How to Plant Nicandra physalodes Seeds? A Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Key Techniques
Nicandra physalodes is an annual erect herbaceous plant in the Solanaceae family, genus Nicandra, cultivated for medicinal or ornamental purposes in both north and south, generally flowering and fruiting in summer and autumn. So, how do you plant Nicandra physalodes seeds?
1. Sowing and seedling raising
Make a seedbed 120 cm wide, open furrows 10 cm apart and 2 cm deep on the bed, and at a density of 1 seed per cm, evenly broadcast the seeds into the furrows, cover with soil level, press lightly, and water. When the seedlings are 2-3 cm tall, thin out the excess seedlings to a plant spacing of 5 cm; when the seedlings are 10 cm tall, they can be transplanted.
2. Transplanting
On the ridge, open holes 15 cm deep at a plant spacing of 50 cm. If the soil moisture content is low, first fill the holes with water, and plant only after the water has seeped in. Place the seedlings into the holes, firm the soil by pressing, then water thoroughly once. The remaining seedlings can first be planted along the edge of the furrow for use in filling gaps. In dry weather, water appropriately every other day. After 4-5 days, the transplanted seedlings begin to recover and perk up; if any seedlings die, fill the gaps promptly.
3. Field management
Nicandra physalodes plants consume a lot of fertilizer, so attention should be paid to fertilization; apply compound fertilizer once after the seedlings recover and once before flowering. At the same time, weeds must be removed promptly, and intertillage and hilling should be carried out along with weeding to prevent lodging. If the whole plant is used medicinally, except for those left for seed, remove the flower buds before flowering to avoid nutrient consumption. If the seeds are used medicinally, the flowers that bloom at the end of the season and unopened buds should be removed so as to ensure obtaining more mature seeds. If the seeds are used for food, the flowering period can be appropriately extended, but incompletely mature seeds are difficult to thresh, and often multiple seeds stick together to form seed clusters.
4. Harvesting and storage
In summer, the flowers of Nicandra physalodes open continuously from bottom to top, and the flowering period is relatively long, so seize the opportunity and pick them promptly every day. After harvesting, dry them in the sun. The seeds mature from August to September; the mature fruits do not fall to the ground, so after all have matured, pick them in a concentrated manner, spread them on cement ground to dry thoroughly, beat them to thresh, winnow away impurities, then dry them appropriately, bag them, and store them in a dry place. For the whole plant, in autumn cut the entire plant down, dry it in the sun, cut it diagonally into 1 cm long segments, and store them dry.
Besides its medicinal uses, Nicandra physalodes is also the raw material for making jelly. After soaking the seeds of Nicandra physalodes in water for a sufficient time, filter out the seeds, add an appropriate amount of coagulant (such as lime water, etc.), and after coagulating for a period of time, a crystal-clear, cool and smooth jelly is made; it is a summer health food that reduces inflammation, promotes urination, and relieves heat and thirst.