How to grow velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)? A detailed guide to the latest cultivation techniques

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) is an annual sub-shrub herbaceous plant with extremely strong adaptability to the environment. In China, it can be grown everywhere except on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The whole plant of velvetleaf can be used as medicine, but its stem bark is commonly used to weave gunny sacks and make hemp rope, etc., while the seeds of velvetleaf can be used to make paint and industrial lubricating oil, giving it extremely high use value. However, today I am here to walk everyone through the cultivation methods for velvetleaf, so let's take a look.

1. Soil and fertilizer improvement

Velvetleaf does not have very high requirements for the soil of the planting site. Generally, land that can be used to grow crops, or even wasteland and hillsides that cannot be used to grow crops, can all be used to grow velvetleaf. But if you want a high yield of velvetleaf, it is best to choose a plot with good soil permeability and fertile soil. After determining the planting site, carry out land tilling, combined with the application of base fertilizer. The base fertilizer is mainly farmyard manure such as chicken manure, cow manure and sheep manure. Finally, mix the soil and fertilizer thoroughly, then level the land and dig the drainage ditches properly before planting.

2. Propagation methods

Velvetleaf is generally grown by seed propagation. When planting velvetleaf, what we need to pay attention to is sowing early at the right time, because seedlings from early sowing can extend the growing period of velvetleaf and improve the yield and quality of velvetleaf. When sowing, two methods can be used: drilling and broadcasting. For drilling, the row spacing is generally about 45 cm, then sow the seeds evenly in the furrows, cover with soil to bury the seeds, and wait for the seedlings to emerge. Broadcasting is even simpler: just scatter the seeds evenly, then use a broom to gently pat the seeds into the soil.

3. Growth management

When the velvetleaf seedlings have grown to about 5 cm, carry out the first thinning, pulling out the seedlings that are too small, growing too fast, poorly developed, or even damaged by pests and diseases. When the seedlings have grown to about 15 cm, carry out final planting, that is, the second thinning, keeping a distance of about 10 cm between each plant. During the growth of velvetleaf, generally three rounds of intertillage and three rounds of topdressing are carried out. Intertillage and topdressing can be combined, which helps the absorption and use of nutrients. Also, when fertilizing, it is best to water, so as to avoid fertilizer burn. Finally, do a good job of drainage to avoid waterlogging.

4. Pest and disease control

The main diseases of velvetleaf are leaf spot, downy mildew, stem canker and damping-off. Since there are many diseases, it is best to carry out integrated control, so as to effectively prevent the occurrence of diseases. First, we should pay attention to crop rotation and avoid continuous cropping; second, choose high-quality varieties; third, treat seeds with chemicals before sowing; and finally, use Bordeaux mixture for control. The main insect pests of velvetleaf are cutworms, root-cutting worms, corn borers, small looper caterpillars and hemp longhorn beetles. Trapping can be used for control, and of course the most direct way is to spray with specialized insecticides.

That is the end of the velvetleaf cultivation techniques I wanted to share with everyone today. If you have any other thoughts, you can leave a comment below.