Seed sowing time, price per jin, and propagation and planting methods for the coniferous tree Podocarpus macrophyllus

Podocarpus macrophyllus is also called Luohanshan, evergreen Luohanshan, Tushan, Jinqiansong, Xianbai, Luohanbai, and Jiangnanbai; Podocarpus belongs to the evergreen coniferous trees. So when should its seeds be sown? How much does one jin cost? How is it propagated? What are the planting methods? From the nursery resources in Suqian we learned that on the market now about 350 yuan can buy one jin of high-quality, plump Podocarpus seeds. However, Podocarpus seeds imported from India are somewhat more expensive than ordinary Podocarpus seeds.

When are Podocarpus seeds sown?

Podocarpus seeds can be sown in spring or autumn. The best time for spring sowing is February to May, and the best time for autumn sowing is August to October. Podocarpus seeds must be fresh to have a germination rate; dried seeds have almost no chance of germinating. The sowing rate per mu is 50-60.

How are Podocarpus seeds propagated?

Podocarpus is mostly propagated by sowing and cuttings

1. Sowing propagation

After the seeds mature in August, they can be inserted as they are collected, or dried in the shade and stored in sand, then sown the following spring in March. Fresh seeds have a thousand-grain weight of 312 grams. Before sowing, loosen the seedbed soil, mostly use drilling, cover with 2 cm of soil, and after sowing build a shed for shade. In late April they begin to sprout and emerge. After one year of cultivation they can be divided and planted.

2. Cutting propagation

This is mostly done in spring and autumn. If automatic mist full-light seedling cultivation is used, softwood cuttings can be taken in June, with a survival rate of more than 80%. The cuttings must have a heel, about 15 cm long, with the leaves removed from the base, using the general cutting method, and shaded and watered promptly after insertion. Spray water once a day, and the soil moisture content should be no less than 70%. Spring cuttings can take root by the end of June, and autumn cuttings can take root by the end of October. In winter cover with straw or a plastic arched shed for warmth, and in the following spring they can be divided and planted. For potted plants, use equal parts sand and humus soil.

What are the planting methods for Podocarpus seeds?

1. Preparation of Podocarpus seeds

After collecting Podocarpus seeds, store them for sowing, keeping them in a dry and ventilated place. It is best to seal them well and put them in the refrigerator. Seeds stored this way will neither germinate early nor lose their moisture.

2. Sowing Podocarpus seeds

Before sowing, first soak the seeds in warm, cool boiled water for about 4 days so they fully absorb water, which helps increase the germination rate. The planting spacing is 10x20 cm, and the depth should preferably just cover the seeds, then cover with grass to retain moisture. After sowing, spray water once a day, and after about 8 days the grass cover can be removed. Also avoid direct sun exposure and do good shading work.

3. Seedling cultivation techniques for Podocarpus

After sowing, the seeds generally germinate in about 40 days. Pay attention to the spacing between seedlings; if too dense, the small seedlings can be transplanted with soil into empty spots. Also avoid letting the new seedlings be drenched by water, to ensure the survival rate of the seedlings. After the seedlings grow about 6 leaves, a little diluted biogas water can be applied appropriately; it is best not to use chemical fertilizer. The seedlings grow slowly, so they can only be transplanted after 1 year, with both plant spacing and row spacing of 20 cm, or they can be moved into nutrient bags, 1 plant per bag. Transplant once more after another year. After 3 years of seedling cultivation, the seedling height can reach 1-1.3 m, the crown width can reach 1 sq m, and the crown forms a tower shape. They can be used for landscaping or continued to be grown into larger seedlings.