Hawthorn is tasty and attractive; master the key growing points and you can grow an even more appealing bonsai
There must be many friends who like eating hawthorn, and I like it very much too. However, not many gardening enthusiasts grow hawthorn now. In fact, whether planted in a courtyard or grown on a balcony as a bonsai, hawthorn is very beautiful. Here Science Xingnong shares with everyone how to grow a hawthorn bonsai at home.
1. Growth habits of hawthorn
Hawthorn is actually very adaptable, able not only to grow in the cold north but also in the hot south. Moreover, the hawthorn tree not only likes sunlight but can also grow in shady environments. It likes loose, fertile sandy soil, and the soil is best acidic.
2. Planting hawthorn
Seeds Hawthorn seeds should be said to be very easy to obtain. You can buy some raw hawthorn at the supermarket, select those that are very ripe, and then take out the seeds. But you will find that the seed pits of hawthorn are very hard, which is very unfavorable for germination. So before planting, germination needs to be promoted. You can put the seeds in warm water to soak for two days, then expose them to strong sunlight for about three hours, repeating this for about ten days. The pits will crack, then bury the pits in sandy soil for sand storage. Sow in the second year in spring, and generally they will sprout in about two weeks.
Seedlings However, the above method should be very unsuitable for impatient gardening enthusiasts, so enthusiasts can also directly buy hawthorn seedlings. This kind of hawthorn seedling is sold both at flower markets and online.
After buying the seedlings, you can choose a flowerpot suitable for the size of the seedlings. It is best to use a clay pot, which has good breathability. For the soil mix, you can choose leaf mold, garden soil, and river sand, mixing the soil at a ratio of about 3 to 4 to 3. Planting one to two hawthorn seedlings per pot is enough. After planting, move it to a shady place to let the roots recover.
3. Care of the hawthorn tree
Water Hawthorn is relatively drought-tolerant. Too much water easily causes the hawthorn roots to rot, and the plant to drop leaves and die. So usually water less, and water when the pot becomes dry. Each watering should be
thorough.
Fertilizer The hawthorn tree is suitable for light fertilizer. Usually, you can apply diluted cake fertilizer about once a month to promote plant growth. When the hawthorn tree enters the fruiting stage, pay attention to applying some phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote fruit growth.
Light The hawthorn tree relatively likes light, and usually it can be placed on a balcony to grow. However, summer temperatures are higher and the light is strong, so it is best to provide appropriate shading for the hawthorn tree to prevent the leaves from being scorched. In winter, the hawthorn tree enters dormancy, so reduce watering and fertilizing, and it is best to move it indoors.
Pruning If you are making it into a hawthorn bonsai, pruning will be more complicated. You need to carry out shaping, tying, and styling in a timely manner, which requires great patience from the gardening enthusiast. If you are growing it as an ordinary fruit potted plant, pruning is relatively simple. Generally follow the natural open-center tree shape, and pay attention to trimming the crown. Keep four or five main branches, and it is best to spread the directions of the main branches apart. This helps every branch receive light and also maintains ventilation.