A Detailed Guide to Chinese Toon Seed Prices and Planting Methods
Chinese toon (Toona sinensis), also known as xiangchun ling, xianglingzi, xiangchunzi, etc., and called chunmiao in some areas of Anhui, is a deciduous tree of the genus Toona in the Meliaceae family. It originated in central and southern China and is now widely cultivated throughout the country. The tree is tall, and besides providing toon buds for eating, it is also a preferred tree species for landscaping. Let's take a look at Chinese toon seed prices and planting methods below!
How much does a jin of Chinese toon seeds cost?
The price of Chinese toon seeds is about 30-40 yuan per jin, but prices vary greatly depending on seed quality (germination rate), variety, place of origin and market. There are many varieties of Chinese toon. According to the different colors of the newly emerged buds and cotyledons, they can basically be divided into two major categories: purple Chinese toon and green Chinese toon. Varieties belonging to purple Chinese toon include Heiyouchun, Hongyouchun, Jiaozuo Hongxiangchun, Ximou Zichun, etc., while varieties belonging to green Chinese toon include Qingyouchun, Huangluosan, etc. Seed prices differ among varieties.
Sowing methods for Chinese toon
1. Seed collection: Chinese toon blooms from May to June, and the fruits mature from October to November. When the fruits mature they are reddish-brown, and at this time the fruits can be harvested to obtain seeds. Seeds should be collected from tall, robust mother trees 15-30 years old. The 1000-seed weight of dried and cleaned seeds is 15 grams, with a germination rate of 40-50%.
2. Warm-water seed soaking: Soak Chinese toon seeds in warm water at 40°C for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, then place them in water at 20-30°C and soak for 24 hours. After the seeds have absorbed enough water, remove them, drain off excess water, and then proceed to germination.
3. Moisture-retaining germination: Spread the Chinese toon seeds to a thickness of 3 cm, then cover with a clean cloth, and place them in a 20-25°C environment to germinate while retaining moisture. During germination, turn them 1-2 times a day and rinse them 2-3 times with clean water at about 25°C. When 30% of the seeds have sprouted, they can be sown.
4. Timely sowing: For Chinese toon, choose a seedling-raising field with flat terrain, sufficient sunlight, good drainage and sandy, fertile soil. Combine with land preparation and fertilization, spread evenly, and turn the soil thoroughly. Sow the germinated seeds evenly, then cover with 2 cm of soil.
5. Seedling management: Chinese toon seeds emerge about 7 days after sowing. Strictly control watering before emergence to prevent soil crusting from affecting emergence. When the seedlings emerge and grow 4-6 true leaves, thinning and final spacing should be carried out.
Planting methods for Chinese toon
1. Land preparation and fertilization: For Chinese toon cultivation in a solar greenhouse, sufficient base fertilizer must be applied. Apply no less than 5000 kg of high-quality farmyard manure, no less than 100 kg of superphosphate, and 25 kg of urea per mu. Spread evenly and plow deeply, then make beds and plant seedlings. Generally the bed width is 80-100 cm.
2. Planting density: The planting density for Chinese toon is preferably about 30,000 plants per mu, with a plant spacing of 15 cm and a row spacing of 15 cm. When the plants are about 50 cm tall, dwarfing treatment of the seedlings should be carried out.
3. Temperature management: In the first few days after planting Chinese toon, heating may be omitted, keeping the temperature at 1°C-5°C to help the seedlings recover. After 8-10 days from planting, cover the greenhouse with straw mats so that the temperature inside is controlled at 18-24°C during the day and 12-14°C at night.
4. Hormone regulation: After the Chinese toon seedlings have recovered from planting, treat them with Chouzhibao by applying the medicine at fixed points to the upper 4-5 dormant buds of the seedlings. 1 gram of medicine is applied to 100-120 buds. Applying the medicine can make the buds plump and the tender shoots robust, and can increase yield by 10-20%.
5. Humidity regulation: Newly planted Chinese toon seedlings in the greenhouse should maintain relatively high humidity. After planting, water thoroughly, and afterward water lightly as needed. The relative air humidity should be kept at about 85%. During the growth period after sprouting, a relative humidity of about 70% is better.
6. Light regulation: Chinese toon cultivation in a solar greenhouse requires good light to promote growth. Use anti-drip film and keep the greenhouse film clean. When carrying out paclobutrazol treatment, combine it with pinching to increase the number of branches.
7. Harvesting of toon buds: When the Chinese toon buds grow to 15-20 cm and are well colored, begin harvesting. Harvesting is best done in the morning and evening. In the greenhouse, Chinese toon buds can be harvested once every 7-10 days, for a total of 4-5 harvests. After each harvest of buds, topdress with fertilizer and water.