What are the propagation methods for Sophora flavescens? A detailed explanation

Sophora flavescens, a Chinese medicinal name. It is the dried root of the legume plant Sophora flavescens, dug in spring and autumn, with the root head and small branch roots removed, washed clean, and dried, or sliced fresh and dried. It is bitter, cold. It has the effects of clearing heat and drying dampness, killing insects, and promoting urination. Used for heat dysentery, bloody stools, jaundice with urinary retention, red and white vaginal discharge, swollen and itchy genitals, eczema, damp sores, skin itching, scabies and leprosy, and externally for trichomonal vaginitis.

Growth habits of Sophora flavescens:

Sophora flavescens grows wild in sunny spots on hillside grasslands, plains, hills, roadsides, sandy land, and red soil. It prefers a warm climate. It is not demanding about soil and can be cultivated in ordinary soil; however, loam or sandy loam with deep, fertile soil and convenient drainage and irrigation is best.

Sophora flavescens is a deep-rooted plant, so it is advisable to choose clay loam, sandy loam, or clayey loam with deep, fertile soil, convenient drainage and irrigation, and a sunny aspect for cultivation. Apply 3000 kg of fully decomposed compost or barnyard manure per mu, crush it fine and spread it evenly, deep plow 40-50 cm, rake level and fine, and make high beds 1.3 m wide.      

Propagation methods       

Seed propagation:     

From July to September, when the Sophora flavescens pods turn dark brown, harvest them, dry them in the sun, thresh, winnow away impurities, and store in a dry place for later use. Seed treatment must be carried out before sowing. Method: soak the seeds in warm water at 40-50°C for 10-12 hours, then drain slightly and sow; or stratify with wet sand (mix seeds and wet sand at 1:3) for 20-30 days before sowing. In addition, treating with 95%-98% concentrated sulfuric acid for 60 minutes can also increase the seed germination rate. From late March to early April, on the prepared high beds, open holes 2-3 cm deep at a row spacing of 50-60 cm and a plant spacing of 30-40 cm, sow 8-10 treated seeds per hole, cover with fine soil mixed with plant ash, keep the soil moist, and seedlings emerge in 15-20 days. Thin the seedlings when they are 5-10 cm tall. Sowing seeds before the ground freezes can be done by direct seeding without treating the seeds, and seedling transplanting can also be used.        

Root division propagation:      

It can be done in both spring and autumn. Autumn planting is done after leaf fall, and spring planting before bud break. Both spring and autumn cultivation are carried out in combination with the harvest of Sophora flavescens. Dig up the mother plant, cut off the thick roots for medicinal use, then according to the number of sprouts and roots on the mother plant, cut it into several plants with a knife; each plant must have 2-3 roots and buds. Plant the seedlings at the above row and plant spacings, 1 plant per hole. After planting, cover with soil and water thoroughly.