Motherwort planting methods: how to grow the number one herb for women's health

Motherwort, also known as Yimuhao, Yimuai, Honghuaai and so on, has high medicinal value for gynecological diseases, so it is hailed as the “number one herb for women's health”. So, what are the planting methods for motherwort? Let's find out together!

1. Land preparation and fertilization

Motherwort is a sun-loving plant. Although it can be planted all over China, it is generally grown on plots with sufficient nutrients and sunlight, close to a water source, with good drainage and aeration, and loose soil. When preparing the land, plow deeply about 15 to 20 cm, which can reduce the impact of pests on motherwort. Finally, level the land, spread about 4,000 jin of farmyard manure as base fertilizer, and make trenches and raised beds, then wait for sowing.

2. Sow at the right time

The planting time for motherwort depends on the local climate. Usually, motherwort can be sown in all four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter, but the suitable sowing time varies from place to place. In northern regions, summer sowing is generally used, because this makes use of vacant land. However, the best sowing times for motherwort are still spring and autumn, as the yield will be better. So February to March and September to October each year are good times to sow motherwort.

3. Scientific sowing

There are many ways to sow motherwort. Based on current cultivation practices, most use the drill sowing method: make small furrows in the prepared land, then evenly scatter the seeds into the furrows, and finally cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. In some places, dibbling is used: at a certain spacing, evenly sow the seeds, then press them into the soil, and finally scatter a layer of fine soil. The last method belongs to intensive cultivation and uses transplanting: first raise the seedlings well, and when the motherwort seedlings grow to about 10 to 15 cm, transplant them, with a planting density of 30×20 cm between rows and plants.

4. Field management

Generally, the drill sowing method is used, and drill sowing requires thinning and reseeding. We thin out the excess seedlings according to a reasonable density. After planting is established, water and fertilize, which can ensure the survival rate of reseeded seedlings and promote the growth of motherwort. When motherwort grows to about 40 cm, carry out intertillage and weeding, and topdress again. On average, each mu needs about 4,000 jin of farmyard manure and about 30 jin of urea diluted with water for irrigation. When motherwort grows to one meter, carry out the last weeding and fertilization, with the same amount as the second time.

5. Pest and disease control

Motherwort has strong disease resistance, but soft rot and powdery mildew occasionally appear. Both diseases are caused by high temperature and rainy conditions, but their control methods and occurrence periods differ. Soft rot generally occurs at the seedling stage and can be controlled with carbendazim, while powdery mildew occurs in the middle and late stages of motherwort growth and can be controlled with triadimefon wettable powder. Common pests include aphids and red spider mites, which can be sprayed and killed with imidacloprid.

The above are the motherwort planting methods compiled for you by the Tuliu.com editor. We hope they can help you!