Sakura Cultivation: Expert Tips for Cherry Blossoms

To grow a cherry blossom tree, it’s essential to understand how to propagate and cultivate them. This knowledge will enable the tree to grow successfully and bloom in the spring.

Techniques that can be used include cuttings and seed planting; the former takes less time, while the latter allows you to observe the tree’s full growth process, albeit over a longer period.

Let’s now explore the cultivation techniques for cherry blossom trees.

Cultivation Techniques for Cherry Blossoms

Planting

Before planting, level the ground and dig a hole approximately 0.8 meters wide and 0.6 meters deep. Fill the hole with 10 centimeters of organic fertilizer, place the seedling in the hole, and spread its roots.

After backfilling, lift the seedling slightly to spread the roots deeper and firm the soil. The planting depth should be about 5 centimeters above the root layer of the seedling.

After planting, water thoroughly, support the seedling with a stake to prevent it from being blown over by the wind.

Watering

After planting, the seedlings are prone to drought. Therefore, in addition to watering thoroughly at planting, water every 8-10 days thereafter, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

After watering, loosen the soil promptly and cover the surface lightly with straw to reduce evaporation.

Within 2-3 years after planting, to prevent the trunk from drying out, wrap it in straw.

However, after 2-3 years, as the seedlings grow new roots and their adaptability to the environment gradually increases, straw wrapping is no longer necessary.

Fertilizing

Cherry blossoms should be fertilized twice a year, preferably with acidic fertilizer. The first application, a winter fertilizer, should consist of organic fertilizers like bean cake, chicken manure, and compost in winter or early spring.

The second application, after the blossoms fall, should consist of quick-acting fertilizers like ammonium sulfate, ferrous sulfate, and superphosphate.

Cherry blossom roots are shallow and require well-drained soil, so avoid compacting the soil, especially within the root distribution range, by human and animal traffic. Trampling can weaken the tree, shorten its lifespan, and even cause root rot and death.

Pruning

Pruning mainly involves removing wilted, overgrown, overlapping branches, and those infected by pests.

Additionally, when many branches grow on the trunk of a large cherry blossom tree, retain only a few strong branches and cut the rest off at the base to allow for air and light penetration.

Disinfect the wounds promptly after pruning to prevent infection and rot after rainfall.

The bark of cherry blossoms can easily age and rot after prolonged exposure to the sun. When this happens, remove the damaged bark promptly and disinfect.

Afterwards, wrap the rotting area with leaf mold and charcoal powder to promote recovery.

How to Propagate and Cultivate Cherry Blossoms

Cutting Propagation

Cutting Timing

It’s recommended to perform cherry blossom cuttings between July and September each year. This period is more conducive to the growth of cherry blossoms and maximizes rooting assistance.

During the cutting process, observe the weather conditions in advance. Do not conduct cuttings on rainy days, otherwise, it will be difficult for the plant to survive.

Preparing the Soil

When propagating cherry blossoms, select suitable soil for cultivation. It’s recommended to use nutrient-rich soil for maintenance, which is both convenient and suitable.

Before adding soil, spread a layer of small pebbles at the bottom of the flower pot to increase soil permeability, which is beneficial for the growth of cherry blossoms.

Branch Selection

Choose suitable branches for propagating cherry blossoms. Cut robust, disease-free branches from the parent plant, with a length between 10-15cm. Prior to cutting, disinfect the cutting tools to ensure a smooth cut surface and make a diagonal cut.

Soaking in Rooting Powder

Next, treat the branches. After performing necessary disinfection, soak them in rooting powder for 1-2 hours. This is more conducive to branch growth.

Then place the branches in a cool and ventilated environment. After the branches have completely dried, they can be cut.

Potting the Cuttings

Insert the branches into the prepared soil. After potting, place the plant in a cool, ventilated environment and keep the soil moist to allow the branches to adapt quickly.

The branches should take root within about a week. You can then gradually increase the light conditions to promote the growth of the branches. Within a month, the branches should be fully established.

Seed Propagation

Germination

Before preparing to sow, soak the cherry blossom seeds in water at 20-30°C for 2-3 hours, then in cool water for three days and nights. Finally, mix them with damp sand and bury. This process helps the cherry blossom seeds germinate.

Temperature

Place the sand-mixed cherry blossom seeds in a sunny location and cover with about 10cm of thin soil. Cherry blossom seeds typically germinate within 3-5 days at temperatures of 20-25°C.

Light Conditions

When the sprouts emerge from the ground, remove the covering straw and cover with a shading net to protect the delicate sprouts from intense sunlight.

As the seedlings grow, gradually remove the shading net on cloudy days.

Weeding

During the process of sowing cherry blossom seeds, weeds may sprout. When weeds appear, remove them early.

If weeds grow large and develop robust root systems, removing them may disturb the roots of the seedlings and affect their growth. Therefore, it’s essential to remove weeds when they’re small.