How to Grow Chinese Mahogany (Toona sinensis)? Detailed Explanation of Sowing Methods and Cultivation Techniques

Chinese mahogany (Toona sinensis), also known as Xiangchunling, Xianglingzi, Chinese mahogany sprouts, etc., is a plant of the genus Toona in the Meliaceae family. The tender buds of the Chinese mahogany tree have long been called "vegetables on the tree" and have medicinal value such as clearing heat and detoxifying, strengthening the stomach and regulating qi, and are deeply favored by consumers. So, how do you grow Chinese mahogany? The sowing methods and cultivation techniques for Chinese mahogany are as follows.

I. Sowing Methods for Chinese Mahogany

1. Seed collection:Chinese mahogany flowers from May to June, and the fruit matures from October to November. When the fruit matures it turns reddish-brown, and at this time the fruit can be harvested for seeds. Seeds should be collected from tall, robust mother trees 15 to 30 years old. The 1000-seed weight of dried and cleaned seeds is 15 grams, with a germination rate of 40 to 50%.

2. Warm-water seed soaking:Soak Chinese mahogany seeds in warm water at 40°C for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, then place them in water at 20 to 30°C and soak for 24 hours. After the seeds have absorbed enough water, remove them, drain off excess water, and then proceed to germination.

3. Moisture-retaining germination:Spread the Chinese mahogany seeds in a 3 cm thick layer, cover with a clean cloth, and place in a 20 to 25°C environment to germinate while retaining moisture. During germination, turn them 1 to 2 times a day and rinse them 2 to 3 times with clean water at about 25°C. When 30% of the seeds have sprouted, they can be sown.

4. Timely sowing:For Chinese mahogany, select a nursery site with flat terrain, sufficient sunlight, well-drained sandy soil, and fertile soil. Combine land preparation with fertilization, spread evenly, and turn thoroughly. Sow the germinated seeds evenly, then cover with 2 cm of soil.

5. Seedling management:Chinese mahogany seeds emerge about 7 days after sowing. Before emergence, watering must be strictly controlled to prevent soil crusting from affecting emergence. When the seedlings emerge and grow 4 to 6 true leaves, thinning and final spacing should be carried out.

II. Cultivation Techniques for Chinese Mahogany

1. Land preparation and fertilization:For solar greenhouse cultivation of Chinese mahogany, sufficient base fertilizer must be applied. Apply no less than 5000 kg of high-quality farmyard manure, no less than 100 kg of superphosphate, and 25 kg of urea per mu. Spread evenly and plow deeply, then make beds and plant seedlings. Generally the bed width is 80 to 100 cm.

2. Planting density:The planting density of Chinese mahogany is preferably about 30,000 plants per mu, with a plant spacing of 15 cm and a row spacing of 15 cm. When the plant height reaches about 50 cm, dwarfing treatment of the seedlings should be carried out.

3. Temperature management:For the first few days after planting Chinese mahogany, no heating is needed; keep the temperature at 1°C to 5°C to help the seedlings recover. After 8 to 10 days from planting, cover the greenhouse with straw mats, keeping the temperature inside the greenhouse at 18 to 24°C during the day and 12 to 14°C at night.

4. Hormone regulation:After the Chinese mahogany seedlings have recovered from planting, use ChouZhiBao (branch-promoting agent) for treatment. Apply ChouZhiBao to 4 to 5 dormant buds on the upper part of the Chinese mahogany seedlings at targeted positions. 1 gram of the agent is applied to 100 to 120 buds. Applying the agent can make the buds plump and the tender sprouts robust, and can increase yield by 10 to 20%.

5. Humidity regulation:Chinese mahogany seedlings initially planted in the greenhouse should maintain relatively high humidity. After planting, water thoroughly, and afterward water lightly as conditions require. The relative air humidity should be kept at about 85%. During the growth period after sprouting, a relative humidity of about 70% is preferable.

6. Light regulation:Solar greenhouse cultivation of Chinese mahogany requires good light to promote growth. Use drip-free film and keep the greenhouse film clean. When carrying out paclobutrazol treatment, combine it with pinching to increase the number of branches.

7. Harvesting of Chinese mahogany sprouts:Harvesting begins when the Chinese mahogany sprouts grow to 15 to 20 cm and have good coloration. Harvesting is best done in the morning and evening. In the greenhouse, Chinese mahogany sprouts can be harvested once every 7 to 10 days, for a total of 4 to 5 harvests. After each harvest, topdressing and watering should be carried out.

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