What are the propagation methods for Schisandra chinensis? A detailed guide

Schisandra chinensis is mainly propagated by seed, but it can also be propagated by dividing the underground creeping stems, or by asexual methods such as cuttings and layering. However, apart from rhizome propagation, asexual propagation by cuttings and layering is difficult to root and has a low survival rate, and the conditions required for treatment are not easy to master, so all are inferior to seed propagation. Seed propagation is simple and easy to master, and can produce a large number of seedlings in a short time.

(1) Seed selection Schisandra chinensis seeds should be selected from the ears during the autumn harvest, keeping fruit ears with large, uniform berries for seed use, dried and managed separately. When drying, never use an open fire, a heated brick bed, or a wok for roasting; they can be sun-dried or shade-dried and stored in a ventilated, dry place.

(2) Seed treatment After winter sets in and the ground freezes, take the selected Schisandra chinensis fruits and soak them in warm water (15°C) for 1-2 days, until the flesh is completely swollen, then scoop them out, rub off the flesh, wash out the seeds and discard the shriveled ones. Soak the seeds with the flesh rubbed off in clean water for another 5-7 days so they absorb water fully, changing the water once every two days. After soaking, scoop them out and drain off the water, mix evenly with 2-3 times their volume of wet sand, adjust the moisture content to 10%, then box (bag) them and keep them indoors (5-15°C) or bury them in a pit 0.5 m deep outdoors, covering the top with 10-15 cm of wet sand or fine soil, then covering with brushwood or a straw curtain. The treatment site should be high and dry to prevent the seeds from rotting. By May-June of the following year, 70% of the seeds may have cracked open, and they can then be sown.