How to grow potted bergamot flowers at home (how to prune and propagate bergamot flowers by cuttings)

Buddha's hand flower is an evergreen small tree or shrub of the genus Citrus in the Rutaceae family. The flowering period is from April to May, and the fruit ripening period is from October to December. Buddha's hand flower is a good potted fruit ornamental.

1. Temperature

Buddha's hand likes warm, humid and sunny environment, afraid of cold, the temperature of the cultivation environment cannot be lower than 3°C. Afraid of dryness, it is suitable for cultivation in fertile acidic sandy soil.

2. Pruning

For chayote, 3-5 fruiting branches should be retained to promote the formation of the crown. In summer, 2/5 of the long branches should be reduced to allow them to grow fruiting branches.

New shoots that grow in autumn should be properly retained to prepare for fruiting in the second year. Those that are not easy to set fruit should be removed. If the chayote fruit is too large, it is necessary to remove the diseased and weak fruits in time to supplement the nutrients for the fruits with good quality.

3. Cutting

Although cutting propagation is simple, fast and has a high survival rate, it has poor drought and cold resistance, its root system is not as developed as that of grafted seedlings, and its lifespan is shorter.

However, the propagation of bergamot is mainly based on cutting propagation, which is generally carried out in spring from April to May. Choose one-year-old strong branches as cuttings, the cuttings are about 20 cm long, and are cut into sandy soil.

After cuttings, keep the soil moist and they will take root in 2 months. After about 9 months, the cuttings can be transplanted into pots when they are 30 cm tall.

4. Potting soil

The potting soil is a slightly acidic culture soil made of one-third garden soil, compost and river sand. The culture soil must be loose and fertile, rich in organic matter. Choose a plain clay pot for planting, and the diameter of the pot should be slightly smaller than the crown of the tree.

First, cover the drainage holes with tiles, add 3 cm thick coarse culture soil or coarse sand, and then plant. When planting, cut off the main root and overlong lateral roots and injured roots, then add culture soil and compact it.

After planting, water the plants to establish their roots and place them in a shaded place.

5. Watering

Apply thin cake fertilizer water every 10 days or so during the growing season, and no topdressing after October. Pay attention to watering regularly and do not let the soil dry out. The pot soil can be slightly dry in winter. Turn the pot in time during the rainy season and do not let water accumulate in the pot.

When the new shoots grow to 15-20 cm in spring, they should be pinched off in time to make the branches even and full, which is conducive to the differentiation of flower buds and the growth of fruiting branches.

It needs to be brought indoors for the winter, and the indoor temperature should be kept above 3°C, while the humidity should be kept at 70-80%.

6. Pest and disease control

Buddha's hand is very delicate and is prone to diseases and pests such as anthracnose, sooty mold and scale insects. When diseases and pests are found, they should be prevented and controlled in time. We pay attention to strengthening management and keeping the tree clean and hygienic. Regular spraying of Bordeaux liquid can effectively prevent and control diseases and pests.