Where and how to plant honeysuckle?
Content:
Honeysuckle is a shrub by nature. It can be of two types - edible and non-edible (decorative). Honeysuckle should be planted depending on the species and characteristics of this shrub. Honeysuckle species vary in size. Edible honeysuckle is small in size, on average it does not exceed two meters in height. In turn, decorative honeysuckle is larger, it can grow over 6 meters.
When planting honeysuckle, you need to decide which soil is suitable, the planting site, which seedlings are suitable for us and how to plant them correctly in the ground.
What soil to plant honeysuckle in?
The most favorable environment for honeysuckle is loamy soils. It is important to maintain the neutral acidity of the soil. If the acidity of the soil is increased, you can not expect a good harvest. Ornamental honeysuckle, in turn, can lose its bright green color. If the environment on your site is still acidic, then, before planting, it is recommended to neutralize the environment with lime.
It is worth saying that honeysuckle does not like excess moisture. From heavy soils or soils that are waterlogged, the root system instantly rot. It follows from this that when planting honeysuckle, it is worth avoiding closely located groundwater.
Landing place
Particular attention should be paid to the choice of a place for planting honeysuckle seedlings. This shrub is very light-requiring. Only in good light can edible honeysuckle produce a good harvest. When planting a plant in the shade, the yield will be minimal, and the decorative honeysuckle will bloom very poorly. It should be added that this shrub is very gentle and sensitive to drafts. Therefore, for planting it, it is worth avoiding places on elevations.
If you have chosen a curly decorative honeysuckle, then, for planting it, you should choose a place where its shoots can cling. Places near gazebos and arches would be ideal. Also, this shrub can be a great help in creating the atmosphere of the site if you plant it along the border of the site. Its shoots will cling to the edges of the fence, thereby creating a hedge.
What kind of seedlings are right?
In order not to be mistaken with the choice of seedlings (seedlings of edible and decorative honeysuckle are almost identical), it should be purchased at specialized points of sale. To plant edible honeysuckle, you need to choose seedlings that are more than 2 years old. Then, after two years, you will be able to harvest the first crop.
It is very important to choose a good seedling - it must have a good root system, the branches must not be dry. The best seedling height is up to one meter in height.
How to properly plant honeysuckle in the ground?
If you want to plant edible honeysuckle, then you should play out the seedlings in the fall. If you have a decorative bush in your plans, then the time of planting it is spring. It is important to keep the distance between the bushes - at least 2 meters. This is necessary so that the crown of the bush has the opportunity to grow. In order to create a hedge from honeysuckle, a distance of 50 cm is enough. After you have planted the seedlings in the ground, it is important not to prune the branches of the shrub. This slows down the growth processes and slows down the period of fruit formation. Honeysuckle is a plant that does not have the function of self-pollination, therefore it is imperative that there are at least 3 shrubs on the site. Another important point is that all these seedlings must howl from different shrubs. The proximity of different varieties of honeysuckle is very beneficial.