1. Choosing a landing site
Ant tree is a light-loving plant, so it must be planted in well-lit areas. The ant tree also tolerates partial shade, but in this case it will bloom less profusely.
The ant tree does not tolerate strong winds, so it must be planted in places protected from the wind.
2. Soil preparation
Ant tree prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Before planting, it is necessary to dig the soil to a depth of 20-30 cm and add organic fertilizers (humus, compost, peat).
3. Landing
The ant tree can be planted by seeds or seedlings.
When sowing seeds, the seeds are sown in open ground in the spring, when the soil temperature reaches +10 °C. The seeding depth is 2-3 cm. The seeding rate is 20-30 seeds per 1 m².
When planting seedlings, seedlings are planted in open ground in spring or autumn. Seedlings are planted at a distance of 1-2 m from each other.
4. Ant tree care
The ant tree is an unpretentious plant, but to obtain good flowering and fruiting it is necessary to carry out the following care measures:
- Watering: The ant tree needs regular watering. It is necessary to water the plant abundantly, without allowing the soil to dry out. Watering is especially important in hot weather and during drought.
- Feeding: The ant tree needs regular feeding. It is necessary to feed the plant 2-3 times a month during the growing season. Mineral or organic fertilizers are used for fertilizing.
- Weeding: It is necessary to weed regularly so that they do not choke the plants.
- Pruning: The ant tree does not need pruning, but it can be done to shape the crown of the plant. Pruning is carried out in spring or autumn.
5. Harvest
The fruits of the ant tree ripen in August-September. The fruits are harvested by hand when they are fully ripe.
6. Diseases and pests
The ant tree is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, in some cases, the plant may be attacked by the following pests:
- Spider mite: the pest feeds on the sap of leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Insecticides are used to control the pest.
- Aphids: the pest feeds on the sap of leaves, causing the leaves to become deformed and fall off. Insecticides are used to control the pest.
Ant tree is an ornamental, medicinal and food plant.
- Ornamental plant: The ant tree is used for landscaping parks, gardens and other areas.
- Medicinal plant: Ant tree is used to treat various diseases, including diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system and nervous system.
- Food plant: The fruits of the ant tree are edible. They have a pleasant taste and are used raw for food, as well as for preparing various dishes.
In different climatic zones, it is necessary to take into account the following features of growing an ant tree:
- In cold regions: The ant tree must be planted in places protected from the wind. In regions with harsh winters, the ant tree must be covered for the winter.
- In dry regions: The ant tree needs to be watered regularly, especially in hot weather.
- In regions with hot climates: The ant tree must be planted in partial shade.
- In regions with a humid climate: The ant tree must be planted in elevated areas to avoid stagnant water.