Linden

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Linden (lat. Tilia) - a genus of trees of the Linden family. According to the results of modern research, representatives of the genus are ranked as part of the Malvov family. The genus includes 45 species. Linden is found naturally in Southeast Asia, the temperate zone of Europe, North America and the Caucasus.

Characteristics of culture

Linden is a large deciduous tree up to 40 m high with a powerful root system and a beautiful dense crown that is easy to shape. Leaves are simple, alternate, cordate, oblique-cordate or oblique-oval, with serrate or sharp-toothed edges, with an asymmetrical base. The leaves are equipped with stipules, which fall off rather quickly. Some species have extrafloral nectaries at the base of the leaves. The flowers are regular, bisexual, fragrant, collected in corymbose or umbellate inflorescences with membranous leaf-like bracts that adhere tightly to the middle of the petiole. The fruit is a one-seeded nut.

Growing conditions

Linden is a shade-tolerant culture, but intensely lit areas are preferable for its cultivation. In such areas, the plants will form a beautiful lush crown. Linden is not picky about soil conditions, but it develops better on sandy soils fertilized with humus. Negatively, the culture refers to the stagnation of groundwater in the immediate vicinity of the root system. Since the plants have a strong root system, they are not afraid of strong winds.

Reproduction and planting

Linden is propagated by seeds, root shoots and stem layers. The seed method is laborious and time consuming. From the moment of sowing seeds in the ground to obtaining healthy young plants, it takes about 5-10, and sometimes even 12 years. Linden seeds need preliminary stratification. The seeds are placed in wet sand or sawdust and kept in a cool room for 6 months. Seeds are sown in open ground in spring, the emerging seedlings are thinned out, and later transplanted to a permanent place. For the winter, still immature plants are carefully covered with organic material. It is not forbidden to grow seedlings indoors, in this case the seeds are sown in containers.

When the culture is propagated by layering, the lower branches of the mother plant are bent to the ground and placed in previously prepared furrows. The layers are pinned, covered with earth and watered abundantly. Full rooting occurs in 1-2 years, then the layers are separated and transplanted. It is advisable to lay the layers in the spring, before the buds appear. The easiest way is to propagate by root shoots. The shoots are separated from the mother plant and transplanted to a permanent place.

Planting pits for linden seedlings are prepared in advance, their depth should be at least 50 cm, and a width of 60-70 cm. High-quality drainage is laid at the bottom of the pit with a layer of 10-15 cm. Broken brick, pebbles or crushed stone are suitable for these purposes. Then soil is poured into the pit, thoroughly mixed with humus and mineral fertilizers. The root collar of the seedling should be located at the level of the soil surface, it should not be buried, although there is nothing wrong with that. Immediately after planting, the seedlings are watered and mulched abundantly.

Care

For the normal development of linden, regular feeding is important. The first three years after planting, the plants are fed with fertilizers with a high nitrogen content (three times per season). In the future, two dressings are enough - in spring and autumn. The cultivation of the linden tree, or rather its cutting of the crown, can be started a year after planting. Shoots are shortened by 1/3 part, no more. Formative pruning is carried out in early spring, before the buds bloom.

Watering of young plants should be regular and abundant; adult plants are watered only during prolonged drought. Water consumption - 20 liters per 1 square meter of crown projection. Loosening of the near-trunk zone is also systematically carried out, which is combined with the removal of weeds.