Content
Growing medlar at home is quite possible. To do this, take a seed, file it down, clear it of pulp and soak it in warm water, after which it is immediately planted in a container. It needs to be grown at a fairly high temperature, in conditions of high humidity. Shoots will appear only in a month. Moreover, 4-5 years after planting, the tree will begin to bear fruit even without grafting. It will delight you not only with its harvest, but also with its attractive appearance.
Conditions for growing medlar at home
To grow medlar at home, it is necessary to create and maintain suitable conditions. The plant is thermophilic, so in spring and summer it is advisable to maintain the temperature at 23-25 degrees. At the same time, it should be cooler at night – 17-18 degrees (not lower than 15 °C).
The tree loves moisture, so watering should be regular. On hot days, the leaves should be sprayed with water. It is also advisable to place a container of water next to the pot to maintain air humidity.
Another important point is lighting. Medlar is light-loving, so in early spring until mid-April it is necessary to use additional lighting at home. Then the plant can be grown beautiful and healthy. Pots should be placed on the sunniest window on the south, east or southeast side.
Growing medlar from seed at home
Growing a tree at home is quite simple. It will decorate the room with an unusual look. In addition, the plant will bear fruit already 4 or 5 years after planting.
Choosing a pot
Initially, a medlar seed can be grown in a small seedling pot with a diameter of 5 cm. After 3 or 4 leaves appear, the seedling is transferred to a container whose diameter is 1.5-2 times larger (10 cm). The young plants are then replanted annually for the first five years. Each time, select a container with a diameter 3-5 cm larger than the previous one. In the future, this procedure is repeated after 3-4 years.
Seed preparation
To grow medlar at home, you need to take only fresh seeds - dry ones may not sprout. You can extract them from the pulp only a day or a few days before planting. Further preparation includes the following actions:
- Scarification - rub the dense shell with sandpaper or a file.
- Immerse the prepared seeds in warm water for a day.
- Then etch for an hour in a weak (1%) solution of potassium permanganate.
Soil preparation
To grow healthy loquats at home, you need to prepare the soil. You can purchase it in a store or make it yourself based on several components (ratio 4:2:1:1):
- turf soil (surface layer);
- leaf soil (soil made from decaying leaves);
- coarse sand;
- compost or humus.
Since medlar seeds are kept in potassium permanganate, it is not necessary to disinfect the soil. In addition, its sterilization will lead to the death of beneficial bacteria. Therefore, it is enough to loosen the soil well and water it after planting.
Landing rules
Growing medlar at home from a seed is quite simple. The landing algorithm is as follows:
- A small layer of small stones is placed at the bottom of the pot.
- Fertile, loose soil is poured on top.
- Medlar seeds are planted with the sharp end up to a depth of 2 cm.
- Sprinkle soil on top without compacting.
- Water with settled water.
How many days does it take for medlar seeds to sprout?
Even if all growing conditions are met, medlar seeds take quite a long time to sprout. The process can take 20-30 or even 40 days. Much depends on the condition of the seed - the fresher it is, the faster the sprout will appear.
For successful germination, you need to place the container in a warm, well-lit place.In this case, the sun's rays should not be direct - it is better to slightly shade it with a light curtain or white paper. Even if the room is warm, the pot is still covered with a film with several small holes.
The mini-greenhouse is regularly ventilated, especially when condensation accumulates. To successfully grow medlar at home, the soil is moistened with a spray bottle.
If these conditions are met, shoots will appear in 3-4 weeks. When they reach at least a minimum height of 3 cm, the film can be removed. It is important to note that the temperature in the room should not fall below 18 degrees. Watering is done regularly, using warm, pre-settled water.
How to care for medlar at home
Caring for medlar indoors is not very difficult. The plant needs to be provided with regular watering and fertilizing, and pruning as necessary. To grow medlar healthy and strong, a transplant is necessary. During the first five years of life, the plant is annually transferred to a container of larger diameter.
Watering
To grow medlar at home, you should maintain the humidity level. During the first month, watering should be daily. Next, water is given regularly, making sure that the surface layer of soil remains slightly moist, allowing it to dry out.
The normal regimen is 2 or 3 times a week. At the same time, after each watering the soil is thoroughly loosened. This will allow oxygen to flow freely to the roots, allowing them to absorb water and nutrients normally.
In hot weather, the leaves can be additionally sprayed with a spray bottle.Moreover, it is better to do this at home late in the evening to prevent sunburn on the surface of the leaf plates.
Feeding
If you grow a tree at home, you should also take care of feeding. It is enough to feed adult plants three times a season. For this purpose, complex mineral compositions are used, for example, Kemira Lux. At the same time, young seedlings need 5-6 feedings - they are applied at intervals of three weeks. Along with complex fertilizer, you can also use organic matter, for example, mullein infusion.
Trimming
It is quite possible to grow a tree at home even without special pruning. But if you want to achieve the correct crown, it is recommended to periodically do a shaping haircut. As a rule, gardeners receive a tree with a spherical crown. You need to do this:
- After forming 2-3 leaves, immediately pinch the top.
- Grow the plant at home for another six months, and then pinch out the side shoots for good tillering.
- Next, remove all clearly protruding shoots, keeping the crown attractive.
The main pruning option when growing at home is a spherical crown. Another option is to create a beautiful arrangement at home by intertwining the branches of several seedlings with each other until they are covered with wood. At the same time, all old and improperly growing branches are regularly removed. The sections are sprinkled with charcoal powder. This must be done before flowering begins - then you will be able to grow a beautiful, attractive plant at home.
Transfer
If you grow medlar at home, the tree must be replanted. The first few years this is done regularly, then a break of 4 years and transfer to a container. Each new pot should be slightly larger than the previous one. The composition of the soil can be selected as follows:
- turf (surface) land – 4 parts;
- compost or humus – 1 hour;
- coarse sand – 1 tsp.
You can also use a composition with leaf soil, peat, humus and sand (in a ratio of 1:1:1:1). Another option is to purchase ready-made soil intended for growing palm trees or roses at home.
Will medlar bear fruit from a seed?
Even at home, it is quite possible to get medlar fruits. But the first drupes will appear only 4-5 years after planting. You don't even need a vaccination for this.
It is worth keeping in mind that if stale seeds were initially used for planting, the tree will not bear fruit. Therefore, to obtain even a small harvest, it is necessary to take exclusively fresh seeds, just peeled from the pulp.
Diseases and pests
To grow a healthy medlar at home (pictured), you need to take care of the prevention of plant diseases and pests. It is necessary to observe the watering rate so that the soil is not too wet. If spots or plaque appear on the leaves, they are treated with a fungicide:
- Bordeaux mixture;
- "Tattu";
- "Skor";
- "Ordan".
If aphids, spider mites, scale insects and other pests are detected, spray with insecticides:
- "Aktellik";
- "Confidor";
- "Vertimek";
- "Inta-Vir".
Conclusion
Growing medlar at home is not very difficult. Normal temperature, light and humidity should be ensured. The soil must be fertile and must be loosened periodically. If you grow a tree at home, you should take care of protection from pests and diseases. Then the plant will be able to grow healthy, and after 4-5 years it will bear its first fruits.