How to grow Chinese pistache in pots? Detailed explanation of sowing methods and cultivation and propagation techniques

  In recent years, whenever late autumn comes, there are always people keen to travel elsewhere to admire red leaves. In fact, our native red-leaf tree——the Chinese pistache, has leaves even more brilliantly beautiful than those of the smoke tree, sweetgum, and maple from other places. So, how do you sow seeds to make a Chinese pistache bonsai?

  Seed treatment:

  In early March, soak the seeds in 60~70 °C clean water for 24 h, then change to 1 round of room-temperature clean water and soak for 2~3 d. After the seed coat is fully softened, rub hard 4~5 times to completely rub off the seed coat and the waxy layer on the outside of the seeds, then treat with a repellent to prevent damage by birds and animals in winter. Mix the seeds with cinder ash, put them into woven bags, expose them to the sun during the day, and move them indoors at night to keep them warm. After about 15 d the seeds begin to crack and germinate. When more than 80% of the seeds have cracked and 1/3 have shown white, sow them promptly.

  Sowing rate:

  The 1000-seed weight of Chinese pistache seeds is about 92 g. For container seedling raising, 7,500 m2/hm2 (excluding 40 cm walkways), about 170 bags/m2, sow 3~4 seeds per bag, requiring a seed amount of 375~450 kg/hm2.

  Sowing method:

  When sowing, gather the seeds in the center of the container, do not overlap them, and cover the seeds with a soil layer 1.5 cm thick. After sowing, water thoroughly with bottom water. When watering, use a gentle flood irrigation and pay attention to controlling the water flow rate to prevent the water from washing away the seeds and substrate. Promptly cover with finely crushed straw, dry grass, or plastic film.