The Latest White Swallow-wort (Cynanchum atratum) Planting Techniques and Methods Tutorial

White swallow-wort, also known as Laojunxu or Zhiweilao, is an erect perennial herbaceous plant. Its rhizome can be used as medicine and has the effects of relieving restlessness, clearing heat and reducing swelling, promoting tissue regeneration and relieving pain, giving it extremely high medicinal value. At present, market resources are scarce, and growing it offers considerable economic benefits. So how should white swallow-wort be planted? Let's take a look together.

1. Site Selection and Land Preparation

White swallow-wort prefers a warm and humid climate and is cold-tolerant. It does not have high soil requirements, but to obtain high yields, a sandy loam with good drainage, loose and fertile texture, and rich in humus is ideal. In the previous winter, deep plow 20-30 cm to allow the soil to fully weather and mature, then plow again 15-20 days before sowing and apply base fertilizer according to the soil fertility status. After leveling and raking, make raised beds, requiring a bed width of 2 films, a bed ditch width of 30 cm, and a bed height of 20 cm. The seedbed should be carefully cultivated and finely prepared.

2. Propagation Methods

White swallow-wort is generally propagated by seed, which can be divided into direct sowing and seedling transplanting, generally using about 3-5 jin of seed per mu. Direct sowing is generally carried out around Qingming, using the drill method, opening furrows on the bed surface at a row spacing of 25-30 cm, with a furrow depth of 3-4 cm being ideal. Sow the seeds evenly into the furrows, cover with soil and water. If the temperature is suitable, seedlings will emerge in about half a month. Seedling transplanting is the same as direct sowing, sowing in spring, also opening furrows on the bed surface, but with a row spacing of 5-10 cm. Sow the seeds evenly into the furrows, cover with soil and water, and when the seedlings grow to 10 cm, transplant them to the field.

3. Field Management

Whether direct sowing or seedling transplanting, crowding of seedlings inevitably occurs after emergence. To ensure uniform seedling growth, thinning should be done in time. After transplanting and survival, loosen the soil and weed in time to prevent weeds from competing for nutrients and growing space and affecting seedling growth. When loosening the soil, be careful not to go too deep to avoid damaging the seedling roots. Water in time during drought, but take good drainage measures during the rainy season to prevent root rot. Apply topdressing 1-2 times from June to August to promote plant growth. After the plants bloom, if seeds are not needed, the flower stems can be cut off to concentrate nutrients in the roots and increase yield.

4. Pests and Diseases

White swallow-wort is originally a wild plant with strong vitality and high resistance to environmental stress, so few pests and diseases occur during cultivation. However, root rot is prone to occur in hot and rainy seasons, so drainage should be done in time during the rainy season. In summer, watch out for aphids. When aphids cause damage, spraying dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate for control has a good effect.

The above is an introduction to the planting techniques of white swallow-wort. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.