How to Push a Lemonnier by Marcotting – Propagation of Lemonnier with Tomates
Marcottage is a vegetative propagation method that induces root formation on a branch still attached to the parent plant. This technique is widely used to propagate plants such as citrus fruits, including lemon trees. In this article, we will guide you step by step to grow a lemon tree by marcottage using tomatoes as a catalyst.
Equipment requirements:
- Healthy mother lemon tree
- branches of lemon tree to be marcted
- Mature tomatoes
- A sharp knife
- Light and draining earth
- Pots of terracotta
- Elastics or bonds
Steps to follow:
1. Preparation of branches:
Choose healthy and vigorous branches on the mother lemon tree. Cut these branches into bevels with a clean knife to facilitate root formation.
2. Preparation of tomatoes:
Cut the tomatoes into thick slices of about 1 to 2 cm. Tomatoes contain natural growth hormones that facilitate root formation.
3. Assembly of branches and tomatoes:
Place a slice of tomato on a plate. Roll the base of each lemon branch with a slice of tomato. Fix it in place with an elastic or a link.
4. Planting of marcotted branches:
Fill pots of terracotta with a light and draining mixture of earth. Plant the marcotted branches in the pots. Water slightly to maintain wet substrate.
5. Maintenance of marcottes:
Place the pots in a bright place but protected from direct sun. Water regularly to keep the substrate moist but not wet. Watch for new roots.
6. Transplantation of marcottes:
After a few weeks, when the marcottes have developed a good root system, you can transplant them into larger individual pots. Make sure to gradually acclimatize them to direct sunlight.
By following these steps, you can easily grow a lemon tree by marcottage using tomatoes as a growth promoter. This simple and natural method will allow you to obtain new lemon trees while preserving the genetic characteristics of the parent plant. Feel free to experiment and share your successes with other gardening enthusiasts!