Technology of sowing and raising seedlings of Metasequoia glyptostroboides?

The techniques of sowing and raising seedlings of metasequoia are as follows:

First, seed collection: Metasequoia glyptostroboides blossom in early and middle March, and cone formation period from mid-October to early November of that year. Seeds can be collected when the fruit scales change from green to yellowish brown, fissured, and a small number of seeds protrude. After the cones are harvested, the cones are spread out or slightly exposed to the sun, the scales are opened, and the seeds can be removed.

Second, seed treatment: soak the seeds in cold water for 3 to 5 hours before sowing, so that the seeds can fully absorb water and expand, so as to facilitate germination and ensure neat seedling emergence.

Third, sowing: from late March to early April, you can sow seeds when the soil temperature is above 12 degrees Celsius. It can be broadcast or broadcast. When strip sowing, the horizontal strip is sown with a row spacing of 20 to 25 cm, a sowing area of 3 to 5 cm, and a sowing rate of 12 to 25 kg per hectare. Because the seeds are light and winged, it is best to mix sand or sow seeds finely. Sow in windless weather or in a low position to prevent the wind from blowing away the seeds or sowing unevenly. After sowing, cover with fine soil so that the seeds can not be seen. Slightly compacted, and then covered with grass or plastic film to moisturize, to facilitate seed germination.

Fourth, tending management: seedlings generally emerge in 15 days after sowing, and can be fully produced in 20 days. Attention should be paid to moisturizing the bed during this time. After the young buds are unearthed, the seed shell is unearthed, which is easy to be pecked by birds, so attention should be paid to prevent bird damage. In the early seedling stage, the growth is slow and the roots are shallow. in addition to proper watering, shade should be carried out to prevent sunburn. Cotyledon stage should be combined with inter-seedling to supplement seedlings, transplant and fill gaps, so that seedlings are evenly distributed. The fast-growing period begins after June. July and August is the fastest growing period, which needs the most water and fertilizer, so topdressing and irrigation should be carried out in time, combined with loose soil weeding and pest control, so as to promote seedling growth. In the same year, the height of the seedlings can reach more than 50 cm, and the ground diameter is more than 0.8 cm, which can be afforestation.