How to propagate plum blossoms, common methods of propagating plum blossoms

1. Grafting

Grafting is one of the commonly used propagation methods for plum blossoms. Compared with other propagation methods, the advantages of grafting are fast development and early flowering, while maintaining the characteristics of the original species. Generally, peach, apricot or seedlings are chosen as rootstocks. Bud grafting is mostly used in the north, while belly grafting and cut grafting are mostly used in the south. Bud grafting is usually carried out in August and September. Take the axillary buds on the 1-2 year old branches as the scion, cut it 0.5 cm from the top, and cut it vertically 0.5 cm to the left and right to form a shield shape. Make a T-shaped cut on the rootstock, insert the bud into it and tie it up.

2. Cutting

The survival rate of plum cuttings is not high, so generally varieties that are easy to root are selected. Cut the strong branches of the mother tree as cuttings, with a length of 10-15 cm. The time for cuttings is generally in early spring or autumn. Insert the cuttings into sterilized sandy loam at a depth of one-third or half of its length. After cuttings, water thoroughly once, and then water less frequently to prevent them from rotting.

3. Layering

Layering propagation is also one of the optional propagation methods for plum blossoms, but it is usually not suitable for mass propagation. In February and March, select strong and healthy branches, ring-bark the bent parts, wrap them with soil, and then secure them with plastic bags to prevent them from falling. Wait for a month and check whether it has taken root. If it has, you can cut it and transplant it.

4. Sowing

Plum blossoms are usually sown in autumn. Generally, the fruit needs to be harvested after it changes color in June or July, and after it matures, the seeds are taken out, washed and set aside. When the time is right, sow the seeds in the soil, cover them with fine soil to keep them moist, and wait for them to take root and sprout. Sowing is not commonly used because seedlings grow slowly and flower late.