A Detailed Guide to Holly Seed Selection Techniques and Seedling Cultivation Methods
Holly is an evergreen tree of the genus Ilex in the family Aquifoliaceae. This plant stays green through all four seasons and does not wither even in winter, which is why holly has become an indispensable tree species in urban landscaping. In fact, the plants commonly called holly are far more than just one species, and there are more than two hundred species of the genus Ilex in our country alone, widely cultivated south of the Qinling Mountains. As for now, people prefer to grow holly as bonsai at home for ornamental purposes. So how should one select seeds and raise seedlings when planting holly? Let's find out together.
How to select holly seeds?
Choosing a seed variety suitable for local planting is the key to successful holly cultivation. Currently, common holly seed varieties include large-leaf holly, small-leaf holly, Japanese holly, Chinese holly, winterberry, and French holly, and so on. Different varieties differ in their habits, so simply select seeds according to your needs. After selecting, germinate the seeds. Generally, you can soak the seeds in warm hot water for about 24 hours, and when the seeds begin to absorb water and swell, take them out and plant them.
What are the seedling cultivation methods?
1. Propagation by sowing
Spring each year is the most suitable time for sowing holly, preferably before March, because the climate at this time is more suitable for its growth, so the survival rate will be relatively higher. After sowing, cover with fine soil about 2-3 cm thick mixed with decomposed compost, and cover with straw; keep the seedbed constantly moist, and it will germinate and grow into seedlings. Seedlings grow slowly during the seedling stage and require careful maintenance and management.
2. Transplanting seedlings
When the seedlings produce true leaves, transplant them into plastic bag nutrition pots for seedling cultivation, arranged in the seedbed (plastic bag diameter 5 cm, pot height 10-12 cm). After transplanting, the seedlings are vulnerable to high-temperature sunscald and drought, so promptly set up a shade shed with 75% shading net to provide shade and retain moisture.
3. Cutting propagation
It is best to take holly cuttings during the plum rain season. Before cutting, we can use chopsticks to poke a hole in the substrate, then insert the cutting slip halfway in. This operation can avoid damaging the cutting slip and is very practical. After that, water thoroughly and let it sit for about one month, and it will take root.
4. Seedling-stage care
During the vigorous growth period of the seedlings, focus on fertilizing. In April, spray the leaves every 5 days; from July to August, spray the leaves with 0.1% urea solution once every 5 days. In the later stage of seedling growth, spray the leaves with 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution or 0.2-0.3% potassium sulfate solution once every 5-7 days to promote lignification of the seedlings and enhance their cold resistance for overwintering. In addition, water frequently to keep the soil moist, but do not let water accumulate. Finally, just do a good job of the relevant pest and disease control.
Overall, holly is the evergreen plant most used in landscaping and an indispensable beautiful shaping tree species in garden landscapes around the world, so in winter it is still relatively popular with the public. And friends who want to grow holly also hope to understand holly care knowledge; the key is to master seed selection and seedling cultivation techniques.
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