When to plant Gynura bicolor? Spring planting methods by root division or cuttings

When planting Gynura bicolor, it is best to choose fertile, loose, well-aerated sandy loam soil with a deep soil layer, apply decomposed organic fertilizer as the main base fertilizer, plow deeply, make raised beds, and level them before planting. When planting, the density must also be reasonably controlled. After transplanting, regular cultivation and weeding are needed, along with timely fertilization.

1. Growing environment

Gynura bicolor is suitable for growing in a humid and warm environment, generally growing on forested hillsides rich in humus, fertile and loose, with a deep soil layer. When planting, choose loose, fertile sandy loam with a deep soil layer for the seedbed. First plow the soil, then make raised beds. The width of the beds is about 1.3-1.6 m, the height is about 16-20 cm, and the length is determined according to the scale of seedling cultivation.

2. Planting and transplanting

When transplanting, choose the same soil as the planting site, first plow it deeply 30-45 cm, then apply about 100-160 kg of plant ash and about 4000-5500 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu. After fertilizing, make raised beds according to the terrain. On the bed surface, dig holes at a plant spacing of 16×26 cm or 18×32 cm. One plant can be transplanted per hole. When transplanting, be careful not to damage the root system. After transplanting, water thoroughly to settle the roots and improve the survival rate.

3. Planting methods

The planting methods for Gynura bicolor are root division and cuttings. For root division propagation, before the plant sprouts in early spring, dig out its root system, cut it into several divisions, then arrange the density reasonably for planting, water more, and after a period of time new plants will grow. For cutting propagation, when the plant is growing well, cut its healthy, disease-free branches as cuttings, generally about 7 cm long. The cuttings need to retain about 3 leaves, cut the lower end into a wedge shape, first use a stick to make a hole about 6 cm deep in the seedbed, then insert it into the hole and press it firm so that it is closely connected with the soil. After cutting, water thoroughly, and roots will generally form in about one month.

4. Later management

After transplanting, weeding is needed to avoid nutrient loss. After each watering, after harvest, and after rain, cultivation is needed to improve soil aeration and help plant growth. Also pay attention to hilling soil to prevent the plants from lodging. After the plants survive, fertilize promptly to promote their growth.