How to Propagate Cinnamon? A Detailed Guide to Common Propagation Methods
Cinnamon is a tree with relatively high economic value and is fairly widely distributed in China. The bark of the cinnamon tree can be processed into cassia bark, which has a very rich fragrance and is often used as a spice to season various dishes, and the wood can also be used as timber to make all kinds of furniture. So how should we propagate it when planting? Below, the editor brings you the propagation methods for cinnamon, let's take a look!
1. Sucker propagation
Sucker propagation is also called root-layering propagation. Generally in early April each year, select suckers that are within two years old, about 1 m tall and about 2.3 cm in diameter. Then at the base of the sucker, peel off the stem bark around the main trunk, and immediately cover the peeled part with loose, fertile soil. Tread it down firmly and water thoroughly. After about 10-12 months, the peeled part will gradually grow roots. When establishing the plantation and orchard, dig away the soil again, separate the sucker, and transplant and plant it out. The survival rate of sucker propagation is extremely high, but its growth capacity is relatively weak, and the yield of seedlings will also be affected to a certain extent.
2. Cutting propagation
The time for cutting propagation is similar to that for sucker propagation. First, choose a cinnamon tree with strong growth and no diseases as the mother plant. Then select a robust branch about 5 mm thick from the mother plant, cut it at a position of about 14 cm, and trim the cut end flat to prevent the cortex and xylem from separating. Then place the branch in a cool place and soak it in water or cover it with grass to prevent water loss from lowering the rooting rate. Next, prepare a nursery bed. The soil of the nursery bed should be clean river sand. Control the planting density well and insert the cuttings into the nursery bed, leaving 1/3 exposed above ground. Then water the flat bed and cover it with film to keep the nursery bed moist. After about two months, the cortex gradually heals and roots form. When there are many roots, it can be transplanted at the right time.
3. Seed propagation
Seed propagation is mostly used for large-scale planting. First, we should choose trees that are over 12 years old, tall, not crooked, with thick bark and high oil content as seed trees. Around March each year, when the fruit color darkens and the flesh becomes soft, begin harvesting. Take the seeds out of the fruit and wash off the mucus and flesh on the seeds with clean water. Put them in a ventilated, cool place to air-dry the moisture. Then choose soil with sufficient water, good drainage and irrigation, and deep, loose texture as the nursery, do the land preparation well, control the density and sow at the right time. After sowing, strengthen field management and do a good job with fertilizer and water. After about one year, when the seedlings grow to about 30 cm, they can be transplanted and planted out.
4. Precautions
When using the seed propagation method, if the seeds cannot be sown immediately, wrap them in moist sand and place them in a cool place with little wind. They can be stored for about two months, and the germination rate can be guaranteed at about 80%. Because cinnamon seeds are relatively fragile, have weak storability, and a relatively short lifespan, they must not be exposed to direct sunlight or stored for too long. It is best to sow immediately after harvesting and processing so as to ensure the quality and germination rate of the seeds.
The above is a brief introduction to cinnamon propagation methods. The lifespan of the cinnamon tree is very long, and after planting once and entering the mature stage, it can almost be harvested every year. Of course, this mainly depends on the planting purpose, but no matter what the purpose is, everyone needs to do a good job in planting management to create a good growing environment for cinnamon. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for reading and supporting.