Sowing and Propagation techniques of Rhododendron

Wild cold-resistant rhododendron grows naturally on the mountains of Kuandian and Fengcheng, and has adapted to the cold, moist and acidic soil environment on the mountain, so it is not easy to be introduced and transplanted down the mountain, and garden scientists have made many efforts but failed. Since 1998, we have carried out experiments on downhill transplanting, cutting propagation and sowing propagation of rhododendron, and only the sowing method has been successful. The seedlings of Rhododendron frutescens reproduced by sowing have well-developed roots and fast growth, but they need to be cultivated for 5-6 years before they can enter the flowering stage.

1. The seeds were harvested in the mountains in mid-late October to collect rhododendron seeds. Remove impurities after recovery, dry in the sun, and store in a dry and ventilated place. The seeds were sown from April to May the following year.

two。 Seeding bed preparation nursery bed is divided into two kinds, one is to spread a layer of coarse sand on the bed, and then spread a layer of humus sifted with a sieve of 10 cm thick, and disinfect the soil. The other is to cover the seedling bed with moss.

3. Soak the seeds in warm water for 48 hours before sowing, and spread them on the seedbed when the seeds have just germinated. Water it every day. The seedling bed covered with moss can emerge in 7 days, and the seedling emergence rate can reach about 85%; the seedling bed rich in organic humus soil can emerge in 10 days, and the seedling emergence rate is about 50%. The seeding bed should be shaded, and the light transmittance can reach 50%. After growing the first pair of true leaves, gradually increase the light.

4. The first step of seedling management is to strengthen water control, with 30% soil water content and 70% air relative humidity. Second, the seedlings should be moderately interspersed after growing true leaves. Third, seedlings should be transplanted. Transplant the 2-year-old seedlings, apply a small amount of fertilizer and water, and strengthen the control of diseases and insect pests at the same time.

In 2000, we transplanted the seeded rhododendron seedlings to the courtyard of Jinjiang Mountain Park for open-field cultivation and normal management. The big-character rhododendron grows vigorously and has survived the winter safely for 5 consecutive years and has blossomed.