How much do Podocarpus seeds cost? Detailed planting methods
Podocarpus is also known as Luohanshan, Evergreen Luohanshan, Money Pine, etc. It is an evergreen coniferous tree of the genus Podocarpus in the family Podocarpaceae. Its tree form is lush, elegant and vigorous, and its leaves stay fresh green in all four seasons, giving a sense of strength and nobility. If it is combined with rocks to create an eagle-claw-embracing-rock posture, it becomes even more elegant and unique. Now let us take a look at Podocarpus seed prices and planting methods!
How much do Podocarpus seeds cost per jin?
The price of Podocarpus seeds is about 25 to 35 yuan per jin, but prices vary greatly depending on seed quality, variety, place of origin, market, and other factors. Podocarpus generally blooms in the summer, in April, and only enters the fruiting stage after the flowering period has passed. Its seeds usually gradually mature in August to September. Podocarpus seeds are oval in shape, about one cm in diameter, and when mature, the fleshy aril is purple-black.
What varieties of Podocarpus are there?
1. Short-leaf Podocarpus: The branches of short-leaf Podocarpus spread upward at an angle. The leaves are short and densely grown, 2.5 to 7 cm long and 3 to 7 mm wide, with blunt or rounded tips. It is native to Japan. It is cultivated as a garden tree in all provinces and regions of southern China, and is grown as a potted plant in Beijing.
2. Narrow-leaf Podocarpus: The difference between narrow-leaf Podocarpus and Podocarpus is that the leaves are narrower, usually 5 to 9 cm long and 3 to 6 mm wide, with tips gradually narrowing into a long point and wedge-shaped bases. It is produced in Sichuan, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and other places and used as a garden tree.
3. Column-crown Podocarpus: The difference between column-crown Podocarpus and Podocarpus is that the crown is cylindrical, and the leaves are small, oblong-oblanceolate or oblanceolate, 1.3 to 3.5 cm long and 1 to 4 mm wide, with blunt or rounded tips and wedge-shaped bases. It is produced in Zhejiang.
Podocarpus sowing methods
1. Seed collection: After collecting Podocarpus seeds, try to place them in a dry and ventilated place. Do not expose them to too much light. Too hot or too humid conditions will also affect seed preservation. Too large a temperature difference will cause Podocarpus seeds to sprout early. The best storage method is to seal them well and put them in the refrigerator.
2. Seed soaking: Soak Podocarpus seeds for about 4 days before sowing so they fully absorb water. You can use warm cooled boiled water for soaking. Seeds treated this way will have a higher germination rate.
3. Sowing method: When sowing Podocarpus, sow by row spacing, with 20 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants. The soil should just cover the seeds, then cover them with grass to keep them moist. Spray the seeds with water once a day, and remove the grass cover after 8 to 9 days.
4. Seedling management: Podocarpus seeds germinate about 40 days after sowing. If they are too dense, transplant the small seedlings with soil to empty spots. Do not let the newly emerged seedlings be rained on. When the seedlings have grown to about 6 leaves, they can be appropriately watered with diluted biogas water.
5. Seedling transplanting: Podocarpus seedlings grow slowly. Transplant after 1 year, with a plant and row spacing of 20*20 cm, or move them into 15 cm nutritional bags, 1 plant per bag. Transplant again after another year, with a plant and row spacing of 1*1 m. After 3 years, seedling-grown plants can be used for landscaping or continue to be grown into larger saplings.
Podocarpus planting methods
1. Transplanting: The best time to transplant Podocarpus is spring, from March to April. Small seedlings need to be moved with soil, and large seedlings with root balls. After planting, water thoroughly. During the growing period, keep the soil moist. In the hot midsummer season, place it in a semi-shaded area for care, and fertilize once every 2 months. In winter, pay attention to cold protection for potted plants and reduce watering.
2. Material selection: The Podocarpus tree blank should have spreading roots extending in all four directions. The trunk should change evenly and beautifully in thickness and curvature from the base upward, with reasonable branching. The first branch point should be at 1/3 or 2/3 of the trunk, conforming to the golden ratio and giving a good ornamental effect.
3. Shaping: Podocarpus has whorled branches. According to the established momentum of the trunk, cut off messy branches and retain 2 to 3 branches at suitable positions. Bind the branches with metal wire so that the main branches droop slightly. Its sprouting ability is not strong. Prune once each in June and July every year, and usually focus on pinching.
4. Watering: In summer, water Podocarpus thoroughly once every evening or early morning and spray the leaves once more in the afternoon. In spring and autumn, when the temperature is below 25 degrees, generally water thoroughly once every 2 to 3 days. In winter, the pot can be buried in the ground and appropriately replenished with water according to the dryness and moisture inside the pot.
5. Fertilizing: Podocarpus is mainly grown for its leaves, so fertilizer should be mainly nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented by phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. In spring, apply sufficient base fertilizer when repotting. During the growing season, apply some thin alum fertilizer water, and often apply 01% urea and 3% leftover beer, which can make the leaves thick and green.
6. Leaf removal: When planting Podocarpus, in order to improve its ornamental value, the old leaves are usually removed in March. When removing them, keep the leaf stalks to stimulate the growth of new tender and green axillary buds.
7. Pests and diseases: The main diseases of Podocarpus are leaf spot and anthracnose, which can be sprayed with 500 times dilution of 50% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder. Pests include scale insects, red spiders, and bagworms, which can be killed by spraying with 1500 times dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate.