Detailed Explanation of Gardenia Propagation Methods: Learn to Propagate Gardenia Easily
Gardenia, also called zhizi, is an evergreen shrub of the Rubiaceae family. Its branches and leaves are dense, its foliage is bright, and its flowers have a very strong fragrance. Gardenia has relatively high economic value, with effects such as clearing the lungs and relieving cough, and cooling the blood to stop bleeding. Many people also grow it for ornamental purposes, as it has high ornamental value. But how should it be propagated when growing it? Below, the editor brings you the propagation methods of gardenia. Let's take a look!
1. Cutting propagation
Gardenia branches have a relatively strong rooting ability. When taking cuttings, the timing should be determined according to the growing region. In the south, it is generally done from March to April and from August to October, while in the north, cuttings should be taken around May to June. Before taking cuttings, first cut off healthy, pest-free branches, then cut the branches into small sections of about 12 cm, soak the base in naphthalene acetic acid for about 5 seconds, and then insert them into a sand bed. Keeping the sand bed moist will increase the rooting rate of the branches. Under normal management, roots can form in about 30 days after cutting, and transplanting can be done two months later.
2. Layering propagation
Layering propagation is generally carried out around Qingming Festival each year. First, select healthy branches no more than 1 year old from a mother plant that has grown for more than 3 years, with length controlled at about 28 cm. Press the branch to the ground, wound the part of the branch that needs to enter the soil, then cover the wounded part with soil and press it firm, and water thoroughly, which can increase the rooting rate. Generally, roots will form after about one month. After rooting, wait another month, then cut the branch off from the plant to form an independent plant. Transplant it with soil. During the growing period, keep the soil moist to promote the growth of the layered plant, apply additional fertilizer appropriately, and carry out management well.
3. Seed propagation
Before sowing, select plump and brightly colored fruits and dry them in the sun to use as seeds. Before sowing, dig the seeds out of the fruits, rub the seeds apart, remove the pulp and mucus, scoop out the seeds that sink to the bottom of the water, and then dry them. Then choose a sunny mountain area with deep, loose, soft, and fertile sandy soil for sowing. Before sowing, carry out deep plowing and land preparation, remove tree roots and miscellaneous wood from the soil, and make beds with good specifications. Apply basal fertilizer for planting, dig sowing furrows, and then sow. The sowing time is generally in spring and autumn. After sowing, cover with fine soil, water thoroughly, and keep the soil moist to increase the emergence rate.
4. Water cutting propagation
The steps for selecting and preparing branches for water cutting propagation are similar to those for cutting propagation, but the main difference is that the base of the cutting is inserted into clean water. When carrying out water cutting propagation, pay attention to the temperature to prevent excessively high temperatures from raising the water temperature and causing the base of the cutting to rot. Also ensure that the cut at the base of the cutting is smooth and free of impurities, otherwise it is also very easy to rot. Replace the water about once every 2 days, place the water container in a cool place, and roots will form in about 3 weeks. After rooting, put it into a pot in time; if the young roots exceed 3 cm, they are easily damaged when potting.
The rooting rate of water cutting propagation is very high, but it is not suitable for large-scale planting and is generally suitable for home ornamental use. No matter which propagation method is used, after successful rooting, the soil should be kept moist, as only then can the growth of gardenia seedlings be effectively ensured. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for reading and supporting.