How to Grow Chaibaguo (Lonicera standishii)? A Detailed Explanation of Planting Methods and Key Technical Points
Chaibaguo, also known as Jianshenguo (fitness fruit) or Xiangsiguo (lovesick fruit), has an extremely unusual fruit shape, resembling a heart, and holds very high ornamental value. Its flesh is tender and delicate, with a fresh, sweet fragrance, and its trace element content far exceeds that of other fruits, which is why it is called a nutrient treasury. It is therefore rarely seen on the market, and many people have little understanding of it. To taste it, you have to grow it yourself. Let's take a look at its planting methods below.
1. Growing Environment
Chaibaguo is a light-loving plant that prefers environments with ample sunlight; sunny or semi-sunny slopes are the most suitable choice. It has extremely strong adaptability to its environment and can survive on uneven mountain land and plots with large rocks, but it is best planted in deep, loose and fertile soil. In addition, it has strong resistance to harsh climates such as heavy rain, high temperatures and drought, so management after planting is extremely simple.
2. Planting
Chaibaguo has tenacious roots with extremely strong regenerative capacity, so its roots are often used for propagation; generally, 2-year-old root stocks are selected for planting. There is no fixed planting time - it can be planted at any time of year, with a survival rate of 100%. Even if the root stocks are dug out and left exposed to wind and rain for half a month before planting, the survival rate is still as high as 90%. When planting, it is best not to do so when low temperatures have frozen the soil, to avoid affecting root stock growth or causing death. Pay attention to the spacing between plants and rows when planting.
3. Fertilizer and Water Management
After planting, water once a week for 3 consecutive times to ensure the survival rate. Afterwards, apply fertilizer 2-3 times a year. The first application is before flowering in spring, a bud-promoting fertilizer to encourage sprouting, using diammonium phosphate and urea, with the amount depending on the size and growth condition of the plant. Water immediately after fertilizing so the fertilizer is absorbed as quickly as possible. The second application is in late autumn and early winter, a wintering fertilizer based mainly on organic fertilizer and urea. In addition, Chaibaguo can grow normally in dry environments, but for good growth, water it during dry periods.
4. Pruning
The chaibaguo tree has extremely strong sprouting ability. Without some control, its branches and leaves will grow thick and lush in a short time, resulting in poor ventilation and light penetration among the branches and leaves, which affects flowering and fruiting. Therefore, after leaf fall in autumn, to ensure more flowers and fruit the following year, promptly prune away dense branches, diseased and damaged branches, and dead branches to improve ventilation and light penetration among the branches and leaves.
The above is an introduction to how to grow Chaibaguo. We hope it helps you. For more growing knowledge, please stay tuned to us.