How to plant persimmon trees
The editor will tell you about how to plant persimmon trees and the topics of growing and cultivating techniques for persimmon trees. Let's learn together next.
Persimmon trees are originally a type of deciduous tree species, and because of their excellent ornamental fruit effect, they are also used as good materials for making bonsai. The finished bonsai have ancient and unique trunks, branches stretching out, and sparse leaves, which not only reflect the charm of mountains and forests but also have a unique artistic aura. What steps are needed for such beautiful bonsai? Please continue reading below!
I. Variety selection for potted persimmon trees
General criteria for selecting persimmon tree varieties for potting include moderate growth, dwarfed trees, early fruiting, beautiful fruit shape, bright color, and long fruiting period. Varieties such as Jirou, Yangfeng, Ganbaimu, Denglongshi, Mopanshi, Heishi, Huoguanshi, Shiliushi, and Chanshiwan are recommended.
II. Selecting pots and preparing nutrient-rich soil
1. Mulberry trees have a well-developed main root, so it's necessary to choose a deep and breathable clay pot. (For one-year-old seedlings, a pot with an inner diameter of 20-30 cm and a height of 10-15 cm should be selected)
2. The potting soil should be deep, loose, fertile, and well-drained, rich in humus. Generally, a mixture of garden soil (5 parts), humus (3 parts), fine sand (1 part), wood ash (1 part), and well-rotted cow or sheep dung or cake fertilizer (1.5 parts) is used.
III. Potting
Generally, potting and transplanting are done in autumn or early winter after the leaves fall. Choose robust seedlings with full buds and no diseases or pests. Before planting, cut off the dead and overly long lateral roots. Place several pieces of broken tiles at the bottom of the pot, add a layer of coarse sand, some nutrient-rich soil, place the seedling, arrange the roots evenly, then add enough nutrient-rich soil to compact, water thoroughly, and place it in a well-lit and well-ventilated area for care.
How to plant persimmon trees
IV. Fertilization and water management
1. Fertilization should mainly use organic fertilizers, supplemented by fast-acting fertilizers, applied in small amounts and frequently, combined with foliar application. Fertilization usually occurs in late March during the sprouting and branching period, adding urea. From May to July, during the peak growth period of new shoots, apply a thin liquid fertilizer every 15-20 days. During the flowering to fruit-setting period, control water and fertilizer to prevent excessive branching and promote bud differentiation. After fruit setting, resume watering and fertilizing, and appropriately increase the amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to enhance fruit coloring and improve ornamental value. After fruit harvesting, bury an appropriate amount of well-rotted cake fertilizer in the pot. Stop fertilizing after mid-September.
2. Watering for potted persimmon trees should keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water once in the morning or evening in summer, and once every three days in autumn to maintain soil moisture and reduce soil moisture fluctuations, maintaining normal physiological activities of the tree. During dormancy, strictly control watering to keep the soil from becoming too dry.
V. Shaping and pruning
1. Planting persimmon trees can choose the tree shape according to the growth characteristics of the persimmon tree, which can be shaped into natural round-top, open layer, pagoda, cup, and other shapes that are both conducive to fruiting and have aesthetic value. Pruning is generally done in winter, removing weak and overlapping branches to increase ventilation and light in the trunk. However, excessive thinning can cause the remaining branches to extend rapidly, resulting in bare trunks. In summer, promptly remove weak branches and buds from the main branches and pruning sites. For vigorous new shoots, pinch the tips to promote the growth of secondary branches and form flower buds in the same year, which is beneficial for fruit setting the following year.
2. Apply early fruiting and flowering techniques such as girdling, bud removal, pinching, branch pulling, appropriately increasing load, and contraction measures to control the tree canopy. Or use plant growth inhibitors and other chemical control techniques to make branches thicker, internodes shorter, and plants dwarfed.
VI. Temperature management and daily care
1. Temperature and light: During the growing period, place the trees in a sunny and well-ventilated area. In winter, follow the growth habits of persimmon trees and place them in a sheltered outdoor area to let the trees enter a dormant stage, laying a good foundation for the next year's germination and fruiting.
2. Repot every three years. When repotting, use a bamboo strip to circle the inside of the pot, remove it, remove some of the old soil, place the newly prepared nutrient-rich soil in the pot, cut off the excess roots, replant in the pot, cover with soil, and water thoroughly.