Planting a magnolia: what you need to know and do for a tree to take root
When growing any crops, the most crucial moment is the choice of location and planting, and magnolia is no exception. Correct planting of magnolia will ensure quick survival and normal development of the bush. Competently approaching the location issue and adding fertilizer to the planting pit, you will get a good result. In a cozy corner of the garden, in the nutritious soil, your tree or bush will very soon please with the first flowering.
Where is it better to plant
You need to find a cozy place for a magnolia. It's good if there is a fence or buildings on the north and east sides - they will hide the bush from the winds. Magnolia is very sensitive to drafts.
It is impossible to plant a plant in the lowlands, because water accumulates there in the spring, and the roots will quickly rot. A flat area or even a hill is more suitable for magnolia. Most species prefer good but diffused lighting. But there are also varieties that do well in an open area. Therefore, when choosing a seedling, do not forget to inquire about its "name" and requirements for growing.
When to plant
Most often, magnolia first comes to the site in the form of a seedling. The best option if it has a closed root system. The plant does not tolerate transplanting well, and the roots protected by an earthen clod will not suffer. According to the observations of experienced gardeners, it is best to plant seedlings in the fall, in October. At this time, the magnolia is already preparing for rest and stops growing.
Spring planting is also practiced but has its drawbacks. Firstly, it is necessary to accurately "guess" the time, because even small frosts can destroy a young seedling. And secondly, the magnolia planted in spring begins to actively increase its young growth. By winter, most of the twigs simply do not have time to lignify and freeze.
Planting magnolia and preparing the planting pit
In order for your magnolia to quickly take root, feel good in the garden and develop actively, the planting hole needs to be "filled". Fertilizing before planting will reduce the amount of fertilizing in the first year of a bush's life in the open field. In addition, you need to take care of a good drainage layer so that moisture does not stagnate. So, first, dig a hole 1.5-2 bayonets of a shovel deep, so that you have where to bring in useful components. In general, the size of the pit should be at least 3 times the root system of the seedling.
Now proceed to fill the pit:
- Lay a good drainage layer at the bottom, up to 15 cm thick.
- Cover it with a layer of sand.
- Add a layer of manure.
- Cover it with sand again.
- Mix turf soil separately, peat and sand in a ratio of 1: 2: 0.5.
- Cover the prepared fertile soil with the last layer.
Saline and calcareous soils are contraindicated for magnolia. It will grow poorly in clay soil or sandstones.
Set the seedling in the center and sprinkle it with earth. In this case, the root collar should not deepen. Make a watering hole around the tree and pour abundantly. It remains to mulch the trunk circle, and the planting of the magnolia is completed.
Well done!