Reproduction of magnolia by cuttings, seeds
Reproduction of magnolias follows the same principles as others. ornamental shrubs... Conventionally, two main methods can be distinguished: by seeds and by a vegetative method. Using any of them, you can get a healthy and very beautiful plant.
Preparing seeds for planting
Before sprouting magnolia seeds, you need to prepare and properly process them in advance. You can buy planting material in specialized stores. It is recommended to sow grains directly into open soil. This is done in the fall from September to November. If you want to plant a flower in a greenhouse in winter, they need to be frozen before that time.
Stratification refers to the ad hoc modeling of the effects of climate and environmental conditions on a plant (eg cold and moisture). This is a very important process for the plant. It affects the successful outcome of breeding and the further cultivation of magnolia. The most optimal temperature for stratification of magnolia seeds is + 5˚C.
Hardening is not yet 100% a prerequisite for success. Without observing all temperature standards and basic care rules (temperatures ranging from + 1˚C to + 5˚C with constant soil moisture), the seeds will simply die.
Seeds are frozen using a special technique. They must be laid out in a well-damp substrate. It consists of foliage, husk from cereals, sawdust, hay and other components. Then the container with the planting material is transferred to the refrigerator for 21 days. After this time, they are thawed at room temperature, and sown in prepared and fertilized soil in advance.
Sowing seeds
The first grains germinate 4 months after stratification. This means it's time to plant them in open soil (use a pot or box). Magnolia, grown from the grains, has a very powerful root shaft. Therefore, it is recommended to select a container for breeding and transplanting with a board height of 30 cm or more. If this is not done, the root will constantly rest against the bottom, from which the magnolia stops growing and dies. If all the rules are observed, by the beginning of autumn the height of the seedlings should be about 15 - 20 cm.
The health of your plant depends on the kind of care you provide to the seedlings. The first 20 days will be the most important. During this period, try to create the most comfortable conditions for seedlings.
In order for the reproduction of magnolia by seeds to give the desired result, simple rules must be followed:
- Make sure that in the room where the seedlings are standing, there is always a stable humidity and air temperature.
- Avoid drafts. The air in the room must be supplied evenly.
- Seedlings require 4 - 6 hours of light daily (natural sunlight or from fluorescent lamps).
- While the seedlings are not planted in open soil, constantly monitor the soil moisture. Regular watering will help to maintain it at the right level.
- You can fertilize the soil a little in small doses mineral fertilizers.
- After 7 - 10 days, the first shoots will appear. Discard non-viable shoots so that strong shoots have enough room to grow.
Reproduction of magnolia by cuttings
This method has long been known to summer residents and professional gardeners.Reproduction of magnolia by cuttings is available to almost everyone. You just need to have a greenhouse and correctly follow all the recommendations.
Magnolia cuttings are harvested in the same way as for other trees and shrubs. Spring is considered the most suitable time for this procedure. To get the coveted stalk, the branches need to be cut right under the bud (only a couple of millimeters away from it). Now on the handle, you need to remove the 2 lower leaves, and the 2 upper ones above them - do not touch. Too large plates are removed about 2/3 of their length. The second cut should be made slightly above the remaining leaves (about 4 - 6 cm). The final stage in the preparation of the cuttings is treatment in a solution that stimulates the formation of roots. You can use any other analogs you have.
The most reliable source for cuttings is biennial twigs.
It is possible to plant cuttings of magnolia in open soil only when the plant has a strong independent root system. Therefore, the trimmed and processed planting material should only be kept in the greenhouse. It usually takes 2 - 3 months from the moment of cutting to disembarkation on the site. This procedure is best carried out from late June to mid-July. This is the best time for the active growth of magnolia.
Before planting, the land must be loosened and fertilized. Also make sure that there is a connected irrigation and drainage system. The cutting is planted to a depth of 5-10 cm, depending on its length. Top it up with loose and fertilized soil. Water the cutting every 3 to 4 days. So it will take root faster and enter the active growth phase. Constantly monitor soil moisture, protect the plant from pests and drafts.
Subject to all conditions of reproduction, in any of the above ways, you can get the desired result. The main thing is not to forget to water and feed the plant in a timely manner. Only then will it delight everyone with abundant flowering.