What are the propagation methods for wintersweet? A detailed guide
1. Grafting
The propagation method for wintersweet is generally based on grafting, mainly using the cut-grafting method. Select well-developed branches from the mother plant, then cut off the top shoots, next complete the graft using the rootstock and scion, and finally wait for the wintersweet to take root.
2. Division
Cut off the tops of all the selected branches intended for division, then insert the branches into the soil for planting. Note that the entire branch should be pulled up with its roots, not just the branch cut off.
3. Layering
After cutting and wounding a branch close to the ground, hold and press a ball of mud onto the wound, then wrap the wound with plastic film to prevent moisture loss, and finally just wait for roots to form. Once roots have formed, separate it from the mother plant.
Well, that is all for the seed propagation method of wintersweet and the other wintersweet propagation methods added by the editor. That is all for today's content. Thank you for reading!
Seed propagation methods for wintersweet
I. Seed collection
Generally speaking, if you want to propagate by seed, the seeds can be bought directly. If you do not want to buy them, you must wait until the wintersweet fruit turns yellow before collecting them, usually around July to August. After removing the seeds, store them dry.
II. Sowing time
There are two periods for sowing wintersweet, one in spring and the other in autumn. When sowing in spring, first soak the collected wintersweet seeds in water for a day, then let them dry slightly before planting them in the soil. During this period, be sure to care for them well, and they will sprout in about half a month. When sowing in autumn, there is no need to store the seeds dry; simply clean the collected seeds and plant them directly in the soil, and they will sprout in about half a month.
III. Care after sowing
After sowing the seeds, water sparingly to prevent the soil from being too moist, which would affect the growth of the wintersweet. Watering about once every half a month is enough. Also watch out for pests and diseases. Once discovered, deal with them immediately, generally using insecticides.
Propagation of wintersweet
(1) Seed propagation. Propagating wintersweet by seed is generally relatively uncommon. When this method is used to propagate wintersweet, the propagation time is long, but the cost is relatively low. With this method, harvesting is generally done in autumn when the wintersweet seeds turn black, and then they are sown. Usually, in about 10 days, the wintersweet will sprout. When the seedlings are more than 10 cm tall, they generally begin to bloom.
(2) Grafting. The best time for grafting is May to June each year. One month before grafting, we should choose a thick, sturdy 1-year-old branch and cut off its top shoot so that the nutrients are concentrated in the middle section of the branch nodes. Generally, the scion is about 7-8 cm long, with 1-2 pairs of buds retained. When cutting the scion, the depth should be just enough to slightly expose the xylem. Cut downward from 1/3 of the diameter of the rootstock, splitting it 4-5 cm, align the wintersweet scion with the cambium, tie it firmly, then cover the outside with a plastic bag and tie it tightly. Remove the plastic bag after one month.
(3) Division. Propagating wintersweet by division is very simple, but it is only suitable for small-scale cultivation. The specific method is to select a small rooted branch of the wintersweet, separate it from the main trunk, bury it in the soil, and then apply a light fertilizer to it.