Content
One of the methods of propagation of conifers is the harvesting and germination of cuttings, as a result of which the varietal characteristics of the tree are preserved. Fir propagates by cuttings without problems if a number of conditions are provided for the seedlings during the cultivation process.
Is it possible to grow a fir from a branch
Cutting is one of the propagation methods that is used for conifers. It is chosen when it is necessary to preserve the decorative properties of the tree. When grown from seed, the tree may lose some of its external qualities.
Growing a fir from a cutting is a completely solvable task. It is important to choose a healthy parent tree and cut the shoots at the right time. Even if all the conditions are met, only 30 - 40% of the cuttings are rooted.
The advantages of propagating fir by cuttings:
- all the signs of the mother plant are preserved;
- no special knowledge or skills are required;
- high endurance of seedlings.
Despite the advantages of the method, cuttings are used less often for fir than for cypress, thuja and other conifers. If it is not possible to get cuttings, then they choose other methods of reproduction: by seeds or by grafting.
Features of growing fir from cuttings at home
To root a fir from a branch, take into account the following features of this process:
- choose the source tree and its shoots correctly;
- comply with the terms of work;
- prepare the substrate;
- provide the required microclimate in the room;
- take care of rooted plants.
Cuttings of Siberian, Korean, subalpine, Mayra fir do not take root without processing. One-color, graceful, European species take root best of all. Even after processing, cuttings of subalpine and Arizona varieties do not give roots.
Timing of cuttings of fir
To grow a fir with a cutting, it is important to choose the right timing of work:
- at the onset of spring;
- at the beginning of summer;
- at the end of summer;
- in the fall.
The most successful period is the end of winter or spring, when the trees are just beginning to sap. In the southern regions it is March, in colder climates it is April. The resulting cuttings root without problems within a year. For work, choose the morning period or a cloudy day.
It is allowed to postpone the cuttings to June, when the tree is intensively developing. Such planting material in the current season gives only callus. The root system of the culture is developing for the next year.
If the first two stages of cuttings are skipped, then the shoots are cut in August. During this period, their growth stops and desalinization occurs. In September-November, winter cuttings are prepared.
Material harvested in spring and summer can be planted immediately. When collecting cuttings for propagation of fir in the fall, they are kept in a cool room until spring. At the same time, they provide a temperature regime from +1 to +5 ° C and high humidity. It is most convenient to store the material in a plastic container and refrigerator.
How to grow a fir from a twig
There are several stages in the process of breeding fir branches. First, cuttings are selected and harvested, then they are provided with storage conditions. Rooting will require a substrate, containers and a certain microclimate. When the cuttings are rooted, they are transferred to an open area.
Selection and preparation of cuttings
It is best to use cuttings from young trees between 4 and 8 years old. Look at the branches from the top of the crown. If you cut the cuttings from the lower or middle areas, then the likelihood of their rooting will be significantly reduced. In such seedlings, the trunk has a curved shape, and the crown does not branch properly.
Healthy annual shoots are chosen from the parent tree. The optimum length of the cuttings is from 10 to 25 cm. There should be an apical bud on the branch. If you damage it, the trunk will begin to branch, and the crown will take on an irregular shape.
A pruner or knife is used to cut the cuttings. The cut should be located 1 cm down from the site of desalinization. This area is clearly visible due to the color transition from green to brown.
At a distance of 4 - 6 cm, needles and small branches are completely removed. Under favorable conditions, new roots also appear from these places.
How to root a fir from a branch
After receiving the planting material, they begin to root it. The branches don't hold water. If the shoots are harvested in late summer or autumn, they are sprayed with water and wrapped in a damp cloth.
Cuttings, ready for planting, are placed in a solution of the cornerosta stimulator. Fir practically does not take root without such treatment. Use special drugs Kornevin, Ukorenit, Ribav. They are dissolved in water according to the instructions.
Good results are obtained by rooting fir cuttings in a solution of IMA - indolylbutyric acid. It is obtained at a concentration of 0.01%. With an increased content of acid, it has a toxic effect. The solution works best at a temperature of +20 ° C. The working fluid is not resistant to light and heat.
Additionally, the lower edge of the cuttings is dipped into a solution of potassium permanganate or Fundazol. This will allow you to disinfect the material and avoid fungal diseases.
For cuttings of fir in winter, a substrate is prepared, consisting of sod land, humus and sand. All components are taken in equal proportions. If soil from the site is used, then first it is heated in an oven for disinfection.
For rooting cuttings, plastic containers are used, in which drainage holes are necessarily made to remove moisture. The optimal container height is from 10 to 15 cm.
The procedure for cutting fir at home in winter:
- Earth mixed with humus is poured into containers in layers, sand on top.
- The cuttings are deepened by 2 - 6 cm at an angle of 45 °. Leave 10 cm between them.
- The landings are covered with a film.
- The substrate is watered abundantly.
The material is rooted at a temperature of 20 - 25 ° C and a humidity of 90%. Diffused light is also required. If the day is too short, turn on phytolamps.
The root formation process takes up to 9 months. First, callus is formed in the lower part of the shoot in the form of neoplasms on cracks and an incision. Then roots grow. The appearance of callus does not guarantee that the seedling will take root.
Video about the propagation of fir cuttings at home:
How to plant a fir with a handle in open ground
The following year, the rooted plants are transferred to open ground. For fir, choose a sunny place or partial shade. Saplings do not tolerate urban pollution poorly. All varieties require moist, drained soil.
Cuttings are transplanted on a cloudy or rainy day. The place is prepared in 2 - 3 weeks. After the soil has shrunk, they begin to transfer the seedling to a new place.
Fir planting procedure:
- In the selected area, holes are made with a diameter of 40 cm and a depth of 50 cm.
- A layer of crushed stone or expanded clay 10-15 cm thick is placed on the bottom.
- The cuttings are carefully removed from the container, trying not to destroy the earthen lump.
- The plant is transferred into a depression, the roots are covered with earth.
- The soil is watered abundantly.
- The plantings are covered with paper caps or frames.
Care after planting fir cuttings
To grow a tree from a fir branch, it is important to properly care for young plants. The first years after planting, their development is slowed down.
The plantings are regularly watered, but do not allow stagnation of moisture in the soil. Periodically loosen the soil to a depth of 25 cm and weed weeds... For top dressing, Kemir fertilizer or other mineral complexes are chosen.
For mulching the soil, peat or sawdust is used, which is poured into the trunk circle. For the winter, a young tree is covered with spruce branches or non-woven cloth.
Conclusion
Fir by cuttings multiplies without problems, if you follow the basic rules. Work begins with the harvesting of shoots that germinate at home. The seedlings are transferred to a permanent place, where they are provided with regular care.
