What are the precautions for growing Zanthoxylum armatum? A full breakdown of the latest cultivation key points
Zanthoxylum armatum, also called bamboo-leaf prickly ash or mountain prickly ash, is a small deciduous tree that is grown in most parts of our country. Its roots, stems, leaves, fruits and seeds can all be used as medicine, with effects such as dispelling wind and cold and relieving pain. So do you know what issues need attention when growing Zanthoxylum armatum? Let us take a look below at the precautions for growing Zanthoxylum armatum mentioned in the following text, and see how much you know.
1. Soil
The planting site for Zanthoxylum armatum should have good drainage, fertile soil, loose soil texture and abundant water sources. Next, the light near the planting site should be relatively sufficient, and it is best if the soil is neutral or acidic; alkaline soil is still not very suitable for growing Zanthoxylum armatum. Also, the previous crop should not be a leguminous plant, and continuous cropping must be avoided, otherwise diseases are likely to occur and growth will be poor.
2. Time
Zanthoxylum armatum is generally planted in spring and autumn, and the survival rate is much higher when planted in these two seasons. In spring, planting is generally done after the soil thaws and the surface temperature rises, usually around March each year; in autumn, it is generally done in September and October, and of course it is usually chosen after rain. If there has been no rainfall, it is better to wait a while longer.
3. Seedling preparation
The main purpose of preparing Zanthoxylum armatum seedlings is to increase the survival rate of planting the seedlings. First, when digging up the seedlings, it is best to use a hoe to dig vertically, and the depth should not be less than 20 cm, otherwise the root system of the seedlings will be damaged. If the root system of the dug-up Zanthoxylum armatum seedlings is incomplete, this will affect the survival rate of planting. Also, if the seedlings are not to be planted immediately, we also need to wrap them well with plastic film to prevent dehydration. But if the seedlings do become dehydrated, we need to immediately put them in water and let them fully absorb water, otherwise they will die.
4. Planting the seedlings
There are also particular points to pay attention to when planting Zanthoxylum armatum. First, we need to dig the planting holes well; the holes are generally about 50 cm deep. Then place the seedlings into the holes, scatter fine soil around them, and press the soil firmly with your feet. Never use a hoe to pound the ground to compact it, as this will affect the survival of the seedlings. After planting, watering is needed to promote the growth of new roots in the young seedlings.
5. Moisture
Zanthoxylum armatum likes moisture, which means that during its growth process, its demand for water is relatively large. Especially during the cultivation period of Zanthoxylum armatum seedlings, we should water frequently to keep the soil moist, while also avoiding water accumulation in the field, which would affect the growth and development of the seedlings. In the event of heavy rainfall, drainage should also be carried out in time.
6. Density
The planting density of Zanthoxylum armatum is also an issue we need to pay attention to. First, a reasonable planting density can ensure air circulation in the field and increase the yield of Zanthoxylum armatum; second, it makes field management operations convenient; and third, it makes later harvesting convenient. In general, for one mu, it is best to plant 25 to 30 Zanthoxylum armatum plants, which means the distance between each plant is about 5 m, and the distance between each row is also 5 m.
The above are several points that need attention when planting Zanthoxylum armatum. I believe many of them are things everyone already knows. In fact, these points are all very common in the planting process, and I hope they can help everyone.