How to propagate Chinese holly? A detailed guide to the latest propagation methods

Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) is also known as cat's thorn and bird's roost; it belongs to the genus Ilex and can be used as a holly tree. Its branches and leaves are dense and its form is unusual, making it an excellent foliage and fruit-viewing tree species, often used for Christmas decorations in the West. It is also a tonic and strengthening herb in traditional Chinese medicine, so how should it be propagated? Let's take a look together.

1. Seed propagation

Chinese holly can be propagated by the traditional seed method. To create a good environment for its seed germination and seedling growth, after selecting the plot, it must be carefully cultivated and the soil clods broken up fine. When sowing, attention must also be paid to density; especially large seeds should be sown appropriately thinly. In production there are broadcasting, drilling and dibbling, but because Chinese holly has large seeds, the dibbling method is commonly used. Dig furrows in the nursery according to seed size, and sow the seeds in the nursery at a certain spacing between plants and rows. Generally the row spacing must not be less than 30 cm, and the plant spacing is controlled at about 10-15 cm. The sowing depth is generally 3-5 cm, and can reach 8 cm in dry conditions. When the soil is dry and loose, press lightly after sowing and covering with soil.

2. Cutting propagation

Select a superior thornless variety that has grown vigorously for 6-8 years, is free of pests and diseases, and use it as the mother plant. Choose branches that are thick and strong, with plump buds and no pests or diseases, as the cuttings. This is generally done during the summer plum rain season. Cut the cuttings in the morning, cut them into small sections 6-8 cm long, each section with 2-3 buds and also one leaf, and place them in clean water to prevent water loss, as the survival rate of cuttings is not high. Before cutting, soak the lower end of the cuttings in a rooting powder solution for 2 hours, then insert them. The insertion depth is two-thirds of the cutting. Generally control the spacing between plants and rows at 8×3 cm. After cutting, water thoroughly, maintain suitable temperature and humidity, and roots can form in about one month.

3. Grafting propagation

Grafting is a commonly used method in agricultural production. It refers to moving the vegetative organs of a plant onto another plant. The grafted branch is the scion, the bud is the bud scion, and the plant being grafted onto is the rootstock. When cultivating grafted Chinese holly seedlings, they grow fast, have strong tree vigor and bear fruit early, and can also inherit the rootstock's characteristics of drought resistance, cold resistance, waterlogging resistance and salt-alkali resistance. Therefore, it is best to choose this variety as the rootstock, while the bud scion should be chosen from a variety that bears fruit early and in large quantities.

The above is an introduction to Chinese holly propagation methods. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.