How to propagate the false big-headed tea

1. Grafting method

Cuttings: The most commonly used method is grafting. It is better to graft between February to April or September to October each year. It is better to use old branches for grafting as early as possible. Before grafting, choose some 1 to 2 year old strong branches with fuller buds and 2 to 3 buds on each scion. Before grafting, use a knife to cut the bottom of the scion into a flat surface with a length of 2 to 3 cm and a depth of one-third of the wood. Then cut the back of the cut surface into an inclined surface of about 1 cm, and the cuttings are now ready.

Rootstock: Generally, some camellia sasanqua or oil-tea camellia are chosen as rootstock. Cut the rootstock 20 to 30 cm from the ground, then use a knife to flatten the cut edge. Then choose a smoother and straighter side of the rootstock bark, and cut about 2 cm vertically from the inside of the cortex along with a little wood.

Joining and binding: Insert the cut scions into the cut of the rootstock, align the layers formed on both sides of the long cut surface of the scion with the two sides of the mouth of the rootstock, then close the rootstock, and use some plastic film to bind it from top to bottom along the cut. Do not touch the scion when binding.

Bagging: We can find some film bags and cover the grafted area to keep it moist, and then use bamboo sticks to prop up the film bags. Generally, small buds will begin to sprout and small shoots will grow about 25 days after grafting.

2. Sowing and cutting methods

In addition to the above method, we can also use sowing and cutting methods for reproduction, which is also acceptable. However, if these methods are used for reproduction, not only is the reproduction coefficient very low, but the time for seedlings to mature is also very long, which is not easy to meet market needs. However, if the planting is relatively small, these two methods can be used.