How to propagate dwarf flowering almond (Prunus glandulosa) by cuttings? Key points explained
Dwarf flowering almond is a shrub, and in the wild it grows somewhat larger than when cultivated artificially. There are now more and more varieties of dwarf flowering almond. When it blooms, it is very beautiful. It is now distributed throughout China and Japan, and some flower enthusiasts also grow dwarf flowering almond as a garden plant. So what issues should be noted when propagating dwarf flowering almond artificially?
Dwarf flowering almond
Dwarf flowering almond is commonly propagated by division or grafting, with mountain peach (Prunus davidiana) used as the rootstock. For cutting propagation, semi-mature branch cuttings in summer are the easiest to root. Late June to early July each year is the best period for cutting propagation. Using the direct insertion method, before inserting, first make holes in the substrate with a wooden stick, with a plant-to-row spacing of 5 cm x 5 m, and 20 cuttings per row. Four rooting promoters are selected: (GGR) rooting powder, indolebutyric acid (IBA), indoleacetic acid (IAA), and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), with 6 concentration gradients set at 50 x 10-6, 100 x 10-6, 200 x 10-6, 500, 1000 x 10-6, and 2000 x 10-6. The first three low concentrations are used for long soaking treatments (1 hour, 2 hours), and the latter 3 high concentrations are used for 5s quick dipping treatments. Each treatment has 40 cuttings, with 3 replications, and at the same time cuttings treated with clear water are used as the control. The cutting depth is 1/3 of the cutting length (about 3 cm). Firm the substrate around the cuttings, and immediately water thoroughly with a watering can so that the cuttings and substrate are fully in contact. On the bed, install an arched steel bar frame horizontally, cover the frame with plastic film (with a built-in thermometer and hygrometer), and press down firmly around the edges.
Habits and cultivation key points of dwarf flowering almond
Dwarf flowering almond has very strong adaptability and a certain degree of cold resistance, so it can often be seen in courtyards and along roadsides, and it is widely distributed in China and Japan. Dwarf flowering almond has high ornamental value, blooming before the leaves appear in spring, and it is very beautiful.
Dwarf flowering almond
Dwarf flowering almond has a certain degree of cold resistance and strong adaptability. It likes light, is relatively cold-resistant, highly adaptable, drought-tolerant, and also relatively tolerant of water and moisture; its root system is well developed. It avoids low-lying waterlogged areas and heavy clay soil, and prefers to grow in moist, loose, well-drained sandy loam.
When planting dwarf flowering almond, it should be planted with a soil ball and with water settled in the hole, and after the water seeps down, cover with soil and tread firm. If transplanted with leaves, use 50% shade netting for shade. After planting, it is best to use sprinkler irrigation, spraying for 30 seconds each day. During the seedling recovery period, water generally once every 7-10 days. During the growing season, carry out 3-4 rounds of weeding and loosening of the soil. Since its introduction, dwarf flowering almond has been propagated every year by collecting branches for cuttings, without affecting the growth vigor of the tree. The crown of dwarf flowering almond is neat and full, with an elliptical spherical tree shape, very perfect, and does not need pruning. If planted as a flowering hedge, a plant spacing of 3 plants per meter is appropriate, and heavy pruning is also unnecessary; simply prune individual protruding parts.