A Detailed Explanation of Baobab Planting Methods and Key Technical Points
The baobab is native to tropical regions such as Africa and Madagascar. Its canopy is very large, and the diameter of its main trunk can reach a size that two people cannot wrap their arms around. However, it is relatively fragile, and the trunk can be shot through with a gun. Every part of the baobab is useful: its fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidant compounds and is called a “superfruit”; even its leaves and bark can be used as medicine to reduce inflammation and bring down fever. Although it is native to Africa, it is also planted in tropical regions of our country, so how should baobab be planted? Details are as follows:
1. Seed soaking and germination
The seed coat of baobab seeds is very thick and hard. If the seeds are sown directly before planting, their germination rate will be very low. Therefore, before sowing and planting, the seeds must be germinated. There are many methods for germinating seeds, such as mechanical scarification and seed soaking, and the seed soaking method is generally used. Soak the seeds in concentrated sulfuric acid for about 7 hours; after sowing, such seeds can have a germination rate of more than 90% at about three weeks. Although the mechanical scarification method can speed up seed germination, it produces certain side effects: it not only fails to promote the seed germination rate, but also affects normal growth.
2. Land selection and sowing
After the seeds have been treated for germination, sowing can begin. Because the baobab is a fruit tree that grows in the tropics, the planting site is required to have sufficient sunlight, a certain water source, fertile soil, and a relatively deep soil layer. About one week after sowing, the seeds will begin to show white, and under normal growing conditions, the seeds will begin to germinate in about one month. However, after germination, they must be shaded for about one week before the seedlings can be fully exposed to sunlight. During the shading period, the seedlings need to gradually adapt to sunlight to avoid sudden changes in light causing the seedlings to fail to adapt and die. Then water at least twice a day, in the morning and evening, to ensure sufficient moisture for growth.
3. Water and fertilizer management
Water and fertilizer management for baobab is determined by the weather conditions and soil conditions of the planting site, and the water and fertilizer requirements of baobab differ at each growth stage. Young trees should be watered at least twice a week, generally in the evening or early morning. Although mature baobab trees do not need watering, properly watering them can better promote the growth of the baobab. A certain amount of base fertilizer needs to be applied before planting, and after planting, additional fertilizer and foliar fertilizer should be applied. If the purpose of planting is mainly for leaves, then more organic fertilizer should be applied. Spring and summer each year are the peak growing seasons for baobab, so the required water must be supplemented sufficiently.
4. Timely harvesting
There are also certain requirements for the harvesting time and harvesting method of baobab. Without a correct harvesting method, it will not only reduce yield, but also have a certain impact on the quality of storage and transportation after harvest. It may even harm the tree body and affect the yield of the following year. The generally suitable harvesting time is around October each autumn. When the bark turns dark gray or the trunk turns black, its leaves can be harvested. To harvest fruit of better quality, it is best to wait until the bark color turns pink or purple and the trunk turns red.
The above is a brief introduction to baobab planting methods. The planting area of baobab in our country has not yet fully developed, because baobab is native to the tropics. It has relatively high environmental requirements, and in our country it is only planted in tropical provinces such as Hainan and Yunnan. However, the editor thinks that baobab still has certain planting prospects, because baobab has very high nutritional value: the fruit shell can be used as a ladle, the flesh can satisfy hunger, and the juice can quench thirst. Therefore, growers with suitable planting conditions may consider it.