HOW TO GROW ABIES KOREANA FROM SEED

How to grow Abies koreana from seed
How to grow Abies koreana from seed


Abies koreana is arguably the most popular and ornamental of all the Abies species. However plants under cultivation in the UK generally end up as poor specimens once mature. Why? Habitually vegetatively propagated, most examples of the Korean fir in the UK are descended from the first introduced specimen which taken from an isolated Korean island, This first introduction was a rather inferior representation of the species, so material taken from it for grafting purposes has resulted in the majority of UK plants being short and stunted in habit.

However, should you be of a mind to produce a better quality plant, or just want to try your hand at growing them from seed then it is a relatively simple affair - so long as you have viable seed at your disposal. The best time to sow Abies Koreana seeds is February.

Using a deep modular seed tray, traditional pan, or root training modules, fill with a suitable, good quality compost such as John Innes 'Seed and Cutting'.

Sow the seeds on the surface, one per module or spaced at a rate of one seed per 3-5 cm. Add a layer of horticultural grit and then gently water in. Water the compost as necessary to keep it moist but do not allow it to become waterlogged. Place in a cold frame outside to overwinter. Alternatively, broadcast in outside prepared seed beds in March.

Once the seedlings are large enough to handle (for traditional pan grown) or their roots have established in their modules, they can be transplanted into 2 litre pots or a prepared seed bed outside. Once the seedlings have produced three sets of small branches. they can be fed monthly using a liquid soluble fertiliser diluted to one-fourth the strength recommended dose.

The Abies koreana will need to be grown on for a further 2-4 years, potting on as necessary for container grown plants, before they are ready to be planted out into their final position.

The young plants will grow well in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils in full sun.

For related articles click onto the following links:
Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)