Detailed Guide to Softwood Cutting Propagation of Dawn Redwood

The softwood cutting propagation technique for dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is as follows: in early summer, from late May to early June, when the temperature reaches 25 to 28 degrees Celsius, softwood shoots can be selected as cuttings for propagation. Generally, in the early morning, select softwood shoots about 14 to 18 cm long and cut them from the swollen base of the shoot where bud scales are present. Then remove the excess pinnate leaves, keeping only the top tip and the upper 4 to 5 pinnate leaves. Wrap them in a moist material and place them in a cool, shaded place to keep them fresh. Treat the prepared cuttings with 50 mg of NAA per kilogram for 5 to 6 hours, or dip them quickly in 300 to 500 mg of NAA per kilogram for 3 to 5 seconds. Then insert the cuttings at a spacing of 4 to 5 cm by 10 to 12 cm, planting 180 to 200 cuttings per sq m. The insertion depth is 4 to 6 cm. Roots will form 20 to 25 days after insertion. To prevent the cuttings from wilting and drying out, appropriate shading should be provided. A shade frame over the bed at 80 cm is suitable, with windbreaks set up around it. According to weather conditions, spray water 3 to 5 times a day to keep the seedbed and the air moist. When the temperature is too high, pay attention to ventilation and heat dissipation and increase the number of water sprays. From late August onward, as the temperature gradually drops and the resistance of the seedlings increases, the shading materials can be gradually removed and light slowly increased. In recent years, the use of full-light misting for softwood cuttings has achieved an extremely high survival rate. Nurseries with the necessary conditions should adopt it.