Cedar early spring cutting propagation technology
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Cedrus deodara, commonly known as the Himalayan cedar, is one of the most admired ornamental trees worldwide. It features a tall, straight trunk and an elegant tree shape, making it a key element in landscape design. Traditionally, cedar propagation relies on seedlings, but this method is limited by the lack of reliable provenance. To meet market demand, cutting propagation has become a popular alternative. Below is a detailed guide to the cutting technique:
1. **Preparation of the Cutting Bed**: Construct a raised bed using bricks, oriented east-west for optimal sunlight exposure. The bed should be 50 cm high and 1.5 m wide, with the length adjusted based on the number of cuttings. A layer of pebbles, about 20 cm thick, is placed at the bottom, followed by 20 cm of clean river sand as the rooting medium. The sand must be sieved, washed, and disinfected with a 1% potassium permanganate solution to prevent disease.
2. **Optimal Cutting Time**: The best time to take cuttings is just before the cedar starts to sprout, typically between mid-March and early April. This ensures that the cuttings are taken when the plant is still dormant but ready to grow.
3. **Selection of Cuttings**: The age of the mother tree and the branch plays a critical role in the success of cuttings. Younger trees and branches tend to have higher viability and survival rates. It is recommended to select 1- to 2-year-old branches from a healthy 3- to 5-year-old sapling. If using older trees, choose one-year-old shoots with apical buds from the upper part of the crown, as these have a much higher chance of rooting successfully.
4. **Cutting Preparation**: Cuttings should be taken on cool, cloudy days without wind or dew. Each cutting should be approximately 15 cm long, with the base trimmed smoothly and secondary branches removed. The cut ends should be quickly dipped into a 500 ppm naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) solution for 5 seconds to promote root formation before planting.
5. **Planting Technique**: Insert the cuttings vertically into the sand bed, about 6–8 cm deep. Arrange them with 5 cm spacing between each cutting, and ensure the planting process is done efficiently. After inserting, water the cuttings gently with a watering can to help them retain moisture and establish contact with the soil.
6. **Shading and Environmental Control**: Immediately after planting, provide shade to protect the cuttings from direct sunlight. By May, use double curtains if temperatures rise. Wind barriers may also be necessary in exposed areas. Once roots begin to form, gradually increase light exposure. By autumn, remove the shading completely.
7. **Humidity Management**: Maintain consistent moisture in the sand and keep air humidity above 70%. Water twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening—on sunny days. On cloudy days, reduce watering slightly. Once the cuttings have rooted, gradually decrease watering to avoid root rot.
8. **Rain Protection**: Cover the bed with plastic sheeting during rainy periods to prevent waterlogging. This helps maintain the right balance of moisture and prevents damage to the cuttings.
9. **Rooting Process**: Callus formation typically begins within 30–40 days, with visible roots appearing after about 70 days. Full rooting usually occurs after 100 days. When around 60% of the cuttings have rooted, transplant them into pots filled with a mix of general potting soil and a small amount of ferrous sulfate. Unrooted cuttings can be reinserted into the bed for further growth. After 10–15 days, gradually increase light exposure until they enter normal care. A second transplant into pots can be done in early September for final growth.