How to Grow Scutellaria baicalensis? A Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Key Techniques

Scutellaria baicalensis is also called mountain tea root, soil gold tea root, and so on. It is widely distributed in the northern regions of our country, likes moisture and sunlight, and has high medicinal value. So, how do you grow Scutellaria baicalensis? Let's learn about it together!

1. Direct seeding in the field

1. Seed treatment

Soak Scutellaria baicalensis seeds in 45-degree warm water for half a day or in tap water for one day, remove them and let them dry, then place them at a temperature of about 20 degrees with moisture to promote germination. When the seeds crack and sprout, they can be sown. Doing this can increase the germination rate.

2. Sowing time

Scutellaria baicalensis is generally sown in spring or autumn. Spring sowing is from March to April, and autumn sowing is from September to October. Sowing when the low temperature is about 15 degrees makes survival easiest. The sowing methods are broadcast sowing, hole sowing, and drill sowing. The sowing depth should be shallow rather than deep.

3. Sowing method

For Scutellaria baicalensis sowing, use about 1 jin of seed per mu. Do not sow too much, as too much will lead to insufficient nutrients and poor growth. After sowing the seeds, cover with 2 cm of fine moist soil, and at the same time press the soil at the right time, cover the ground, and water appropriately to keep the soil moist.

2. Raising seedlings and transplanting

1. Seedbed selection

When raising Scutellaria baicalensis seedlings, choose a warm place with sufficient sunlight for the seedbed. Either a sunny bed or a hotbed is acceptable. The width is 1 m, and the length depends on the amount sown. Seedbed selection is the foundation of planting.

2. Sowing method

When raising Scutellaria baicalensis seedlings, apply sufficient base fertilizer, applying 5000 kg of decomposed fertilizer or compost per mu. Level the bed surface, water appropriately, and in early to mid-April evenly scatter the already germinated seeds mixed with wet sand over the bed surface. Cover with 1 cm of thin soil to keep warm and moist, and wait for germination.

3. Seedling stage management

During the seedling stage of Scutellaria baicalensis, pay attention to ventilation. When the seedlings have grown a little, remove the plastic film, and promptly weed and thin the seedlings. When the seedlings are 5-7 cm tall, transplant them into the field at a row spacing of about 40 cm and a density of 25-30 plants per meter, and water promptly after transplanting.

3. Field management

1. Cultivation and weeding

After the Scutellaria baicalensis seedlings emerge until the field is closed, loosen the soil and weed three or four times. After that, depending on weed growth and other conditions, cultivate and weed another 1-2 times. Scutellaria baicalensis grows quickly and also needs a lot of nutrients. If weeds are not removed in time, it will lead to poor growth.

2. Thinning and filling in seedlings

After the Scutellaria baicalensis seedlings are fully established, promptly thin overly dense areas to prevent the plants from taking in too many nutrients and growing excessively. Set the seedlings in a staggered pattern at a plant spacing of 8 cm, and transplant seedlings to fill gaps where seedlings are missing. Transplant with soil, and water promptly after planting, as this helps the plants survive.

3. Timely topdressing

During the growth period of Scutellaria baicalensis, topdress 1-2 times each year. Compound fertilizer has the best effect for topdressing. Apply one soil topdressing after seedling establishment in the first year, and in the second year and afterward apply one before the field closes from the green-up stage. Decide whether to continue topdressing according to plant growth conditions.

4. Irrigation and drainage

From sowing to seedling emergence, Scutellaria baicalensis should keep the soil moist, so pay attention to watering when sowing and transplanting to ensure the water requirements for plant growth. After that, unless there is special drought, watering can be stopped, and during the rainy season pay more attention to timely drainage to prevent waterlogging.

5. Pruning flower branches

To increase yield in Scutellaria baicalensis cultivation, promptly prune off flower branches to reduce nutrient consumption and promote root growth, thereby directly increasing the yield of Scutellaria baicalensis. Prune off the flower branches before flowering.