Detailed Explanation of Hardwood Cutting Propagation Techniques for Dawn Redwood

The hardwood cutting propagation technique for dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is as follows: in spring, select 1- to 3-year-old mother trees to take cuttings, or collect scion wood from a cutting orchard; 1-year-old seedling stems and their side branches can also be used as cuttings. Cuttings cut from the tip section and middle section of the scion wood have a higher survival rate. Generally, cuttings are 10 to 12 cm long, and tip sections are cut to 15 to 18 cm long. Before cutting, soak the lower 2 cm of the cuttings in 50 mg per kg of NAA for 20 to 24 hours, or quick-dip in 500 mg per kg of NAA for 3 to 5 seconds; alternatively, soak in 100 mg per kg of ABT rooting powder for 10 to 20 hours, and then proceed with cutting. The plant and row spacing for hardwood cuttings is 8 to 12 cm by 18 cm, or 7 to 10 cm by 20 cm. About 46 to 70 cuttings are inserted per sq m. A cutting depth of 7 to 8 cm is sufficient. When the air temperature reaches about 10°C, the winter buds on the upper part of the cuttings begin to sprout, and then new shoots or pinnate leaves emerge successively. Until late May, the cuttings still have not rooted and are in a "false alive" state. From early to mid-June to late June, when the air temperature stabilizes above 20°C, the cuttings generally begin to root. During the "false alive" and rooting periods, attention should be paid to water management: water frequently but in small amounts, keeping the soil moist but not overly wet, so as to prevent the lower end of the cuttings from rotting.