After years of personal cultivation experience, I've found that the most effective way to grow medium-sized plum trees involves six key technical steps. These methods not only promote healthy growth but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the tree, making it a true work of art.
First, selecting the right rootstock is crucial. It's best to use wild apricot trees or mountain apricots as the base. Ideally, these trees should be grown on steep cliff slopes, along mountain paths, or near livestock areas. The age of the tree doesn't matter—older, more naturally shaped trees tend to offer greater visual interest and character.
Second, pruning plays a vital role in shaping the tree. There are two main techniques: one is using a handsaw to cut back the branches and leave the desired structure; the other is using a machete to make multiple cuts, creating a more natural, aged look. This method helps create visible scars that add to the tree’s artistic value.
Third, when raising seedlings and repotting, it's important to do so before the leaves fall in autumn or just before spring budding. Carefully trim the roots and remove the soil ball from the top of the pot to encourage new growth and better root development.
Fourth, collecting high-quality scions is essential for grafting. Choose different colored scions to create a vibrant, colorful display on the tree. Cut the collected scions to 10–20 cm in length, seal the cut ends with wax, and keep them in a shaded area until you're ready to graft.
Fifth, grafting and ongoing care are critical for fast shaping. To speed up the process, you can use the "three-in-one" technique: transplant in the same year, graft in the same year, and shape the tree within a year. When grafting, make sure to cut the apricot stakes before the sap starts flowing and during the active growing season. To enhance the ornamental value, after the first pruning, plant several branches in strategic positions. Before grafting, select and position the branches, leaving the graft site clear. Remove any excess branches and perform a double-tongue graft to increase survival rates. New shoots should be about 30–40 cm long, and you should pinch back the tips to 20–30 cm to prevent pests and promote healthy growth. By the third year, the tree will bloom, creating a striking contrast between old wood and fresh spring growth.
Sixth, root training is an important step in developing a strong, visually appealing root system. When repotting into larger containers, raise the tree by 5–10 cm higher than the original pot for 1–2 years. Gradually wash away the soil around the main and lateral roots to expose them, enhancing the tree’s natural beauty and structural integrity.
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