A Detailed Guide to the Planting Methods and Key Techniques of Codonopsis pilosula

Codonopsis pilosula (dangshen) is a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb, with effects of tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen and enhancing immunity, and it offers substantial economic returns. So, how is Codonopsis pilosula planted?

1. Site selection and land preparation

Generally, high-yielding Codonopsis pilosula planting sites have sandy loam soil, with good soil structure, rich organic matter, sufficient nutrients, and good water retention and drainage. The terrain is relatively high, and a semi-sunny slope is usually chosen; at the same time, continuous cropping is not allowed. During land preparation, deep plowing is carried out together with base fertilizer. The base fertilizer is mainly farmyard manure or organic fertilizer. After the fertilizer is spread evenly, deep plowing is carried out. Finally, beds are made and furrows are opened, and then you can wait to sow.

2. Seed selection and sprouting

When selecting seeds, try to choose seeds that are plump, bright in color, and free of pests and diseases. Then put the selected seeds in the sun to dry for one or two days. After that, put the seeds into a bag and soak them in warm water. After soaking for one day, take the seeds out and place them at a temperature suitable for seed sprouting to promote germination. Generally, after about a week, most of the seeds will show white sprouts, and at this point they can be sown.

3. Raising seedlings and transplanting

There are two methods for planting Codonopsis pilosula, namely direct sowing and raising seedlings for transplanting. Direct sowing means sowing the seeds on the prepared land at a row spacing of 30 cm and a plant spacing of 10 cm. However, in order to ensure the seedling emergence rate and yield of Codonopsis pilosula, the method of raising seedlings and transplanting is usually used. First, the treated seeds need to be sown on a seedbed. After a period of careful management, the best time is to transplant in March. It is best to transplant with soil, as this gives a higher survival rate. The transplanting density can be divided into several types, namely row spacings of 35, 30, and 25 cm, and plant spacings of 15, 10, and 5 cm. The specific implementation needs to be carried out according to the fertility of the planting site and the purpose of planting.

4. Field management

We need to inspect the field for seedlings, thin the seedlings, and fill in gaps, and then carry out timely intertillage and weeding, generally about one month after planting. Later weeding needs to be done according to the growth of Codonopsis pilosula and the growth of weeds in the field. In order to inhibit the growth of branches and leaves of Codonopsis pilosula, it is necessary to appropriately remove the tips of some branches and leaves. Finally, timely topdressing and watering are needed, and specific water and fertilizer management should be carried out according to the different growth stages of Codonopsis pilosula. Nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied in a one-sided way, and drainage should be carried out in a timely manner.

5. Pest and disease control

Under normal circumstances, Codonopsis pilosula will not have many pests and diseases, but it is still necessary to control root rot and rust disease. Both of these diseases are caused by high temperature and high humidity and can be controlled with carbendazim. The pests are mainly underground pests, red spider mites, and rodents. Underground pests can be treated by drenching with trichlorfon, red spider mites can be controlled with hexythiazox, and as for rodent pests, only trapping methods can be used.