How to propagate plum blossoms by air layering? A detailed guide to the latest method
Plum blossom is a very well-known flower in our country, and its planting area is also very large. The ornamental value of plum blossom is very high, the flower buds can also be used as medicine, and some varieties can even be processed into preserved fruit and jam, making them very popular with many people. When growing plum blossoms for propagation, the commonly used propagation method is air layering. So how should plum blossoms be propagated by air layering? Below, the editor brings you the air layering propagation method for plum blossoms. Let's take a look!
1. Layering time
Before propagating plum blossoms by layering, we must first determine the layering time. The suitable time for layering plum blossoms is generally February to March each year, when plum blossoms are in the key period of new shoot growth. It should not be done on rainy days; layering should be done on sunny days. If done on rainy days, the survival rate of the layers will be very low. At the latest, it should be completed by the Beginning of Spring. Generally, if layering propagation is carried out in spring, then the layers can be separated from the mother plant in early winter.
2. Selecting layers
After determining the layering time, we should begin selecting the branches to be layered. The quality of the branches directly determines the survival rate of the layers. First, the branches should mainly be those less than three years old. Make sure the branches are robust and free of pests and diseases, and because branches less than three years old differ in age, the layering method will also differ. For example, if the branch is 1-2 years old, then the ordinary layering method can be used. But if the branch is 2-3 years old, then air layering should be the main method.
3. Branch treatment
After the branches are selected, we also need to treat the branches properly. If the branches are not treated, then the rooting rate of the layers will be very low. First, we need to girdle the branch, and the girdling position should be around the middle of the branch. When girdling, keep the width at about 5 cm. Girdle it down to the xylem of the branch. After girdling, spray an appropriate amount of carbendazim on the girdled area for disinfection. This prevents the wound from becoming infected and rotting, which would affect rooting. Then an appropriate amount of rooting agent can be applied to increase the rooting rate.
4. Rooting management
After the branch is treated, wrap moist fertile soil or moss with plastic film, then wrap it around the girdled area. Then tie both ends of the plastic film tightly to prevent air and water leakage. Then strengthen management. If layering is done in spring, roots can form after the plant sheds its leaves in autumn. After rooting, separate it from the mother plant and plant it. After replanting, we should pay attention to watering appropriately, but do not water too much. If the temperature is relatively low, then good cold protection and heat preservation work should also be done to prevent frost damage and improve the survival rate of the branches. When spring arrives and the temperature rises, an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer can be applied as a top dressing.
The above is a brief introduction to the air layering propagation method for plum blossoms. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!