What are the propagation methods for snapdragons? This article will teach you
The propagation methods for snapdragons include seed sowing and cuttings. For the seedbed, choose a sandy loam soil with a loose soil structure, a low groundwater table, good drainage and rich organic matter. Water the seedbed thoroughly, mix the seeds with fine sand at a ratio of 1:4 and sprinkle the mixture over the growing medium. Take cuttings in spring and autumn, making a hole and inserting the cutting at the same time, then firm the soil and spray water in the morning and evening.
Sowing in a seedbed
For the seedbed, it is best to choose a sandy loam soil with a loose soil structure, a low groundwater table, good drainage and rich organic matter. The seedbed requires fine, level soil particles. To prevent pests and diseases, turn over and sun-dry the sowing area 2-3 times about 25 days before sowing, and disinfect the soil with carbofuran before sowing.
When sowing, water the seedbed thoroughly, mix the seeds with fine sand at a ratio of 1:4, and spread them evenly over the seedbed, then cover with a thin layer of plant ash. After watering, cover with a 50% shade net; never expose them to blazing sun. The seedlings can be transplanted 5-6 weeks after emergence.
Sowing in plug trays
Disinfecting the seeds and the medium is very important. Before sowing, soak the seeds in a potassium permanganate solution at a concentration of about 0.5% for 1-2 hours. Add 150-200 g of thiophanate-methyl powder per cubic meter of medium (about 20 bags), stir 2-3 times so that the chemical is fully mixed with the medium, then stir while spraying water, adjusting until the medium is "holds together when squeezed in the hand, yet crumbles when released". Cover and pile it for 8-10 hours with a plastic film, then fill it into the plug trays.
Each plug tray can be sown with 200 seeds, one seed per cell. After sowing, gently press with your hand so that the seeds adhere to the medium, then spray thoroughly with a sprayer and cover with newspaper or plastic film; if the nursery can control dryness, moisture and temperature, covering is not necessary. Keep the newspaper moist for a long time, and uncover it once the seeds have germinated.
Cutting season
Cutting propagation can be carried out in both spring and autumn. In a greenhouse or sunroom with suitable conditions, it can also be done in winter.
Cutting method
When taking cuttings, first make holes in the medium with a thin bamboo stick about 3 mm in diameter, inserting the cutting as you make each hole, and gently firm the growing soil around the base of the cutting with two fingers. After taking the cuttings, spray water twice a day, in the morning and evening, over the potting soil and the cuttings with a fine-nozzle sprayer.
