A Complete Guide to the Key Points of Acanthopanax senticosus Cultivation Techniques

Acanthopanax senticosus (Siberian ginseng) is a medicinal herb with a very wide range of medicinal uses. It tonifies the middle and boosts essence, strengthens the bones and sinews, and fortifies the will. It has pharmacological effects and clinical efficacy similar to those of ginseng. Below, the editor brings you the cultivation techniques for Acanthopanax senticosus.

1. Site selection and land preparation

Choose barren hills and wasteland with fertile soil and good drainage for afforestation and planting. After selecting the planting plot, carry out a comprehensive clearing and disinfection treatment of the plot, removing weeds and shrubs completely. After the disinfection work is done, use the pit planting method, with each pit measuring 50×50cm, and a row spacing of 100×150cm for afforestation, controlling the density at 400-500 plants per mu.

3. Planting requirements

Plant carefully. The seedlings should preferably be planted as soon as they are lifted. During transport they must be packed to prevent wind and sun exposure. Seedlings transported to the afforestation plot should be heeled in promptly to prevent them from drying out in the wind and to ensure the survival rate. When planting, the seedlings should be held upright, the root system spread out, and the soil firmed by treading.

4. Field management

Weeding: After the young trees are planted, loosening the soil and weeding must be carried out regularly, so that weeds or shrubs do not affect the growth of the saplings. Loosening the soil allows the root system to grow better.

Fertilizing: In June, apply a top dressing of fully decomposed organic fertilizer or farmyard manure once, applied in radial trenches at the roots. After fertilizing, cover with soil and water to dilute the fertilizer, making it easier for the root system to absorb and also avoiding root burn caused by excessive fertilizer concentration.

Pruning: According to the growth of the plants, prune reasonably, cutting away dense branches, dead branches, aged branches, diseased and rotten branches, and deformed branches, to avoid consuming the plant's nutrients and to keep it growing vigorously.

5. Harvesting

From late April to the end of August, tender leaves and tender stems can be picked. The picking timing must be grasped accurately, picking when the tender leaves are fully spread out and still in a fresh and tender state. When picking, use the method of “pick one, leave one” to ensure there are enough leaves for the trees to grow normally.

The roots and stems should preferably be harvested in autumn after the trees shed their leaves. For those old trees that have undergone years of picking and repeated coppicing and have no hope of rejuvenation, dig them out together with the roots. Cut the above-ground stem portions into 20 cm long sections, wash them clean, dry them in the sun, and tie them into small bundles. After the roots are dug out, shake off the soil, wash them clean with water, peel off the root bark, dry it in the sun, and then it can be sold or stored.

Acanthopanax senticosus has high medicinal value, and its economic returns are quite good. Friends who want to grow it can give it a try.