How to Plant Dwarf Lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus)? Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Key Techniques

Dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Liliaceae family and also a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with high medicinal value. Its main medicinal part is the plant's tuberous root, which has effects such as promoting fluid production and moistening the lungs, and relieving thirst and cough. So how exactly should dwarf lilyturf be planted?

1. How to plant dwarf lilyturf

1. Land selection and preparation

For dwarf lilyturf cultivation, choose soft, fertile, well-drained sandy soil with normal irrigation and drainage. The previous crop in the soil must not be dwarf lilyturf; continuous cropping is prohibited. After harvesting the previous crop, carry out land preparation properly, plow the soil deeply to about 22 cm, and repeatedly harrow and rake to ensure the soil is sufficiently soft and level. If the soil area is large and uneven with pits and hollows, build soil ridges to facilitate later management and irrigation and drainage. During land preparation, also apply sufficient base fertilizer, mainly decomposed farmyard manure, and mix it thoroughly with the soil to improve soil fertility, and finally make beds ready for planting.

2. Planting and seedling raising

The main planting method for dwarf lilyturf is division. In early April each year, select robust plants with bright color and no pests or diseases. Cut off the plant's tuberous roots and surrounding fibrous roots to make them independent plants. Then cut the tuberous root stem base to the point where the white part appears at the root, and they can be planted promptly. Pay attention to the weather when planting; it is not suitable to plant on rainy days. Control the row and plant spacing well, and dig planting furrows about 5 cm deep. Then apply fertilizer in the planting furrows before planting. After planting, cover with fine soil, press it firm and tread it down to prevent the seedlings from lodging.

3. Field management

Dwarf lilyturf likes to grow in a cool and humid environment, and the planting spacing is relatively large, so appropriate intercropping is possible. Generally, in spring and autumn and other seasons, crops with lower nutrient requirements such as corn are planted. However, in winter and spring, because this is the growth and development period of its tuberous roots, intercropping is not allowed at this time to prevent nutrient deficiency, which would lead to reduced dwarf lilyturf yield. Then, during the planting process, also do a good job of cultivating and weeding. After about two weeks, begin weeding with a shallow hoeing of about 3 cm. June to September is the peak growth period for weeds, so during this time weeding must be done once every month to prevent weeds from competing for the nutrients needed for dwarf lilyturf growth.

4. Water and fertilizer management

Dwarf lilyturf has relatively high nutrient requirements, so during the entire growth period, topdressing should be done at least 3 times. However, the specifics should also depend on the planting region, variety, and the actual growth condition of the dwarf lilyturf. But the fertilizers are mostly decomposed human and livestock manure water, supplemented by compound fertilizers such as superphosphate. Then in high-temperature seasons such as summer, the water evaporation rate of dwarf lilyturf accelerates, so water timely. If the soil is too dry, water frequently, especially in winter and spring, to meet the water needed for tuberous root growth. But water should not be excessive either. When watering too much or encountering the rainy season, also pay attention to drainage to prevent pests and diseases and reduce yield.