Cultivation method of osmanthus tree

Osmanthus fragrans, an evergreen shrub , is famous for its rich fragrance when it blooms. Whether it is potted on the balcony at home or planted in the courtyard walkway, osmanthus can fill the entire space with its fragrance, making people feel relaxed and happy. Let’s learn how to grow osmanthus trees .

1. Soil selection

Osmanthus prefers a warm and humid environment. The ideal soil should be fertile, loose, well-drained and breathable slightly acidic soil. Avoid using heavy clay or highly alkaline soil. When planting osmanthus in potted plants at home, you can use a mixture of peat soil, garden soil and vermiculite, and choose a clay pot or ceramic pot of appropriate size.

2. Light and temperature

The suitable growth temperature for osmanthus is 18-28 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate severe cold, so insulation measures need to be taken in the north in winter. Osmanthus likes light and is also adapted to semi-shady environment, but strong direct sunlight should be avoided, especially at noon in summer.

3. Watering and fertilizing

Osmanthus likes moisture but is afraid of waterlogging. When watering, wait until the surface of the soil in the pot is dry before watering thoroughly to avoid water accumulation. Keep the soil moist during the growing period and spray water on the leaves more often, but reduce watering during the flowering period. Osmanthus likes fertilizer. Apply thin fertilizer every 7-10 days during the growing season, mainly nitrogen fertilizer, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be applied in summer.

4. Pruning branches

Timely pruning of osmanthus branches can help concentrate nutrients and promote healthy growth. However, it is not advisable to prune the branches too much during the flowering period to avoid affecting the health of the plant and its flowering next year.

5. Pest and disease control

Osmanthus may suffer from diseases such as leaf spot, leaf blight, sooty mold, as well as insect pests such as red spider mites. When planting osmanthus flowers in pots at home, you should promptly remove diseased leaves, increase ventilation and light, and reduce humidity to prevent the spread of the disease. Early stage diseases can be killed by spraying with carbendazim, and insect pests can be killed by spraying with mite cleaner.

6. Reproduction method

Osmanthus can be propagated by cuttings. Before germination in spring, select strong one-year-old branches, cut them into 5-10 cm segments, remove the lower leaves, retain 2-3 green leaves on the upper end, and plant them in moist river sand, coconut coir or vermiculite. After cuttings, seal with plastic wrap, keep the substrate slightly moist, place in a shaded place, maintain an ambient temperature of 20-25 degrees Celsius, and it can be transplanted after about 2 months.

The above are the key points for cultivating osmanthus trees. By following these steps, you can effectively cultivate osmanthus and enjoy its beautiful fragrance and ornamental value.