How to Grow Gynura bicolor? Detailed Guide to the Latest Planting Techniques and Methods

Gynura bicolor, also known as Hongcai, is a plant used both as medicine and as food. It grows vigorously and has strong stress resistance, with virtually no pest or disease problems. Its young leaves and tender shoots can be eaten as a vegetable and have high nutritional value. It is cultivated in southern China and other regions. Follow along with the editor below to learn how to grow it.

1. Site Selection and Land Preparation

Gynura bicolor generally grows in warm, humid environments and thrives on fertile, loose, humus-rich hillside forest soil with a deep soil layer. When planting, also choose deep, loose, fertile sandy loam as the seedbed. First plow it once, then make raised beds as the seedbed. The height of the beds should be between 15-20 cm, the width should preferably be 1.2-1.5 m, and the length depends on the scale of seedling raising.

2. Propagation Methods

Gynura bicolor can be propagated by root division and cuttings. Before the plants sprout in early spring, dig out the root system of Gynura bicolor, cut it into several divisions, and plant them in the seedbed at a certain density. Water frequently, and after some time new plants will grow again. For propagation by cuttings, when the plants are growing well, cut off healthy, disease-free branches as cuttings, keeping the length at about 8 cm. The upper part of the cutting should have 2-3 leaves, and the lower end should be cut into a wedge shape. First use a small stick to make a hole 5-6 cm deep in the seedbed, then insert the cutting into the hole and press the soil so that the cutting is in close contact with the soil. After inserting the cuttings, water once thoroughly, and roots will form in about one month.

3. Transplanting and Field Planting

The planting site should also use the same soil as the seedling-raising site. Deeply plow it 30-40 cm, then apply 4000-5000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure and 100-150 kg of plant ash per mu. After fertilizing, make raised beds according to the terrain. On the bed surface, dig holes at a plant-row spacing of 15×25 cm or 18×30 cm, and transplant one plant per hole. When transplanting, be careful not to damage the root system of Gynura bicolor. After transplanting, water thoroughly to settle the roots and increase the survival rate.

4. Field Management

After field planting, weed once to prevent weeds from competing with the plants for water and nutrients. After each harvest, after watering, and after rain, cultivate once, which can increase soil aeration and promote plant growth. At the same time, pay attention to earthing up to prevent the plants from lodging. After the transplants have survived, topdress in time to speed up plant growth.

The above is an introduction to Gynura bicolor planting techniques. We hope it helps you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.