A Detailed Guide to Cinnamon Propagation Methods: Sharing the Latest Practical Techniques
Cinnamon is a tree with relatively high economic value and is fairly widely distributed in our country. The bark of the cinnamon tree can be processed into cassia bark, which has a very rich fragrance and is often used as a spice for seasoning in various dishes, and the tree can also be used as timber to make various kinds of furniture. So how should we propagate it when planting? Below, the editor brings you the propagation methods of cinnamon. Let's take a look!
1. Sucker propagation
Sucker propagation is also called root-layer propagation. Generally in early April of each year, select suckers within two years old that are about 1 m tall and about 2.3 cm in diameter. Then at the base of the sucker, peel off the stem bark around the main trunk, and immediately cover the peeled part with loose, fertile soil. Tread it down firmly and water thoroughly. After about 10-12 months, roots will gradually grow from the peeled part. When establishing the plantation and building the orchard, dig away the soil, separate the suckers, and transplant and set them in place. The survival rate of sucker propagation is extremely high, but the growth capacity is relatively weak, and the yield of seedlings will also be affected to a certain extent.
2. Cutting propagation
The time for cutting propagation is similar to that for sucker propagation. First, choose a cinnamon tree with strong growth and no diseases as the mother plant. Then select healthy branches about 5 mm thick from the mother plant, cut them at a position of about 14 cm, and cut the cut end flat to prevent the cortex and xylem from separating. Then place the branches in a cool place and soak them in water or cover them with grass to prevent water loss and reduce the rooting rate. Next, prepare a nursery bed. The soil of the nursery bed should be clean river sand. Control the planting density and insert the cuttings into the nursery bed, with 1/3 exposed above ground. Then water the flat bed and cover it with film to keep the nursery bed moist. After about two months, the cortex gradually heals and roots form. When there are many roots, they can be transplanted in due course.
3. Seed propagation
Seed propagation is mostly used for large-scale planting. First, we should choose trees over 12 years old that are tall, not bent, have thick bark, and have a high oil content as seed trees. Around March each year, when the fruit color darkens and the flesh becomes soft, begin harvesting. Take the seeds out of the fruit and wash off the mucus and flesh on the seeds with clean water. Put them in a ventilated and cool place to air-dry the moisture, then choose soil with sufficient water, good drainage and irrigation, and that is deep and loose as the nursery. Do the land preparation well, control the density and sow at the right time. After sowing, strengthen field management, do a good job with fertilizer and water. After about one year, when the seedlings grow to about 30 cm, they can be transplanted and set in place.
4. Precautions
When using the seed propagation method, if the seeds cannot be sown immediately, wrap them in wet sand and place them in a cool place with little wind. They can be stored for about two months, and the germination rate can be maintained at about 80%. Because cinnamon seeds are relatively fragile, have weak storability, and a relatively short lifespan, they must not be exposed to direct sunlight or stored for too long. It is best to sow immediately after harvesting and processing to ensure seed quality and germination rate.
The above is a brief introduction to cinnamon propagation methods. The lifespan of the cinnamon tree is very long. Once planted and entering the mature stage, it can almost be harvested every year. Of course, this mainly depends on the planting direction, but no matter what the direction is, everyone needs to do a good job in planting management to create a good growing environment for cinnamon. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for reading and supporting.