The Latest Guide to Polygonatum Planting Techniques and Methods

Polygonatum is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, with effects of tonifying the spleen, moistening the lungs and promoting fluid production. As market demand for it grows, its price keeps climbing, and its planting prospects are good. So how should Polygonatum be planted? Follow along with the editor to take a look at the planting techniques.

1. Land preparation and fertilisation

Polygonatum likes to grow in moist, shaded environments, so when planting, choose an environment suitable for its growth, ideally loam or sandy loam with loose soil and good water retention. To help Polygonatum grow better, prepare the land before planting. First, deep plough once or several times to loosen the soil, which benefits Polygonatum's growth. Then apply base fertiliser, mainly farmyard manure or organic fertiliser, generally about 2000 kg per mu, but be careful to apply the farmyard manure or organic fertiliser only after it has decomposed, so as not to harm Polygonatum seedlings. After fertilising, if conditions allow, the soil can be disinfected and sterilised to reduce the harm of pests and diseases.

2. Planting methods

When planting, Polygonatum can be propagated by seed and by rhizome. Seed propagation is the common sexual propagation; generally in August, mature seeds are collected for sand storage, then sown in March of the following spring. Broadcasting is generally used: first open shallow furrows on the seedbed at a row spacing of 15 cm, then sow the seeds evenly, and cover with 1-1.5 cm of soil. After sowing, water and cover with grass to keep warm and moist, and after one year of cultivation they can be transplanted. For rhizomes, select the rhizomes of mature Polygonatum plants, cut off several young portions, let the wounds dry, then plant them; similar to sowing, keep the soil moist. In production, seed propagation has a longer growth cycle, so it is mostly used to raise large numbers of seedlings.

3. Cultivation and weeding

The main work at the seedling stage is cultivation and weeding. To avoid weeds competing with seedlings for water and nutrients, start weeding once the seedlings emerge, generally 3-4 times a year, ensuring no weeds in the field. At the same time, to promote root growth of the seedlings, cultivation is essential; it loosens the soil and prevents the soil from becoming compacted and hindering root growth, especially after rain, when the soil easily compacts, and timely cultivation can prevent roots from suffocating due to lack of oxygen. In the later seedling stage, besides cultivation, earth up the soil to avoid exposing the roots and to prevent the plants from lodging.

4. Fertiliser and water management

Polygonatum likes to grow in moist, shaded environments, so pay attention to fertiliser and water work. Generally, after transplanting, water once a week to keep the soil moist, and also do good shading work to prevent strong light from affecting plant growth. Topdressing is generally done together with weeding; carry out the first fertilisation after the first weeding, then fertilise once every 1-2 months, but pay attention to the amount and concentration when fertilising to avoid burning the roots. Also watch out for the multiplication of pests and diseases, especially underground pests at the seedling stage; they bite off seedling roots, causing broken seedlings, and in severe cases can cause large-scale seedling death.

The above is an introduction to Polygonatum planting techniques. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.