Detailed Explanation of Garland Chrysanthemum Planting Methods and Technical Points

Garland chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum coronarium L.), also known as tonghao, penghao, haocai, juhuacai, tanghao, haozigan, haozi, and tonghuacai (called ecai or yicai in places such as Fujian), is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, with alternate leaves that are long and pinnately divided, and yellow or white flowers that closely resemble those of the wild chrysanthemum. Its achenes are ribbed, and the plant grows two to three chi tall. The stems and leaves are edible when tender, and can also be used as medicine.

The edible value of garland chrysanthemum

Penghao has effects such as regulating the stomach and strengthening the spleen, lowering blood pressure and tonifying the brain. Regularly eating garland chrysanthemum has a relatively good therapeutic effect on cough with excessive phlegm, disharmony of the spleen and stomach, memory decline, and habitual constipation. When garland chrysanthemum is stir-fried together with meat, eggs, and the like, it can increase the absorption rate of vitamin A. Stir-fry garland chrysanthemum briefly, then dress it with sesame oil, monosodium glutamate, and refined salt; it is light and tasty, and most suitable for patients with coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. Suitability and contraindications, from Depei Bencao: "It is contraindicated for those with diarrhea." What is more, wild chrysanthemum is mildly cold in nature and can damage the yang qi of the spleen and stomach, so it should not be used in excessive amounts, and those with a weak spleen and stomach should not take it over a long period.

Medicinal value of garland chrysanthemumThe trace amounts of selenium in garland chrysanthemum have effects such as regulating the body's immune function and inhibiting liver cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancer. Garland chrysanthemum is rich in nutrients, refreshing  and tasty, and can serve as an auxiliary treatment for various conditions such as disharmony of the spleen and stomach, difficult urination and defecation, and cough with excessive phlegm; it is especially suitable for growing children and adolescents and for elderly patients with anemia. Eaten as a cold dish in summer, it can relieve summer heat and increase appetite. Foods, beverages, supplements, or medicines made from garland chrysanthemum have the effect of inhibiting tumor metastasis and growth. Garland chrysanthemum contains substances such as essential oil and choline, which are beneficial for cough with excessive phlegm, disharmony of the spleen and stomach, memory decline, and habitual constipation. Garland chrysanthemum can also treat chronic gastroenteritis and habitual constipation. Planting methods for garland chrysanthemum 1. Temperature: The optimum growing temperature for garland chrysanthemum is 17--20°C. In early spring, the weather is still relatively cold when sowing, and may be accompanied by a late spring cold spell, so after sowing, the seedbed surface needs to be covered with plastic film or old greenhouse film, with the edges pressed down with soil to protect against cold and preserve heat. Once the weather turns warmer, uncover the film before the seedlings emerge and push against it. When growing under protection and the temperature exceeds 25°C, open the ventilation openings to let air in. 2. Thinning and weeding: When the young seedlings grow to about 10 cm, thin the small-leaf varieties to a plant and row spacing of 3--5 cm square, and thin the large-leaf varieties to about 20 cm square, while also removing weeds. 3. Watering and fertilizing: Begin watering after the seedlings emerge. The timing and frequency of watering should be handled flexibly, with the standard being to keep the soil moist. Apply a quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer once 10--15 days before each harvest, applying 15 kg of potassium nitrate and about 8 kg of urea per mu. Pest and disease control of garland chrysanthemum

Pest and disease control for garland chrysanthemum should mainly start with agricultural control: fertilize and water reasonably, avoiding sudden large or small amounts; keep temperature management from fluctuating sharply up and down; create a good ecological environment, promote healthy plant growth, reduce pest and disease damage and pesticide application, and maintain ecological balance.

Harvesting methods for garland chrysanthemum

When the seedlings grow to 18--20 cm tall, the small-leaf varieties are cut once close to the ground, the soil is washed from the roots, and they are tied into small bundles for market. Harvesting large-leaf garland chrysanthemum is more flexible; it can be harvested all at once, or sown once and harvested multiple times. At harvest, leave 4--5 leaves at the base of the main stem or 1--2 side branches, and pinch off or cut with a small knife the upper tender main branches or side branches, then tie them into bundles for market, pinching once about every 20 days. After each harvest, water and fertilize promptly to encourage side branches to sprout.