Cedar is a coniferous tree that belongs to the Pine family. Cedar is a valuable type of wood that is used in construction, furniture production, and also in medicine.
Cedar can be grown in a variety of climate zones, but grows best in temperate regions.
1. Variety selection
When choosing a cedar variety, you need to consider the following factors:
- Purpose of cultivation. For cultivation as an ornamental plant, varieties with a beautiful crown shape and brightly colored needles are selected. For cultivation as a fruit tree, varieties with large and tasty nuts are selected.
- Maturing period. Cedar can be early-ripening, mid-ripening and late-ripening. Early-ripening varieties of cedar begin to bear fruit after 20-25 years, mid-ripening - after 25-30 years, late-ripening - after 30-35 years.
2. Soil preparation
Cedar is a light-loving and moisture-loving crop, so to grow it you need to prepare a sunny and humid place.
In autumn, the site is dug up to a depth of 25-30 cm and organic fertilizers (manure, compost, humus) are applied at the rate of 5-6 kg per 1 m². In spring, the soil is leveled and planting holes are made with a depth and diameter of 60-70 cm.
3. Landing
Cedar seedlings are planted in the spring, when the threat of frost has passed.
A drainage layer of broken brick or crushed stone is poured into the planting hole, then a layer of fertile soil. The seedlings are planted so that the root collar is at soil level. After planting, the seedlings are watered abundantly.
4. Plant care
Cedar is an unpretentious plant, but to obtain a good harvest the following measures must be taken:
- Watering. Cedar is a moisture-loving crop, so it needs to be watered regularly. Water the plants 2-3 times a week, using 10-15 liters of water per 1 m².
- Feeding. During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
- Trimming. To form the cedar crown, pruning is carried out. Pruning is carried out in the spring, before the buds open.
Protection from pests and diseases. Cedar can be attacked by pests and diseases. To protect plants from pests and diseases, plants are sprayed with special preparations.
5. Harvest
Cedar begins to bear fruit after 20-35 years. Pine nuts ripen in September-October.
The nuts are harvested when they are fully ripe and yellow. Nuts are collected manually or using special devices.
Some tips for growing cedar
- To obtain an earlier harvest of cedar, you can grow it from seeds. Cedar seeds are sown in open ground in the fall.
- To increase the yield of cedar, you can plant it next to other coniferous trees. Coniferous trees create a favorable microclimate for cedar growth.