What are the propagation methods for red-fruited privet?

Red-fruited privet belongs to the genus Ligustrum in the family Oleaceae. It is distributed in the high-cold region at 1500 m in the Luoxiao Mountains. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree, 5-7 m tall, with purple-red young branches and pedicels, and elliptical leaves, 6-8 cm long and 3-4 cm wide, light purple-red. Terminal panicles, 6-8 cm long. Fruit oblong-elliptical, drupe-like false berry, with one seed. Flowering in May, fruiting in August, with branches laden with red fruit that persists until October without falling. This variety has strong adaptability, grows fast, has a high sprouting rate, tolerates pruning, and can withstand low temperatures of minus 20-22°C. In areas of Beijing with a favorable microclimate, it can be grown entirely in the open ground, and it is resistant to sulfur dioxide, chlorine gas, and hydrogen oxide. It grows normally in slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 8-9.

Propagation:

1. Seed propagation: After the seeds are harvested, they go through a 5-7 day after-ripening period, then the seed coat is rubbed off, the seeds are washed out in clean water, slightly dried, and stored mixed with moist fine sand. Sow in December, or in northern regions this can be delayed until March. In April-May of the following year, thin the seedlings and transplant them, and in the second year plant them out in the field. After 2-3 years they can be lifted for sale.

2. Cutting propagation: Divided into spring cuttings and summer cuttings. Spring cuttings are done in March, and summer cuttings in June-July. The cuttings must be lignified, 7-8 cm long, with 1-2 leaves, and the lower end cut into a horse-ear shape. The cutting bed medium uses fine loess mixed with one third fine sand. After inserting, water thoroughly, cover the arched frame with plastic film, and provide shade with a shade net.