Honeysuckle planting method and management technology

Honeysuckle, scientifically known as Lonicera, is a perennial semi-evergreen shrub with high ornamental and medicinal value. Honeysuckle has strong adaptability, is cold-resistant, drought-resistant and water-resistant, and is not very demanding on soil, but grows most vigorously in moist, fertile sandy soil. Let's learn about honeysuckle planting methods and management techniques.

1. Breeding Methods

Honeysuckle can be propagated in the following ways:

Cutting propagation: It can be carried out throughout the year, especially from spring before new buds sprout to mid-October. Choose 1-2 year old strong branches, prune them into 30 cm long sections, retain 3 nodes in each section, remove the lower leaves, and leave 2-4 leaves on the upper part. Treat the cuttings with a rooting agent before cutting, insert them into the prepared soil and keep them moist.

Seed propagation: Harvest ripe berries after frost, wash, dry and store. Soak the seeds in warm water before sowing, mix with wet sand to germinate, and sow after the seeds turn white.

Propagation by root division: dig up the mother plant during the dormancy period of honeysuckle in winter, prune the roots and stems, and then divide the plants for cultivation.

Layering propagation: Select a 3-4 year old healthy mother plant, bend the branches and bury them in the soil, compact them, water and fertilize them regularly, and wait for transplanting in spring.

2. Cultivation Technology

As a plant that loves sunlight and fertile soil, honeysuckle is mostly cultivated in the open field and rarely in potted plants. The correct timing and method of transplanting are crucial to the healthy growth of honeysuckle. Transplanting of honeysuckle is usually chosen before germination in early spring or during the dormant period in autumn. These two periods are more suitable for the recovery and growth of the plant's roots. Choose a location with plenty of sunlight, fertile soil, deep soil and good drainage for cultivation to meet the honeysuckle's requirements for the growing environment. Dig holes according to the row spacing of 1.5 meters and the plant spacing of 1.2 meters, and the width and depth of each hole should be controlled between 30 and 40 centimeters. Apply 5 kg of soil and fertilizer in each hole and mix it thoroughly with the subsoil. When transplanting, try to minimize damage to the root system. Place the honeysuckle seedlings in the center of the hole, making sure the seedlings are upright and the roots spread out naturally. When the hole is mostly filled with soil, gently lift the plant and shake it slightly to compact the soil, then tamp it down to seal it. Pay attention to the planting depth to ensure that the roots are level with the ground, and avoid planting too shallowly or too deeply to affect plant survival and subsequent growth. Water thoroughly immediately after transplanting to ensure that the soil is fully moist, which will help the honeysuckle seedlings quickly adapt to the new environment.

3. Water and fertilizer management

Fertilization in spring and summer: Top dressing should be carried out in time after the honeysuckle sprouts in spring and after the flowers are harvested in summer. Use fully decomposed human and animal manure, or chemical fertilizers such as ammonium phosphate sulfate and urea and other nitrogen fertilizers to promote plant growth and flower abundance. When applying fertilizer, dig a shallow trench on one side of the plant, apply the fertilizer and then cover it with soil.

Winter fertilization: In winter, apply 5 to 10 kg of compost, as well as 100 grams of ammonium sulfate and 200 grams of superphosphate to each honeysuckle plant. The same trench fertilization method is used. After application, the soil is covered and cultivated to enhance the plant's cold resistance and reserve nutrients for next year's growth.

Water supply during flowering period: Honeysuckle is more sensitive to water demand during flowering period. Under drought conditions, irrigation should be carried out in time to avoid flower and bud drop due to lack of water. Maintaining appropriate soil moisture helps the plants grow healthily and the flowers bloom fully.

4. Field Management

Carry out inter-row cultivation and weeding regularly, combined with soil cultivation. Pay attention to the prevention and control of diseases and pests, such as powdery mildew, coffee beetle , etc. After planting, set up a trellis in time to guide the growth of stems and vines.

5. Plastic surgery

In the first 1 to 2 years of cultivation, focus on cultivating the upright and strong trunk of honeysuckle. When the main trunk grows to a height of 30 to 40 cm, the top buds are removed to promote the growth of side buds and form branches. In the spring of the second year, select 4 to 5 thick branches from the main trunk as main branches, and cultivate them in layers to build a good crown structure.

First-level branch pruning: In winter, prune the first-level branches growing on the main branches, retain 5 to 6 pairs of healthy buds, and remove the upper branches to concentrate nutrients and promote branch growth.

Secondary branch cultivation: As the primary branches grow, retain 6 to 7 pairs of buds on the secondary branches that grow on them, and also cut off the upper parts to promote the formation of more flower branches.

Flower branch management: For flower branches formed on secondary branches, remove the hooked tender shoots at the top in time to adjust the growth direction and density of the branches.

Through this series of shaping and pruning measures, the growth habit of honeysuckle will change from twining growth to having evenly distributed branches, improving ventilation and light conditions, which is conducive to the healthy growth of the plant and the high yield of flowers. After each pruning, apply top dressing in time to replenish the nutrients consumed by pruning and promote the honeysuckle to recover its growth vitality faster.

In short, through these meticulous cultivation and management measures, honeysuckle can not only thrive, but also provide beautiful flowers and high-quality medicinal materials.