When is the most suitable time to transplant hibiscus seedlings
Hibiscus is a traditional and common flowering shrub in China, planted in front of and behind the houses of ordinary families. The most common and convenient method of propagating hibiscus is cutting propagation. Cuttings can generally be taken in spring, summer, and autumn. Only the survival rate differs. After the seedlings have been cultivated, you have to decide on the transplanting time, and at this point you need to choose a suitable time. You also need to take the size of the seedlings into consideration. Let's learn about it now.
1. Transplanting time
If cuttings are taken in spring, it takes about one to two months for the seedling root system to grow fully, and for the plant to reach the standard for transplanting, which is about 60 cm, it takes about four months or so. So it may be transplanted in autumn. If cuttings are taken in summer, they may be transplanted in autumn, or it may have to wait until the following spring. Winter is not suitable for transplanting, and if cuttings are taken in autumn, they can only be transplanted in the following spring. Spring transplanting is also when growth is at its best, and most are transplanted and planted out in spring.
2. Transplanting method
Transplant with as complete a root system as possible, transplant with the soil, and do not remove the soil on the roots. Keep it moist, maintain root vitality, and transplanting will easily survive. The planting hole should be dug twice the size of the soil ball, so that there is enough growing space. The planting distance must be suitable, taking into account the growing space and the purpose of planting; if it is planted in a yard as a hedge, you can plant one plant every one meter, and once it grows it will become dense. Use fine soil for transplanting, and the planting depth should be about 40 cm or more, so that it will not lodge later. Fertilize at the bottom of the hole before planting, and after planting, water thoroughly, then mound soil to keep it moist.
3. Fertilizer and water
After transplanting, you should keep observing the growth vigor and how well it has survived, and you need to apply additional fertilizer and water. After fertilizing and watering at planting time, once it has survived, apply fertilizer and water once more after a month, mainly applying nitrogen fertilizer or compound fertilizer; applying chemical fertilizer takes effect quickly and promotes plant growth. Before it starts to bloom, apply a phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once, and during the flowering period, remove the summer weeds and then apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer again. After the leaves fall in winter, apply a large amount of farmyard manure to keep it warm and provide nutrients.
4. Plant adjustment
After flowering, over one year of growth, if the plant has not been adjusted, you will find that the branches are all messy, the tree shape is not attractive, and it is not easy to manage. The branches must be pruned to develop the tree shape. First keep 5 main branches on the trunk; if there are extras, those growing well can be left unpruned, and the others cut off, then prune, level by level, the excess branches and dense branches above the branches. Distribute the branches reasonably, and do not leave gaps. It is convenient for direct shaping. Mainly just keep an open-center shape.
The transplanting time for hibiscus seedlings is generally spring, but it also depends on the specific situation. The transplanting method and management are also what friends growing hibiscus want to know about. I hope the above content can give everyone a useful reference.