How to propagate elm

Seed propagation

In mid-April, collect the seeds when the elm money turns from green to light yellow, and sow them in time after drying in the shade. Generally, row sowing is used with a row spacing of 30 cm. Cover with 1 cm of soil and tamp it down. Because the germination period coincides with the dry and hot season, it is best to cover with 3 cm of soil to retain moisture. Use a rake to level it when germination occurs. About 4 kilograms of seeds are needed per acre. When the seedlings are about 10 cm tall, thin them out to 10-20 cm.

Cutting propagation

Cuttings can be taken after leaves fall in autumn and before budding in spring.

Ground preparation for bed

Whether it is autumn or spring planting, the nursery land needs to be deeply plowed (about 25 cm) and carefully tilled, the soil needs to be disinfected, and sufficient base fertilizer needs to be applied. When taking cuttings in spring, it is best to irrigate the nursery ground with sufficient water in the winter and then deeply plow the bed in the spring of the following year.

Cutting and cutting

If cuttings are taken in autumn, they should be planted immediately after harvesting, cuttings should be taken in spring, and the cuttings can be stored for the winter or planted immediately after harvesting. Select strong branches that are more than 0.5 cm in length and connect them into cuttings with a length of 15 to 20 cm. The upper cut should be cut flat, and the lower cut needs to be cut into a horse ear shape near the bud, which is conducive to rooting of cuttings.

Cutting: The spacing between cuttings is 20 cm and the row spacing is 30 cm. As trenches are dug and cuttings are carried out, the scion should be slightly exposed above the ground, covered with soil and compacted, and watered thoroughly.

More water in the early stage

Water will greatly affect the rooting and survival of cuttings. It will take one month for the cuttings to take root, so more water is needed between the time of cutting and the time of rooting to promote rooting and survival.

Grafting

When the buds sprout in mid-March, cut the scion at a smooth part about 2 meters from the rootstock. The scion should be about 5 cm long. Keep 2 to 3 full buds on each scion. Cut a horse ear shape at the lower part with a length of 2.5 cm. Make a wedge shape on the back of the cut surface. Insert the cut scion vertically between the cortex and the wood, and then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.