Camellia, as one of China's traditional famous flowers, is deeply loved by people for its elegant posture and bright colors. In the process of caring for camellias, grafting is a common method of propagation and improvement. Mastering the best time and correct method for grafting camellia old branches is crucial for improving the success rate of grafting. This article will introduce you to the time selection and specific operation steps of camellia old branch grafting.
The Best Time for Camellia Old Branch Grafting1. Spring Grafting
Spring is the best period for grafting camellia old branches, usually carried out between March and April. At this time, the temperature is moderate, and the trees are growing vigorously, resulting in a higher survival rate after grafting.
2. Autumn Grafting
In addition to spring, autumn is also a good choice for grafting camellia old branches, usually carried out between September and October. At this time, trees gradually enter the dormant period, and the longer healing time after grafting is conducive to improving the success rate of grafting.
Methods of Grafting Camellia Old Branches1. Selecting Suitable Grafting Branches
Select healthy camellia branches as grafting materials, which should have moderate thickness, no diseases and pests, and good growth momentum.
2. Preparing Grafting Tools
Before grafting, prepare tools such as grafting knives, grafting tape, and disinfectant. The grafting knife should be sharp for cutting; the grafting tape is used to fix the grafted area; and the disinfectant is used to disinfect the grafted area to prevent infection.
3. Grafting Steps
(1) Cutting the Grafting Branch: Cut the selected grafting branch into a diagonal surface, about 3-5 centimeters in length.
(2) Cutting the Scion: Select a healthy branch on the camellia mother tree and cut a scion that matches the length of the grafting branch.
(3) Disinfection: Wipe the grafting area with a disinfectant to ensure that there are no germs.
(4) Grafting: Fit the scion with the diagonal surface of the grafting branch and fix it with grafting tape.
(5) Maintenance: After grafting, cover the grafted area with a plastic bag to keep it moist, which is conducive to healing.
4. Management after Grafting
After grafting, the following points should be noted:
(1) Keep the grafted area moist to prevent drying.
(2) Regularly check the grafted area and deal with diseases and pests in a timely manner.
(3) Prune properly to remove weak branches and promote plant growth.
Grafting camellia old branches is an important means to improve the quality and propagation efficiency of camellias. Mastering the best time and correct method for grafting is crucial for improving the success rate of grafting. It is hoped that this article can provide useful references for camellia enthusiasts.
References:
[1] Zhang Xiaohui, Li Xiaohong. Camellia Grafting Techniques [J]. China Flower and Horticulture, 2018, 37(2): 48-49.
[2] Wang Fang, Liu Yonghong. Camellia Grafting Propagation Techniques [J]. Botanical Garden, 2016, 35(4): 52-53.