Detailed Guide to Scutellaria baicalensis Planting Methods: Direct Seeding and Transplanting Each Have Advantages and Disadvantages
AbstractThe cultivation methods for Scutellaria baicalensis mainly include direct seeding and transplanting. Direct seeding: more commonly used, generally sown in spring; with direct seeding, the root system of Scutellaria baicalensis is relatively straight with few root branches, the appearance and quality of the commercial product are better, and it saves labor. Transplanting: mostly used when seeds are expensive or dry land lacks water and direct seeding makes it difficult to achieve emergence and preserve seedlings; because transplanting requires more labor, and transplanted Scutellaria baicalensis has a shorter main root with more root branches, it affects the appearance and quality of the commercial product.
Cultivation Methods for Scutellaria baicalensis
1. Direct seeding method
When Scutellaria baicalensis seeds are directly sown, its root system is relatively straight, the roots branch less, the appearance and quality of the commercial product are better, and it saves labor. Generally, direct seeding of Scutellaria baicalensis is carried out in spring, when the low temperature at 5 cm underground is stable at 12-15°C; in northern regions, it is generally carried out around early to mid-April.
2. Transplanting method
Raising seedlings and transplanting can save planting to a certain extent and extend the growth time of Scutellaria baicalensis, which helps ensure full stands, but it is relatively more labor-intensive, and transplanted Scutellaria baicalensis has a relatively short main root with more root branching, so the appearance and quality of the commercial product will be somewhat poorer. This method is generally used when seeds are expensive or dry land lacks water and direct seeding makes it difficult to achieve emergence and preserve seedlings.
Cultivation Techniques for Scutellaria baicalensis
1. Thinning and final singling of seedlings
After direct sowing Scutellaria baicalensis seeds, when the seedlings grow to 4 cm high, thin them promptly, removing overly dense and weak seedlings, and final-single the plants at a spacing of 10 cm.
2. Intertillage and weeding
After the Scutellaria baicalensis seedlings emerge, promptly loosen the soil and weed, and properly earth up around the seedlings to ensure the soil is loose and free of weeds, promoting seedling growth.
3. Fertilizing and watering
When Scutellaria baicalensis seedlings grow to 10-15 cm, apply 1 topdressing, spreading human and livestock manure water at a rate of 1500-2000 kg/mu; from the end of June to early July, apply 20 kg superphosphate and 5 kg urea per mu as topdressing; open furrows between the rows to apply, then cover with soil and water. In the second year, after harvest, wait until the plants wither, then open furrows between the rows, apply 2000 kg decomposed barnyard manure, 20 kg superphosphate, 5 kg urea, and 150 kg plant ash per mu, then cover level with soil. Scutellaria baicalensis is relatively drought-tolerant but afraid of waterlogging; during the rainy season, drain promptly to ensure there is no standing water in the field, so as to avoid root rot in Scutellaria baicalensis; if drought is severe or after topdressing, a little water may be applied appropriately.
4. Removing flower buds
Before the inflorescence emerges, cut off the peduncle to reduce nutrient consumption, promote root growth, and increase yield.
5. Disease and pest control
Scutellaria baicalensis is prone to leaf blight; during cultivation, clean the field regularly, and spray 1:1:200 Bordeaux mixture or 520% carbendazim 1000-fold solution for control. If Scutellaria baicalensis suffers from root rot, pay attention to drainage, pull out diseased plants early and burn them, then disinfect the diseased plant spots with lime.