A Detailed Guide to the Planting Methods and Technical Key Points for Atractylodes lancea

Atractylodes lancea, as a herbaceous plant, has high medicinal value and steadily growing market demand. Today let us briefly learn about its planting methods.

Planting methods for Atractylodes lancea

1. You can choose loam, sandy loam or humus loam with good drainage and aeration and soft, fertile soil. Level the land, make raised beds and apply base fertilizer. When making beds on flat ground, the middle should be slightly higher than the two sides, because Atractylodes lancea fears moisture, and this helps drainage. When making beds on sloping land, dig drainage ditches between the beds.

2. Select healthy, intact seeds. There are two methods: drilling and broadcasting. For drilling, open furrows across the bed surface, with a row spacing of 20-25 cm and a furrow depth of 3 cm, spread the seeds evenly in the furrows, then cover with soil. For broadcasting, spread the seeds evenly directly on the bed surface and cover with 2-3 cm of soil. After sowing, cover with a layer of rice straw in both cases, water frequently to maintain soil moisture, and remove the covering straw after the seedlings emerge.

3. Thin the seedlings when they are about 3 cm tall. When they reach about 10 cm, they can be transplanted at a plant spacing of 15 cm × 30 cm. After planting, cover with soil, press firm and water. Generally, transplanting on rainy days or in the afternoon makes it easier for them to survive.

4. During the growth period of Atractylodes lancea, pay attention to removing weeds. If seedlings develop disease or are attacked by insects, remove them promptly.

5. When topdressing, in addition to applying human and animal manure and urine, you can also add ammonium phosphate, plant ash and superphosphate, etc.

6. In drought, water promptly to keep the soil moist. If rain is too frequent, drain promptly to prevent root rot. If plants develop root rot as a result, they should be pulled out immediately.

7. When Atractylodes lancea develops flower buds, except for plants kept for seed, the rest need to be removed by hand. Choose a sunny, bright day, pick the buds one by one, avoid touching the roots during picking, leave only the top bud, and remove the rest.

Atractylodes lancea generally needs to grow for 2 years before it can be harvested. The planting process requires our patience and care.