Detailed Explanation of Key Techniques for Salvia miltiorrhiza Planting and Management

Salvia miltiorrhiza can be propagated by root division, cuttings, and seeds. Among these, the Sichuan production areas mostly use root division, while North China and the Jiangsu-Zhejiang regions mostly use cuttings, and seed propagation can be used in most areas. Generally, after planting Salvia miltiorrhiza, management tasks such as intertillage and weeding, watering and fertilizing, bud removal, and pest and disease control need to be done well.

The following is a detailed introduction to Salvia miltiorrhiza planting methods:

1. Root division propagation

Sichuan production areas mostly use root division propagation. Salvia miltiorrhiza used as planting stock is generally left in the field, and is dug and planted at the same time when planting. Select robust, red-colored, pest- and disease-free one-year-old lateral roots about 0.3 cm in diameter and plant them in February to March. They can also be selected and planted at harvest in November. Plant in holes at a row spacing of 30-45 cm and a plant spacing of 25-30 cm, with a hole depth of 3-4 cm. When planting, break the selected root strips into 4-6 cm long root segments, breaking and planting as you go, with the root strips pointing upward, planting 1-2 segments per hole. Immediately after planting, cover with about 1.5 cm of fine soil.

2. Cutting propagation

North China and the Jiangsu-Zhejiang regions mostly use cutting propagation. Generally in North China in June to July, and in Jiangsu and Zhejiang in April to May, take the aboveground stems of Salvia miltiorrhiza, cut them into 10-15 cm small segments, remove the lower leaves, cut off 1/2 of the upper leaves, and insert them as you cut.

3. Seed propagation

(1) Seedling raising and transplanting: In the Beijing area in March, carry out drilling, cover with 0.3 cm of soil, water after sowing, cover with plastic film, and keep the soil moist; seedlings emerge in about 15 days; in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang area in June when the seeds mature, sow immediately after harvest, with soil covering just enough to cover the seeds, and after sowing cover with grass to retain moisture, then transplant to the field in October.

(2) Direct seeding: In North China, sow in mid-April, by drilling or hole sowing. For hole sowing, the row and plant spacing is the same as the root division method, sowing 5-10 seeds per hole; for drilling, the furrow depth is about 1 cm, cover with 0.6-1 cm of soil, and the sowing rate is about 0.5 kg per mu.

At present, the price of Salvia miltiorrhiza in most parts of the country remains at around 12 yuan/kg, and inventory is not large, so the market conditions are still quite good. However, the vast number of medicinal herb growers should always pay attention to changes in market conditions and ship goods in a timely manner to obtain maximum benefits.