Waxberries are a popular fruit in the summer market. They are vigorous trees with a long economic lifespan, few pests and diseases, and are easy to cultivate and manage, making them a promising crop. So how do you grow waxberries? Let's find out below.
1. Site Selection
Waxberry is a fruit tree that is relatively tolerant of poor soil and does not have high requirements for soil fertility. However, it is most suitable for planting waxberry in soils where ferns and azaleas are dominant, and slopes of 5-30 degrees are acceptable.
2. Seed collection
Waxberry seeds should be collected from mature fruits on healthy, mature trees. The fruits should be spread out and piled up in a place where they are not exposed to direct sunlight. After the pulp has rotted for 4-5 days, rinse them and remove any shriveled fruits that have floated to the surface. Let them dry before use.
3. Planting time
In areas prone to frost damage during winter, such as Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hunan, and Jiangxi, spring planting is recommended, i.e., planting from late February to mid-March. In warmer regions without severe winters, autumn or spring planting can be used, i.e., from early October to early December, or from mid-February to mid-March of the following year.
4. Sowing method
Before sowing, soak the seeds in 0.1% potassium permanganate solution or 800 times dilution of 40% methyl thiophanate for 10 minutes. Spread the seeds evenly on the seedbed. After sowing, gently press the seeds into the soil with a wooden board, cover them with a layer of fine soil, and then cover them with a thin layer of straw.
5. Seedling Management
When planting, maintain a row spacing of 30-35 cm and a plant spacing of 8-10 cm. Water thoroughly after planting, and the plants will quickly resume normal growth. After sowing, pay attention to seedling management, including temperature and humidity control. Waxberry seeds are generally sown in mid-to-late October, germinating in January of the following year, and emerging from the soil in mid-February.
6. Key points for transplanting
When the waxberry seedlings reach about 10 cm in height and have 4-5 leaves after emerging from the soil, they can be transplanted. Before transplanting, the nursery should be prepared with soil preparation and fertilization. At the same time, 25 kg of lime should be spread on each acre of seedbed or sprayed with a 600-fold dilution of carbendazim. Transplanting should be done on cloudy days or in the early morning or late evening of sunny days, and the seedlings should be thoroughly watered. 12,000-14,000 seedlings should be transplanted per acre.
