How to cultivate Chinese tallow tree for high yields? Key technical points explained
Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) is a deciduous tree of the Euphorbiaceae family. Its colors are bright and varied, giving it extremely high ornamental value. It is an economic tree species also found in China, with a cultivation history of nearly 1500 years in the country. Moreover, the root bark, tree bark and leaves of the Chinese tallow tree all have certain medicinal value, with effects such as detoxification and diuresis, and neutralizing snake venom. They are mainly used to treat bruises and injuries, venomous snake bites and so on. So how should Chinese tallow tree be planted? Below, the editor brings you the cultivation techniques for Chinese tallow tree. Let's take a look!
1. Harvesting seeds
Before planting, the first step is to harvest seeds. To ensure the germination rate of the seeds, we must make sure the mother tree is at least 18 years old. Select trees with normal growth, straight trunks, no pests or diseases and a high fruiting rate as mother trees. Then collect seeds around November each year. When about 75% of the fruits have split open is the best time for seed collection. Collecting too early makes seed extraction difficult, while collecting too late means the seeds will be eaten by birds. After harvesting the seeds, keep healthy, plump seeds, then remove impurities, shriveled seeds and other useless seeds. Store them in a dry place.
2. Timely sowing
Before sowing, the waxy layer on the seed coat must be removed completely to improve the germination rate. First put the seeds in a container, add laundry detergent to warm water at about 55 degrees, and soak for 1 day. Then, once the wax has softened, rub off the wax, rinse clean, and soak in potassium permanganate for about two hours for disinfection. When sowing, pay attention to sowing density and dig the planting holes well. Sowing is generally done in spring and autumn. Place the seeds evenly into the holes. After sowing, cover with about 2 cm of fine soil, then water thoroughly and carry out good sowing management.
3. Seedling management
After sowing, strengthen water management of the seedbed. If sown in spring, seedlings will generally emerge in about two months. During the seedling growth period, pay attention to cultivating and weeding, no less than 3 times per year. When the seedlings reach about 12 cm, carry out thinning to ensure healthy seedling growth. Keep the robust seedlings, remove weak and dead ones, and replace them with healthy seedlings of the same growth. At the same time, also pay attention to topdressing and pest and disease control to promote the healthy growth of young Chinese tallow trees. With careful management, the young trees can grow about 80 cm taller in the same year, and can be transplanted and established after leaf fall in autumn.
4. Transplanting and establishing
When transplanting, it must be done with a soil ball, and the diameter of the soil ball should be kept at about 38 cm. Before transplanting, dig the planting holes well and remove gravel, debris and other impurities from inside the holes. Then apply sufficient base fertilizer, mainly fully decomposed farmyard manure, and cover the base fertilizer with a layer of soil before establishing. The planting depth should be such that the soil surface is about 8 cm from the seedling roots. After planting, set up support frames, water thoroughly, and water again about three days after establishment. Then control the watering frequency and amount according to weather changes and soil moisture content. The water and nutrient demand of Chinese tallow tree is relatively large, so during planting you must ensure its nutritional and water needs are met.
During the growing process, keep the soil moist and prevent water shortage. If Chinese tallow tree lacks water during its growth period, water it immediately, otherwise it will grow poorly due to water shortage. In addition, pay special attention to pest and disease control to prevent pests and diseases from affecting the growth of Chinese tallow tree and reducing the economic benefits of planting. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for reading and supporting.