Detailed Explanation of Licorice Propagation Methods and Cultivation Techniques

Licorice propagation has three methods: seed propagation, rhizome propagation and division propagation.  

1. Site selection and land preparation: Sandy soil and loose red loam soil are suitable; apply 2500 kg of farmyard manure per 667 sq m, deep plow 40-50 cm in autumn, harrow fine and level, and make high ridges 40-50 cm wide with furrows 30-35 cm wide. 

2. Seed propagation: Because licorice seeds have a hard, thick seed coat and do not germinate easily, before sowing mix the seeds with an equal amount of crushed glass and grind for half an hour, giving a germination rate of about 85%; or mix the seeds with 3 times their amount of wet sand and store for one to two months, which can accelerate seed germination; or before sowing soak the seeds in warm water at 60°C for 4-6 h, remove them and cover with a wet cloth, rinse with clean water twice a day, and sow when the seeds crack. From late March to early April, open two shallow furrows 1.5-2 cm deep on the prepared ridges, sow the seeds evenly into the furrows, cover with soil and water, and seedlings can emerge half a month after sowing. Planting on ridges is better than planting in flat beds: it facilitates drainage, ventilation and light penetration, and the roots grow deeper. If sowing before winter, seed pre-treatment is not needed. The sowing rate is 2.5 kg per 667 sq m.  

3. Rhizome propagation: For rhizome propagation, it is suitable to dig up licorice in spring and autumn, select the thick roots for medicinal use, cut the thinner rhizomes into small sections 15 cm long, each section with root buds and fibrous roots, open two furrows about 10 cm deep on the ridge, place the rhizomes flat in the furrows at a plant spacing of 15 cm, cover with soil and water, and keep the soil moist. Use 75-100 kg of planting stock per 667 sq m.  

4. Division propagation: Many new plants often sprout around the mother licorice plant and can be dug up and transplanted in spring and autumn.