The growth environment and growth characteristics of hawthorn

Hawthorn growth environment and conditions

Hawthorn prefers a cool and humid environment and has strong adaptability to the environment. It can grow from minus 36 degrees to plus 43 degrees. It is generally cultivated and grown in valleys, semi-shaded slopes, sunny slopes, and fields. It is distributed in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Jiangsu and other places in China.

Hawthorn growing environment

Hawthorn has strong adaptability to the environment, prefers a cool and humid environment, likes sunlight but can tolerate partial shade, is relatively drought-resistant, and too much water will cause the branches and leaves to grow too long. It has a wide adaptability to the soil, but grows well in slightly acidic sandy loam with deep soil, fertile and loose soil, and good drainage.

Hawthorn growth temperature

Hawthorn likes a warm environment, and the suitable growth temperature is between 18-32 degrees. The temperature cannot be too high or too low, otherwise it will affect the growth. In summer, pay attention to shading and spray water appropriately to lower the temperature. In winter, take warming measures and move it indoors and move it out in March of the following year.

The growth process of hawthorn

1. Newly planted hawthorn saplings grow slowly in the first year. After 1 to 2 years, the roots have extended vertically and horizontally in the soil. The trees grow rapidly, with strong branches and many branches. After 3 to 4 years, the branches in the crown are densely packed. The trees enter the peak fruit-bearing period at around 10 years old. If cultivated and managed properly, they can still bear fruit normally after 60 to 70 years.

2. Young hawthorn trees grow vigorously. After the new shoots are pruned, they can have 4 to 6 branches below the cut. The first bud branch is more prominent than other main branches. Large trees in the peak fruit-bearing period will produce many small branches every year, which are densely distributed on the periphery of the crown, resulting in poor ventilation and light transmission inside the tree.

3. In the early stage of twig growth, the twigs will die, the middle and lower parts of the large branches will be bare, the fruiting part will gradually move to the periphery of the crown, the branches will droop, the growth potential will gradually weaken, and the tips will dry up (burnt tips). At this time, the latent buds in the middle and lower parts of the main and side branches will easily germinate, forming strong and long branches that grow upright and become new branches.

4. After entering the fruiting period, all medium and short branches with full growth can form mixed buds, bloom and bear fruit. The number of flowers on each inflorescence is as small as 10 to 20, and as many as 30 to 40. After the fruits are harvested, they gradually dry up.

Hawthorn planting time and method

The best time to sow hawthorn seeds is from February to May and from September to November each year. Hawthorn seeds sown at these two times have the highest germination rate and grow best.

1. Select a site for planting: Hawthorn can be planted in spring, summer and autumn. Choose fertile, deep and loose soil, and the plantation needs to take drainage measures.

2. Land preparation and sowing: After the soil is plowed, it needs to be disinfected. It can be exposed to the sun for about 30 days and base fertilizer can be applied. After the hawthorn seedlings are planted, they should be stepped on and piled into a mound. After planting, the soil should be watered thoroughly.

3. Intertillage and soil mulching: During the growth period of hawthorn, intertillage and soil mulching should be carried out according to the growth and soil conditions, and water and fertilizer should be applied reasonably, and branches should be pruned in time.