Reproduction of rhododendrons by seeds
HOW TO PRODUCE RHODODENDRON WITH SEEDS
I would like to get advice on propagating rhododendrons with seeds. Of particular interest are the features of their stratification. How close to mature trees can these plants be planted?
A. Moiseeva Pskov region
Evergreen and deciduous rhododendrons are quite easily propagated by seeds that do not require any stratification. Seeds can be sown already in late December - January. The substrate is prepared from a mixture of peat, coniferous earth and sand. It is better not to use ready-made acidic peat mixtures for growing begonias and azaleas, as they usually contain a large amount of mineral fertilizers, which is not suitable for rhododendron seedlings, but you can take peat tablets.
Drainage should be poured at the bottom of the pot or container, then soil, compacted and moistened well. Seeds are sown on the surface, slightly pressed, but not sprinkled with soil - they should sprout in the light.
Moisten crops from a spray bottle. From above, the container is covered with a transparent plastic film and placed in a bright place. The shelter will need to be periodically removed, the formed condensate removed from it and the crops ventilated. At an air temperature of about 18-20 ° shoots usually appear in 2-3 weeks. After that, the shelter can be removed, but it is necessary to maintain high humidity.
Picking is carried out at the end of May. It is most convenient to plant seedlings in boxes with light and loose nutrient soil and dig them in the garden in a semi-shady place protected from the wind. Plant care is usual - watering and spraying. Closer to the middle of summer, you can feed with a weak solution of complete mineral fertilizer. For the winter, seedlings need to be covered with spruce branches, and next spring, plants can be planted in a school.
Species rhododendrons are propagated by seeds. Many varieties also set seeds, but the seedlings do not repeat the parent plant, so the forms and varieties are propagated vegetatively - by layering and cuttings. Seedlings of deciduous rhododendrons usually bloom in the 4-5th year, a little later (in the 15-7th year) evergreen rhododendrons begin to bloom.
When choosing the distance between rhododendrons and mature trees, be guided by the characteristics of the soil in your area.
For example, on dry sandy soil, plants can be planted about 1,5 m from pines and 2-2,5 m from spruces. If the soil is moist and there is enough water for everyone, then the distance can be slightly reduced. But it is also important to take into account the scope of the tree crown, so that when planted close, the rhododendrons do not find themselves without light and precipitation.
Reference by topic: Reproduction of rhododendrons from A to Z (CELLS AND SEEDS)
RHODODENDRONS FROM SEEDS - VIDEO
© Author: G. ARTEMOVA, florist
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Is it possible to cut rhododendrons now?
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- Rhododendrons are propagated by cuttings from the end of May. To do this, break out annual shoots 5-10 cm long (for small-leaved species and varieties they can be shorter) and remove their apical buds.
Substrate and planting
Rhododendron cuttings can be rooted in greenhouse boxes or shelving. A layer of 10 cm of a mixture of high-moor sour peat and gravel (1: 1) is poured onto the racks. over
- old rotted sawdust (aged at least 2 years) or composted bark (aged at least 4 years). This layer up to 7 cm thick is leveled and compacted. Clean coarse river sand (2 cm) is poured on top, watered abundantly.
Large leaf plates should be reduced by 1/3, the lower ones should be removed, leaving only 4-6 leaves. The lower cut is under the dormant kidney.
IMPORTANT!
Cuttings are taken from the shoots of the current year. Use only apical semi-lignified.
Before planting on the lower part of the cuttings, a layer of bark is removed “on the ring” up to the cambium. Dusted with a growth stimulator and planted. In order not to damage the exposed tissues, holes in the substrate are first made with a pointed stick. The cutting is inserted, deepening it by 2-3 cm. The substrate is carefully compacted around it. Again abundantly watered and shaded. Cuttings take root after about 3 weeks.
Tatyana KURLOVICH, Cand. Biol. science
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We plant rhododendrons
My mother always grafted our favorite rhododendrons into the side cut. I prefer split.
At the beginning of spring (before new growth begins and the buds of plants begin to swell), I cut off the top evenly and directly on the rootstock seedling. On the cut of the trunk, I make a vertical split about 4 cm long. I cut the base of the scion into a V-shaped wedge a little less than 4 cm long, insert it into a longitudinal cut on the stock. I combine the layers of the cambium of the stock and scion, tie the place of vaccination and cover it with garden pitch.
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Once having grown a shrub from seeds, I still sometimes propagate it in this way.
I start work at the beginning of February.
I pierce holes in the bottom of a shallow container and pour drainage (expanded clay). I fill the bowl with ready-made soil for heather crops. I process the substrate in advance: first I spill it with boiling water, and then with a strong solution of potassium permanganate.
On completely cooled soil, I sow the seeds superficially. Gently spray them with a spray bottle and cover with a film. I put it on a light warm (+ 18-22 degrees) window sill.
I constantly ventilate the crops and monitor the soil moisture. When the first seedlings appear, I remove the shelter.
I deepen the seedlings by cotyledon leaves. Seedlings grow slowly. When 2-3 true leaves appear, I dive the plant into separate pots.
Every 14 days I feed with Kemira-Lux fertilizer (1 g / 1 liter of water).
When it gets warmer on the loggia, I take out rhododendrons there. I keep them in the shade. As soon as the threat of return frosts has passed, I transplant the plants to a permanent place in the garden, without disturbing the earthen clod. I water beforehand.
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In December, many begin to sow the seeds of rhododendrons. Is there a way to encourage
germination of stale seed. If there is still “life” in it, it can work.
So, we place the seeds (they are small) in a small piece of paper towel or thin cambric. You need to keep them in a stream of steam with large tweezers (you can use scissors) about one-two-three (in cambric) or one-two-three-four-five if the seeds are in a paper towel. And immediately - in ice water or in a handful of snow. You need to do this 1-2 times.
Then we sow them superficially (on peat with coarse sand - 3: 1) and drip onto the crops with a solution of "Epin" (according to the instructions).
Remember: Rhododendron seeds usually retain normal germination for 2 years.