Content
One of the ways to propagate conifers is to harvest and germinate 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 to the seedlings during the growing process.
Is it possible to grow a fir from a branch?
Cuttings are one of the propagation methods that is used for conifers. It is chosen when it is necessary to preserve the decorative properties of wood. When grown from seeds, the tree may lose some 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 conditions are met, only 30 - 40% of cuttings take root.
Advantages of fir propagation by cuttings:
- all the characteristics 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 obtain cuttings, then choose other methods of propagation: seeds or 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 work deadlines;
- prepare the substrate;
- provide the desired microclimate in the room;
- care for rooted plants.
Without treatment, cuttings of Siberian, Korean, subalpine, and myra fir do not take root. Monochrome, graceful, European species take root best. Even after treatment, cuttings of subalpine and Arizona varieties do not produce roots.
Timing of fir cuttings
To grow fir from cuttings, it is important to choose the right timing:
- when spring comes;
- 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 flow sap. In the southern regions this 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 possible to postpone cuttings to June, when intensive development of the tree occurs. This planting material produces only callus this season. The root system of the crop develops the next year.
If the first two stages of cuttings are missed, the shoots are cut off in August. During this period, their growth stops and lignification occurs. Winter cuttings are prepared in September-November.
Material collected in spring and summer can be planted immediately.When collecting cuttings for fir propagation in the fall, they are kept in a cool room until spring. At the same time, they provide a temperature range 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 fir from a twig
The process of propagation of fir branches includes several stages. First, cuttings are selected and prepared, then storage conditions are provided for them. For rooting you will need a substrate, containers and a certain microclimate. When the cuttings take root, 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 cuttings from the lower or middle areas, the likelihood of them rooting will be significantly reduced. In such seedlings, the trunk has a curved shape, and the crown branches incorrectly.
Healthy annual shoots are selected from the parent tree. The optimal length of 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.
To cut cuttings, use pruning shears or a knife. The cut should be located 1 cm down from the site of lignification. This area is clearly visible due to the color transition from green to brown.
At a distance of 4 - 6 cm, the 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 collected at the end of summer or autumn, they are sprayed with water and wrapped in a damp cloth.
Cuttings ready for planting are placed in a solution of a root growth stimulator. Without such treatment, fir practically does not take root. They use special preparations Kornevin, Ukorenit, Ribav. They are dissolved in water according to the instructions.
Good results are obtained by rooting fir cuttings in a solution of IBA - indolylbutyric acid. It is obtained in a concentration of 0.01%. At elevated levels, the acid has a toxic effect. The solution works best at a temperature of +20 °C. The working fluid is unstable to light and heat.
Additionally, the lower edge of the cuttings is dipped into a solution of potassium permanganate or the drug Fundazol. This will disinfect the material and avoid fungal diseases.
For cuttings of fir in winter, prepare a substrate consisting of turf soil, humus and sand. All components are taken in equal proportions. If soil from the site is used, it is first heated in an oven to disinfect it.
To root cuttings, use plastic containers, in which drainage holes must be made to remove moisture. The optimal height of containers 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, with sand on top.
- The cuttings are deepened by 2 - 6 cm at an angle of 45°. Leave 10 cm between them.
- Plantings are covered with film.
- The substrate is watered abundantly.
The material is rooted at a temperature of 20 - 25 ° C and a humidity of 90%. Additionally, diffused light is required.If the day is too short, turn on the phytolamps.
The process of root formation takes up to 9 months. First, callus is formed in the lower part of the shoot in the form of new formations on cracks and cuts. Then the roots grow. The appearance of callus does not guarantee that the seedling will take root.
Video about propagating fir by cuttings at home:
How to plant a fir cutting in open ground
The following year, the rooted plants are transferred to open ground. For fir, choose a sunny or partial shade location. Seedlings do not tolerate urban pollution well. All varieties require moist, drained soil.
Cuttings are transplanted on a cloudy or rainy day. The place is prepared 2 - 3 weeks in advance. After the soil has settled, they begin to transfer the seedling to a new location.
Fir planting order:
- 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 at the bottom.
- The cuttings are carefully removed from the container, trying not to destroy the earthen lump.
- The plant is transferred to a hole, the roots are covered with earth.
- The soil is watered abundantly.
- The plantings are covered with paper caps or a frame.
Care after planting fir cuttings
To grow a tree from a fir branch, it is important to properly care for young plants. In the first years after planting, their development is slow.
Plantings are watered regularly, but do not allow moisture to stagnate in the soil. Periodically loosen the soil to a depth of 25 cm and weed weeds. For feeding, choose Kemira fertilizer or other mineral complexes.
To mulch the soil, peat or sawdust is used, which is poured into the tree trunk circle. For the winter, the young tree is covered with spruce branches or non-woven fabric.
Conclusion
Fir can be propagated by cuttings without any problems if you follow the basic rules. Work begins with harvesting shoots, which are sprouted at home. The seedlings are transferred to a permanent place, where they are provided with regular care.
Good day! Where can I watch a video with the finished result of fir cuttings?