Cultivation methods and precautions of witch hazel

How to grow witch hazel

Soil selection

Witch hazel is not very demanding on soil and can grow in acidic and neutral soils. Fertile, loose, well-drained sandy soil is the best choice.

Light and temperature

Witch hazel likes light, but can also grow in semi-shade environment. It likes warm growing environment and can also tolerate cold. Cultivating witch hazel requires good light. Appropriate shade can be provided in the early stages of growth, and the temperature should be maintained between 15°C and 35°C. It can withstand cold in winter and has a strong ability to withstand cold.

Watering and fertilizing

Witch hazel likes moist soil and requires fertile soil. Water appropriately during the growing period to keep the soil moist. Just apply fertilizer normally. Fertilize in early spring to promote growth, and apply phosphorus fertilizer once when flowering.

Reproduction method

Witch hazel can be propagated by sowing, which takes a long time. It can also be propagated by cuttings, grafting and layering. Sowing is mainly done in spring, and cuttings are taken during the rainy season.

Precautions for the cultivation of witch hazel

Pests and diseases

During the cultivation process, witch hazel may be attacked by diseases such as leaf spot and anthracnose. These diseases can be treated by spraying pesticides. The main insect pests are moths such as the spiny moth and the leaf roller, which can be killed manually or using pesticides.

prune

Witch hazel needs to be pruned during cultivation, and the tree height can generally be kept below 2 meters. The main time for pruning is after flowering, to cut off the remaining flowers and trim the plant shape to maintain its beauty. Pruning is done in September, mainly to remove messy branches, allow normal branches to grow, and cut off the clumped branches from the base.