When is the best time to take cuttings of osmanthus?
Choosing the cutting time and controlling the temperature. For osmanthus cuttings, May and June are best. The suitable rooting temperature for osmanthus is 25°C to 28°C. If the temperature is too low, cover with plastic film, increase light, and raise the seedbed temperature. If the temperature is too high, pay attention to shading, and lift a corner of the plastic film to ventilate and cool down or spray water to cool down....
Choosing the cutting time and controlling the temperature. For osmanthus cuttings, May and June are best. The suitable rooting temperature for osmanthus is 25°C to 28°C. If the temperature is too low, cover with plastic film, increase light, and raise the seedbed temperature. If the temperature is too high, pay attention to shading, and lift a corner of the plastic film to ventilate and cool down or spray water to cool down.
Cutting medium and seedbed. The cutting medium should be loose, breathable, well-drained acidic soil or sandy soil rich in humus, preferably vermiculite. Leave paths around the seedbed and dig drainage ditches well. The soil must be sterilized before inserting the cuttings. Set up a plastic arched frame 45 cm high on the seedbed to retain moisture and prevent rain and water accumulation. Above the frame, set up another shade frame about 1.6 m high.
Selection and treatment of cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the early morning, in the evening, or on cloudy days. Select semi-lignified branches for cuttings, cut them into 10 cm to 12 cm lengths, cut the lower end close below a node into a horseshoe shape, and leave 2 to 3 leaves at the upper end.
Cutting technique. Dip the lower end of the cuttings in ABT rooting powder or soak in 200 ppm to 500 ppm indolebutyric acid for 5 minutes to 10 minutes, insert 2/3 into the soil, with a plant and row spacing of 6×6 cm. After inserting, water thoroughly, then cover with plastic film.
Management after cutting. ① Soil moisture should be about 50%, while air humidity is best kept above 85%. ② In the early stage of cutting, keep the shade frame shading at about 80%, which both prevents direct strong sunlight and ensures sufficient scattered light to facilitate photosynthesis of leafy cuttings and help rooting. ③ After 10 days, spray the leaves once with 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate or 0.5% superphosphate and 0.1% urea solution. ④ After 30 days, roots have basically formed, so the film can be removed and light increased. For rooted young plants, pay attention to leaf spraying and shading on sunny summer days. ⑤ To make the young plants grow strong, spray the leaves with 0.05% "Yemianbao"; do not fertilize through the root system. By September to October or the following spring, they can be transplanted into pots.