How long does it take for the catkin tree to grow to a diameter of 10 centimeters?
Main content introduction: Let's take a look at the topic of how long it takes for the catkin tree to grow to a diameter of 10 centimeters and the growth process of catkin seedlings!
The catkin tree is one of the most common species of trees, and it is also the best variety for grafting osmanthus. The catkin tree is also known as the millennium wood, as it can live for a thousand years. The catkin tree, also known as the flowing tree, tea tree, or April snow, is a class II protected plant in the country. It prefers sunlight, does not tolerate shade, is cold and drought resistant, dislikes waterlogging, grows slowly, has a long lifespan, is tolerant of poor soil, and is not picky about soil, but grows best in fertile, well-drained sandy loam. It has a certain ability to tolerate salt and alkali and can grow normally in slightly saline and alkaline soil with a pH of 8.7 and a salt content of 0.2%. No adverse reactions have been observed. The catkin tree enjoys sunlight but is also somewhat shade-tolerant. It prefers a warm climate but is also quite cold-tolerant. It likes neutral to slightly acidic soil, is drought and thin-soil tolerant, and does not tolerate waterlogging. It grows in sparse mixed forests or shrubbery below 3000 meters in altitude, as well as on slopes and riverbanks. It is cultivated in various regions.
Here is an introduction to the planting methods and techniques for the catkin tree:
1. Seed selection: In the North China region, catkin tree seeds mature from mid-September to early October. You can collect seeds. Choose trees with strong growth and good posture as the seed mother trees. Select seeds that are full and free of diseases and pests. After picking, soak them in water for one day. Then, remove the seeds from the water, place them in a cool and well-ventilated area to dry in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight. After 2 to 3 days of drying in the shade, store them in clean, moist sand. During seed storage, spray and mix the seeds every half month. The amount of water sprayed should be just enough to moisten the sand, avoiding excessive water.
2. Sowing and post-sowing management: After the seeds have been stored in sand until the following March, when about 30% of the seeds have germinated, it is time to prepare the bed for sowing. The nursery should be chosen with good drainage, convenient irrigation, and deep, fertile soil. In the North China region, large-field high ridges are used for seedling raising. Generally, the ridge spacing should be 30 centimeters, the ridge height 20 centimeters, and the ridge top width 50 centimeters. Apply enough base fertilizer, and open two rows of sowing trenches on each side of the ridge top, with a row spacing of 30 to 40 centimeters and a sowing trench depth of 2 centimeters. Spread the pre-germinated seeds evenly in the sowing trenches, with a seeding rate of 15 to 20 kilograms per mu. Cover the seeds with fine soil and mulch with straw to retain moisture. In case of dry weather, water can be added in the ridge furrows to keep the seeds moist, but be careful not to let water overflow the ridge top, as this can cause soil compaction. About one month after sowing, the seedlings begin to emerge. When the temperature is high and sunlight is strong, a shade shelter should be set up in time. If the seedlings are too dense, thinning can be done. In the summer, the nursery should be frequently cultivated and weeded to keep the soil loose. The catkin tree likes fertilizer, and from June to August, fertilizer should be applied every half month, with attention to the prevention and control of diseases and pests. With proper management, one-year-old catkin seedlings can grow to a height of 0.8 to 1.2 meters and have a ground diameter of about 1 centimeter.
3. Seedling raising
①: Root promotion
Select a sunny, well-drained area, dig a pit 10 cm deep, and the length can be determined based on the number of seeds. Mix the catkin seeds with clean, disinfected sand at a ratio of 1:2, spread them evenly in the pit, then cover with 2 cm of sand, water thoroughly, and cover with plastic film to keep the soil moist. You can insert some grass mats in the bed 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 spread the pure seeds in the ridges, cover them with 0.5 cm of soil, then 0.5 cm of sand, and finally cover with plastic film. Regularly observe the soil moisture and water when dry. Pay attention to weeding and loosening the soil to ensure seed germination rates.
4. Harvesting
Seeds are harvested from September to October. After harvesting, they are selected by water. The method of water selection is as follows: Soak the seeds for 48 hours while adding 0.1% potassium permanganate for seed disinfection. During soaking, remove the seeds that are not fully mature or infested by floating them to obtain pure seeds. At the same time, rub off the brown epidermis of the seeds with your hands to facilitate germination.
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