{"product_id":"japanese-raisin-plant","title":"Japanese Raisin Plant","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Raisin (Hovenia Dulcis) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Japanese raisin plant, scientifically known as Hovenia dulcis, is a botanical wonder that commands admiration for its graceful presence and remarkable attributes. It stands as a deciduous tree with an air of elegance, its branches adorned with lush, dark green leaves that rustle gently in the breeze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the seasons transition, the Japanese raisin plant undergoes a breathtaking transformation. In spring, delicate clusters of small, green flowers emerge, painting the tree with a subtle charm. These blossoms, like nature's work of art, later give way to the formation of the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit itself is a spectacle to behold. Small and spherical, it begins as a vibrant green before maturing into a deep, rich shade of brown, resembling the very raisins it is named after. The plant's autonomy shines through in its ability to produce these small, raisin-like fruits without the need for complex pollination processes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fruit holds an intriguing blend of flavors and aromas. When you take a bite, its initial taste is mildly sweet, reminiscent of raisins, which gives it its colloquial name. Yet, it swiftly unfolds into a complex medley of notes, offering a tantalizing mix of tartness and hints of citrus. Each bite is a journey of taste, evoking the essence of a Japanese garden in full bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond its aesthetic appeal, the Japanese raisin plant holds a special place in traditional medicine, where its extracts have been used for their potential health benefits. This plant, with its beauty and utility, is a symbol of nature's wisdom and resilience, and it continues to captivate those who encounter it with its quiet grace and hidden treasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are about 1.4m-2m tall. Some would need to be cut to size to fit in our box.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Care \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoil: Prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soil. Tolerant of a range of soil types but performs best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatering: Requires moderate watering, but established trees are relatively drought-tolerant. Ensure the soil does not become waterlogged.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: Grows well in temperate climates and can tolerate temperatures down to about -20°C. However, it requires some protection or careful siting in areas with harsh winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFertilising: Use a balanced fertiliser with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or similar during the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruit production.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or overcrowded branches, enhance shape, and improve air circulation within the canopy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients as it decomposes. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk to prevent rot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowering \u0026amp; Fruiting: Typically flowers in early summer with fruit maturation by late summer or early autumn. The tree may take several years to begin producing fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotting: If growing in pots, use a large container with ample drainage holes. Repot every few years to refresh the soil and accommodate growing roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFertilising Regime: Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in mid-summer. Adjust the frequency and amount of fertiliser based on the tree's growth and soil fertility. Over-fertilising can lead to poor fruit quality and excessive foliage growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Exotica NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67589494800635,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/3826\/3803\/files\/35306EC0-1E54-4A9F-817D-C197681A8B4C.jpg?v=1790554758","url":"https:\/\/farmfreshdirect.co.nz\/products\/japanese-raisin-plant","provider":"Farm Fresh Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}