Breeding Techniques for Ziziphus jujuba
As a precious material for bonsai, mastering the breeding techniques of Ziziphus jujuba is a must for every horticulture enthusiast. This article systematically analyzes the three major propagation methods: seeding, cutting, and layering, with practical illustrations to help you quickly grasp the key skills.
Ziziphus jujuba Seed Propagation Techniques
Seed Collection and Treatment
Every mid-October, when the fruit wings turn from green to brown, they can be harvested. Sieve the seeds to remove 20% of the empty and shrunken ones, and place the good seeds in a cool place to dry. Break dormancy using the low-temperature sand storage method: mix seeds with river sand in a 1:3 ratio, maintain 60% humidity, and store at 4°C until the following spring.
Key Points of Sowing Operation
In early March, set up a seedbed 1.2 meters wide and 25 centimeters high, using a matrix of humus soil and perlite in a 7:3 ratio. Keep the row spacing for sowing at 15 centimeters, and the sowing depth twice the diameter of the seeds. Build a small arch shed to maintain a daytime temperature of 28-32°C, with a minimum of 15°C at night. After 20 days, the germination rate reaches 85%.
Ziziphus jujuba Cutting Propagation Tips
Scientific Selection of Cuttings
Select 2-year-old semi-woody branches, cut to a length of 8-12 centimeters, retaining at least 3 bud points. Make a flat cut 0.5 cm away from the top bud point and a 45-degree diagonal cut at the base. Soaking in an IBA 200ppm solution for 2 hours can increase the rooting rate by 30%.
Substrate Configuration Management
Use a mixed substrate of vermiculite, peat, and river sand in a 1:1:1 ratio, adjusting the pH to 6.0-6.5. Disinfect with a 0.3% potassium permanganate solution before cutting, and after cutting, set up a shading net to maintain a 70% light transmission rate, and spray 4 times a day to maintain 90% air humidity.
Ziziphus jujuba Layering Propagation Method
Key Points of Girdling Technique
In spring, select 1-2-year-old branches, girdle a 2cm wide section of bark at the internode position, wrap with moss, and cover with a plastic bag. Keep the substrate moist, and after 45 days, new roots can be seen. When the roots are longer than 3cm, they can be separated from the mother plant.
Transplanting and Maintenance Norms
Use a potting mix of red jade soil and red clay in a 2:1 ratio, and after planting, place it in a diffused light environment to acclimate. For the first two weeks, spray the leaves with water in the morning and evening, and after new buds emerge, apply a diluted 2000-fold foliage plant nutrient solution weekly.
By systematically mastering the three propagation techniques of seeding, cutting, and layering, combined with scientific temperature and humidity management, the survival rate of Ziziphus jujuba can be increased to over 90%. It is recommended for beginners to try the cutting method first, and after becoming proficient, combine it with the layering method to cultivate shaping materials. Using different propagation methods together can significantly improve the efficiency of cultivation.