A Detailed Guide to Growing Corn Cockle: Methods and Precautions

Corn cockle itself is a kind of wild weed of the countryside, but as people's understanding of the value of corn cockle continues to deepen, corn cockle has gradually become a plant grown artificially, which can both control the impact of corn cockle on people and the natural environment, and at the same time effectively bring the efficacy and effects of corn cockle into play.

How to grow corn cockle

1. Sowing time

Corn cockle can be sown in all four seasons, but sowing in spring from February to May or in autumn from August to October can effectively increase the germination rate of the seeds and make the plants grow more vigorously.

2. Choosing soil

Corn cockle is not strict about soil requirements, but its plants are relatively sturdy and its root system is also very well developed, so it is best to choose loose, fertile soil for planting. In order to effectively avoid pests and diseases, it is best to deeply plough the land before planting and to disinfect the soil.

3. Maintaining suitable temperature and sufficient light

The most suitable growing temperature for corn cockle is around 15 to 35 degrees, but it can also withstand severe cold. During its period of vigorous growth it needs sufficient light, and even in the hot summer it does not need shading treatment. In short, in terms of temperature and light, corn cockle does not need any special care.

4. Watering and fertilizing

Corn cockle is relatively drought-tolerant, but during its growth process it still needs frequent watering, and it is best to keep the soil moist. During its flowering period, the number of waterings should be increased even more, but in order to avoid problems such as root rot, it is best not to water too much at one time; as for fertilizing, it needs to be topped up about once every 10 to 15 days, so as to ensure the number and quality of the flowers.

Growing methods and precautions for corn cockle

1. Choosing pots and soil

Corn cockle is relatively robust by nature and can tolerate poor soil. Its root system is relatively well developed, so when growing it in a pot, a clay pot of suitable size can be chosen. For the soil in the flowerpot, a soil mixed from leaf mould, garden soil and mountain soil can be chosen, with some dry mixed fertilizer sprinkled on top. This kind of soil is loose and fertile and also breathable, making it suitable for the growth of corn cockle.

2. Light and temperature

Corn cockle is relatively easy to manage; it likes direct sunlight, and the suitable temperature for growth is between 15°C——35°C, and it can tolerate cold. During the period of vigorous growth of corn cockle, sufficient light needs to be given. In general home cultivation, a sunny balcony can meet the light needs of corn cockle. As for temperature, in winter corn cockle needs to be placed indoors to overwinter, with the temperature kept at around 10°C, but it should not be too high.

3. Watering and fertilizing

During the cultivation period of corn cockle, it needs reasonable watering and fertilizing. Corn cockle can tolerate drought, but during the growth period the potting soil needs to be kept moist, following the watering principle of watering when dry and letting it dry when wet. In the hot summer it needs more watering to prevent the plant from wilting, and when the flower buds are forming, the amount of watering should also be appropriately increased. Fertilizing should always be light; topdress once every 10 days——15 days, and before flowering and after the flowers fade, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer needs to be topdressed.

4. Potting up

When potting up, some broken tile pieces need to be placed at the bottom of the flowerpot to facilitate drainage, then a layer of rotted fertilizer is placed, and then the soil is put in.

5. Propagation

Corn cockle is propagated by sowing seeds. Corn cockle has a relatively strong ability to self-sow, and it can also be sown in the early spring season.

The toxicity of corn cockle

According to the records included in the Chinese plant spectrum database, we can know that corn cockle is a toxic plant, and its toxicity is mainly in the seeds.

Because the soil it grows in is the good soil of the fields, and moreover the growth and maturation period of corn cockle is earlier than that of the field plants, its toxicity is related to these aspects. The toxicity is greatest in the kernel and embryo inside the seed, but after heating, its toxicity will weaken, so this toxicity is afraid of heat.

The medicinal value of corn cockle

The main effects are: relieving cough and calming asthma, warming the meridians and stopping bleeding. It can be used for both new and chronic coughs, whooping cough, coughing from pulmonary tuberculosis and other symptoms, and can also be used for women's uterine bleeding and excessive menstruation.

Growing corn cockle requires respecting the growth habits of corn cockle and providing a suitable growing environment, so that corn cockle can display its original appearance. In addition, the seeds of corn cockle contain a certain toxicity, so during planting and other processes, attention must be paid, especially since corn cockle is a plant whose main method of propagation is sowing.