Cultivation methods and precautions of toon sprouts

Cultivation method of toon sprouts

temperature

Toona sinensis likes warmth and is suitable for cultivation in areas with an average annual temperature of 8 to 10°C. Its cold resistance increases with the age of the tree. In cold and dry areas, young trees are prone to dead branches in early spring.

Sowing temperature

One-year-old seedlings sown directly from seeds may freeze at around -10℃.

illumination

It likes light and is best exposed to sunlight.

humidity

It is relatively moisture-resistant and mostly grows in fertile and moist sandy loam near rivers, roadsides or around houses. The suitable soil pH is pH 5.5-8.0, and it has poor resistance to pollution.

How to propagate Chinese toon sprouts

Seed propagation

Sow seeds in spring when the soil temperature at 10 cm is 5℃. The seed coat has a layer of wax, which makes it difficult for the seeds to absorb water. Soak them in warm water for 24 hours before sowing, then germinate them in a warm place (or mix them with wet sand). After the radicle is exposed, they can be sown and raised as seedlings. Wind barriers or soil can be built up in North China in winter. In cold areas, when the seedlings shed their leaves and stop growing, the seedlings are dug out and transplanted in cellars to overwinter.

Root sucker propagation

Dig up the suckers and plant them about 10 days before bud break in early spring. You can also cut the roots of one or two year old trees into sections and bury them in the soil. After germination, leave a strong bud when the seedling is 10 cm tall.

Precautions for the cultivation of toon sprouts

seed

Harvested from mature trees, the best time to harvest is before the fruit turns brown but does not crack. However, it is worth noting that the trees whose young buds are picked every year will not produce many flowers or fruits.

Fertilizer and pruning

Apply organic fertilizer in the holes every spring and cut off dead branches after they turn green again. Water the crops after picking, and prune the new shoots of the year between June and July to promote the growth of side branches and increase yield.

Watering and fertilizing in all seasons

Water and fertilize in summer and autumn to restore tree vigor, promote full and plump branches and buds, and reduce frost damage. Water before winter.

Greenhouse cultivation

Greenhouse cultivation of Chinese toon is a form of transplanting. In November, two- or three-year-old seedlings that have passed dormancy are transplanted in a greenhouse. Under a certain temperature and humidity, short branches are grown using the nutrients stored in the seedlings. The young leaves are then harvested in batches or all at once every 35 to 40 days.

When the nutrients of the seedlings are exhausted, discard them, or leave 4 to 5 leaves when harvesting to allow them to gradually recover vitality, and then cultivate them in summer and autumn and use them again in winter.