting, the branches and leaves of the seedlings should be properly pruned. When planting on flat land, planting is generally done with a row spacing of 3 m and a plant spacing of 2 m, while on sloping land it is generally done with a row spacing of 3.5 m and a plant spacing of 2.5 m. The planting time is generally around the Spring Festival each year when buds sprout and in autumn around October to November. After planting, watering should be done appropriately.

2. Management of Young Trees

The management of young trees is aimed at promoting the growth of branches and leaves, so the fertilization principle is to apply frequent but light fertilizer. About ten days after planting, fertilizer should be applied once, mainly nitrogen fertilizer, to strengthen the shoots. One month after planting, an appropriate amount of urea should be applied as a top dressing, watered in after dilution, so that the fertilizer is not too concentrated and does not damage the roots. At least 5-6 top dressings should be applied each year, and the concentration of the fertilizer should gradually increase with the growth of the young trees. By the second year of fertilization, in addition to nitrogen fertilizer, an appropriate amount of NPK compound fertilizer should also be applied as a top dressing. In the third year, compound fertilizer should be the main type, combined with organic fertilizer.

3. Pruning

In order to promote fruiting as soon as possible and achieve high yields, proper pruning is indispensable. Top growth should be controlled, and pruning and shaping should be carried out by the methods of pulling lines for shaping and removing buds to control shoots. There are mainly three tree forms for pruning: first, the natural open-center form; second, the modified central leader form; and third, the natural round-headed form. Shaping and pruning should begin with young trees so that a good tree form is developed, and only then can a tree appearance with high and stable yields be obtained. This makes the trunk relatively short, with many side branches at an appropriate density and even distribution, the branches and leaves inside the canopy relatively dense and even, the outside slightly sparse, and the number of leaves abundant.

4. Management of Mature Trees

For mature trees, fertilizer is used to promote the growth of branches and leaves and increase the amount of fruit set. After maturity, fertilizer is broadcast four times a year. The first time is in spring when buds sprout, mainly nitrogen fertilizer; the second time is before flowering, mainly phosphorus fertilizer; the third time is after flowering, in order to promote fruit enlargement, mainly potassium fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer; and the last time is after harvest, in order to protect the tree and strengthen it, mainly organic fertilizer. In addition, moisture should also be controlled, especially during fruit growth. There should not be too much or too little water, otherwise the fruit will crack. In the later stage of fruit growth, moisture should be controlled to accumulate more sugar.

The above is an introduction to the key points for growing Gonggan mandarin. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.