How to grow Gymnadenia conopsea? Latest planting techniques and methods tutorial

Gymnadenia conopsea, also known as hand ginseng, palm ginseng, and Buddha's hand ginseng, is a rare medicinal herb of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, named for its resemblance to a human palm. It has high medicinal value, and at present the planted area in the region is relatively large. So how should Gymnadenia conopsea be grown? Let's take a look.

1. Site selection and land preparation

Gymnadenia conopsea generally grows in alpine grasslands or forest margins. It has relatively strict soil requirements, requiring a soil pH between 4.5-5.8, and is best grown in sandy loam or loam rich in humus with convenient drainage and irrigation. Continuous cropping is avoided; it is generally cultivated under forest. If farmland is chosen for planting, the preceding crop should be a grass-family crop. After selecting the site, plow 1-2 times in the winter of the previous year. After the soil thaws in the following spring, plow again and apply 4000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu as base fertilizer. Shape and rake the land level, then make beds, and at the same time dig drainage ditches well.

2. Propagation methods

In production, Gymnadenia conopsea is generally propagated by seed. After the seeds mature, harvest them and sow immediately. After overwintering in the soil, the seeds can sprout in the following spring. The seeds can also be stratified in sand to promote germination and then sown in spring, which can also increase the seed germination rate. When sowing, make drills on the bed surface at a plant and row spacing of 3×5 cm, cover with 2-3 cm of soil, and then cover the bed surface with a layer of rice straw or stalks to keep warm and moist, so as to facilitate emergence.

3. Seedling raising and transplanting

After the seeds sprout, do a good job of weeding, loosening the soil, watering, and fertilizing to promote good growth. After 2-3 years of cultivation, they can be transplanted, generally in October-November, or in spring before the young seedlings begin to sprout. For transplanting, choose strong seedlings with robust root growth and no pests or diseases, and transplant them by grade according to plant size. Before transplanting, trim appropriately and cut off excess fibrous roots, but be careful not to break the root bark. During transplanting, keep the plant and row spacing at 8×25 cm or 13×30 cm, arrange the root system properly, do not let it twist together, then cover with 4-6 cm of soil, and cover with stalks or rice straw to preserve moisture.

4. Field management

In November, the aboveground stems and leaves of plants that have grown for more than one year will wither. At this time, clear the ground promptly, bury the stems and leaves deeply in a centralized place or burn them, and at the same time water well for overwintering, and add rice straw or stalks to facilitate overwintering. After the seedlings emerge in spring, build a shed for shade in time to avoid wilting or death of the seedlings caused by strong direct sunlight. Before emergence, loosen the soil frequently to prevent the soil from hardening. When weeds are excessive, weed promptly. When dry, water promptly. After the rainy season, drain promptly. In the year of transplanting, generally no topdressing is needed. After the seedlings emerge in the second year, remove the covering grass promptly, broadcast one application of decomposed farmyard manure and a small amount of calcium phosphate, and mix evenly with the soil by loosening the soil.

The above is an introduction to the cultivation techniques of Gymnadenia conopsea. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.