How to grow potted cherry blossoms? A detailed guide to the latest care methods
Cherry blossom is the collective name for several plants in the genus Cerasus of the rose family (Rosaceae). It is an important flowering tree species of early spring, often used for garden ornament, and is very suitable for planting in the ground, but it can also be grown in pots. The varieties suitable for potted cherry blossoms mainly include Asahi, Mamezakura, Miyabi, Gyoiko and others. Now let us take a look together at how to grow potted cherry blossoms!
Potting soil preparation
For potted cherry blossoms, the soil must first be prepared. Generally, homemade leaf mold can be used; the specific method is to collect leaves along with acidic soil, chicken manure, charcoal powder and microorganisms and compost them together. Homemade leaf mold has good drainage and aeration, and is suitable for the growth of potted cherry blossoms.
Reasonable pruning
Pruning potted cherry blossoms requires special attention. Before and after flowering, properly thin out overly dense branches, cutting away inward-growing branches, dead branches, thin weak branches and diseased or pest-infested branches. Throughout the growing season, promptly remove sucker shoots and leggy shoots to avoid consuming nutrients. After pruning, an antiseptic must be applied to prevent the wounds from rotting, because cherry blossom wounds heal rather slowly. Newly potted cherry blossom branches should be cut back to encourage more new branches and the differentiation of more flower buds.
Reasonable watering
Cherry blossoms dislike waterlogging. Water reasonably according to the different seasons and the size of the cherry blossom seedling, following the principle of watering when dry and letting dry between waterings. The soil must not be too wet or waterlogged, otherwise it will cause root rot, which in mild cases leads to leaf drop and affects flowering, and in severe cases kills the whole plant.
Timely fertilizing
Potted cherry blossoms need sufficient fertilizer to ensure the nutrients required for their growth and development, so that the plants have luxuriant branches and leaves and bright flower colors. Generally, apply decomposed liquid fertilizer once a week, mainly nitrogen fertilizer in the early stage to promote vegetative growth, and later pay attention to applying phosphorus fertilizer in combination to prevent excessive vegetative growth from affecting flower bud differentiation. In May to June, spray 0.1 to 0.2% monopotassium phosphate on the leaves, and apply a base fertilizer once each before and after flowering to lay the foundation for flowering the following year.
Pest and disease control
Cherry blossoms mainly suffer from two conditions, gummosis and root rot, both of which must be treated promptly by improving the soil, strengthening water and fertilizer management, and pruning reasonably. During a year of growth, cherry blossoms can be harmed by aphids, red spider mites and scale insects. Generally, spray pesticide 3 to 4 times: the first time before flowering, the second time after flowering, and the third time in July to August. Careful observation and timely control are necessary to achieve good results.