How to grow Panax notoginseng from seed? Methods and steps explained

Panax notoginseng is a perennial upright herbaceous plant of the genus Panax in the family Araliaceae. It is distributed in Yunnan, Guangxi, Jiangxi, Sichuan and other places, growing at altitudes of 1200-1800 m. It has notable effects of promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis and reducing swelling and relieving pain, and enjoys the reputation of “jinbuhuan” and “southern divine herb”. So how are Panax notoginseng seeds grown?

How to grow Panax notoginseng from seed

1. Panax notoginseng seeds have after-ripening characteristics and need to be stored in wet sand until December to January of the following year to break their dormancy; at this point they can be sown.

2. Before sowing, soak the Panax notoginseng seeds in 0.2-0.3 degrees Baume lime sulfur mixture for 10 minutes to disinfect, or disinfect with 200-300 times zineb for 15 minutes, or treat with 58% ridomil manganese zinc for 30-50 minutes, or soak the seeds in 1.5% polyoxin at 200 mg/kg for 30-50 minutes, then sow in spots.

3. The germination temperature of Panax notoginseng seeds is 10-30°C, with the optimal temperature being 20°C. The seed dormancy period is 45-60 days. During dormancy, the seedlings need a period of low-temperature treatment before they will sprout, and they are very sensitive to light. It is traditionally believed that 30% natural light is needed for normal growth and development, hence the saying about Panax notoginseng shade sheds: "three parts light, seven parts shade". According to recent research, the most suitable light transmittance for a Panax notoginseng shed is 8-12%; exceeding 17% will adversely affect the growth of Panax notoginseng.

4. Panax notoginseng generally uses seeds set by robust 3-year-old plants free of pests and diseases. When the fruit ripens in November to December, harvest it, wash off the flesh and sow promptly, because after the seeds are stored for one week the germination rate drops greatly. Before sowing, disinfect with 0.2-0.3% Baume lime sulfur mixture for 10 minutes, or disinfect with 200-300 times zineb for 15 minutes, then sow.