How to care for the catalpa tree
This article introduces the care and planting methods of catalpa trees, as well as the techniques related to green plants and flowers. Next, the editor will introduce the information to netizens.
The catalpa tree is one of the most common species of trees, and it is also the best variety for grafting osmanthus. The catalpa tree is also known as the millennium wood, as it can live for a thousand years. The catalpa tree, also known as the flowing tree, tea tree, and April snow, is a class II protected plant in China. It prefers sunlight, does not tolerate shade, is cold-resistant, drought-resistant, and dislikes waterlogging. It grows slowly, has a long lifespan, is tolerant of poor soil, and not particular about soil requirements, but grows best in fertile, well-drained sandy loam. It has a certain tolerance to salinity and alkali, and can grow normally in slightly saline-alkaline soil with a pH of 8.7 and a salt content of 0.2%. No adverse reactions have been observed. The catalpa tree enjoys sunlight but is also shade-tolerant. It prefers a warm climate but is also quite cold-tolerant. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil, is drought and thin-soil tolerant, and does not tolerate waterlogging. It grows in sparse mixed forests or shrublands below an altitude of 3000 meters, or on slopes and riverbanks. It is cultivated in various regions.
Here is an introduction to the planting methods and techniques for catalpa trees:
1. Seed selection: In the North China region, catalpa seeds mature from mid-September to early October. Select trees with strong growth and good posture as seed mother trees. Choose seeds that are plump and free from diseases and pests. After picking, soak in water for one day. Then remove the seeds from the pods and place them in a cool, well-ventilated area to dry, avoiding direct sunlight. After 2 to 3 days of drying, store the seeds in clean, moist sand. During storage, sprinkle water and mix the seeds every half month. The amount of water should be just enough to moisten the sand, avoiding too much water.
2. Sowing and post-sowing management: After sand storage, the seeds should be sown in the bed in March of the following year when about 30% of the seeds have sprouted. The nursery site should be chosen with good drainage, convenient irrigation, and deep, fertile soil. In the North China region, large-field ridged sowing is used for seedling cultivation. Generally, the ridge spacing should be 30 cm, the ridge height 20 cm, and the ridge top width 50 cm. Apply sufficient base fertilizer, and open two rows of sowing furrows on both sides of the ridge top, with a row spacing of 30 to 40 cm and a furrow depth of 2 cm. Spread the germinated seeds evenly in the furrows, with a sowing rate of 15 to 20 kg per mu. Cover the seeds with fine soil and mulch to retain moisture. In dry weather, water can be added in the furrows to keep the seeds moist, but avoid waterlogging on the ridge top, as this can cause soil compaction. One month after sowing, the seedlings begin to emerge. When the temperature is high and sunlight is strong, shade should be provided promptly. If the seedlings are too dense, thinning can be done. In summer, the nursery should be frequently cultivated and weeded to keep the soil loose. The catalpa tree enjoys fertilizer, and from June to August, fertilizer should be applied every half month, with attention to pest and disease control. With good management, one-year-old catalpa seedlings can grow to a height of 0.8 to 1.2 meters and have a ground diameter of about 1 cm.
3. Seedling raising
①: Root promotion
Select a sunny, well-drained area to dig a pit 10 cm deep, with the length depending on the number of seeds. Mix the catalpa seeds with clean, wet sand (disinfected and sifted) at a ratio of 1:2, evenly distribute them in the pit, then cover with 2 cm of sand, water thoroughly, and cover with plastic film to keep moist. Some straw bales can be placed in the ridge for ventilation and aeration to prevent seed decay and water the surface when it dries.
②: Germination promotion
Select a sunny area to make ridges, water thoroughly, and after two days, evenly sprinkle the pure seeds in the ridges, cover with 0.5 cm of soil, then 0.5 cm of sand, and cover with plastic film. Regularly observe the soil moisture and water when dry, paying attention to weeding and loosening the soil to ensure seed germination rates.
4. Harvesting
The seeds are harvested from September to October. After harvesting, they are selected by water. The method is to soak the seeds for 48 hours, adding 0.1% potassium permanganate for seed disinfection. During soaking, float the immature and insect-infested seeds to obtain pure seeds. At the same time, rub off the brown epidermis of the seeds to facilitate germination.
The above introduction on how to care for catalpa trees and the planting methods and techniques are provided for everyone to learn and understand!