What grafting method is used for plum blossoms?
As the first among the top ten famous flowers in China, plum blossoms are deeply loved for their noble character that defies snow and frost. To cultivate high-quality plum blossoms, grafting technology is a key step. Different rootstocks directly affect the plant's resistance, flowering period, and lifespan. This article systematically analyzes the characteristics of the four mainstream rootstocks to help you cultivate plum blossoms with higher ornamental value.
Core Technology Analysis of Plum Blossom Grafting
Plum Rootstock: Native Genetic Advantage
Using the same genus of plum trees as the rootstock can achieve a compatibility rate of over 95%. The wood density reaches 0.65g/cm³, the cambium layer aligns tightly, and the callus formation rate is 40% faster than that of different genus rootstocks. It is recommended to use 3-year-old seedlings, which can survive for more than 50 years after grafting. The Song plum cultivated using this method in the Jiangsu Ancient Plum Garden has survived for over 800 years. Note that the plum rootstock requires low-temperature vernalization before grafting, which is recommended to be implemented from December to February of the following year.
Prunus Rootstock: Stress Resistance Improvement Plan
Prunus rootstock can increase the survival rate of scions to 82%, especially suitable for slightly alkaline soils with a pH of 6.5-7.2. Experimental data show that the root distribution depth of plants grafted with Prunus rootstock reaches 1.8 meters, 30% deeper than that of plum rootstock, performing well in the rainy areas of the Yangtze River Valley. However, it is necessary to control the germination of the rootstock, and remove the suckers promptly every spring to avoid nutrient diversion.
Apricot Rootstock: Northern Adaptation System
In a low-temperature environment of -25°C, the survival rate of plants grafted with apricot rootstock is 60% higher than that of plum rootstock. The 'Songchun' variety grafted with apricot rootstock by the Beijing Botanical Garden can extend the flowering period to mid-April. Key tip: The grafting interface of the apricot rootstock needs to be sealed with paraffin wax, and the grafting angle should be controlled between 30-45 degrees to effectively prevent the occurrence of later-stage gummosis.
Peach Rootstock: Rapid Cultivation Strategy
Peach rootstock can form flower buds in the same year of grafting, which is 2-3 years earlier than conventional cultivation. However, it should be noted that the pH adaptation range is only 5.6-6.5, and it is recommended to adjust the soil pH with sulfur powder in the southern part of the Yangtze River. Regularly spraying Bordeaux mixture can prevent brown spot disease, and timely thinning after full bloom can maintain tree canopy ventilation.
After mastering the characteristics of the four rootstocks, you can flexibly choose according to the regional climate. Prioritize apricot rootstock in North China, use Prunus rootstock in the江南 water乡, recommend peach rootstock for pot cultivation, and choose plum rootstock for ancient plum cultivation. Combined with scion cold storage (0-4°C), cambium layer alignment (error <1mm), and tie band tightness (retaining 5% expansion space), the three key technologies can achieve a grafting success rate of over 95%, allowing the thousand-year plum appreciation culture to continue in modern horticulture.