How to grow Sarcandra glabra? A detailed tutorial on the latest planting techniques and methods
Sarcandra glabra is a relatively rare Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried whole plant of Sarcandra glabra (Chloranthaceae), also known as Jiujiehua, Zhujiecha, Jiegulian and Jiegumu. It has the effects of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, clearing heat and detoxifying, and unblocking meridians and mending bones, and is commonly used to treat rheumatism, joint pain, bruises and fractures. Because wild resources are scarce, artificial cultivation has begun in many areas. Below, the editor brings you an introduction to its cultivation techniques.
1. Site selection and land preparation
Sarcandra glabra prefers a warm and humid climate and a cool, shaded environment, and avoids strong direct sunlight. It likes to grow in deep, loose, fertile, slightly acidic sandy loam soil; poor and waterlogged soil is not suitable for planting. When planting, it is best to choose hillsides near water sources, streamside mountain gullies, or shaded valley forests. After selecting the site, plow the soil in autumn and winter to allow it to weather fully, then combine land preparation in the following spring, applying 2000-2500 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu as base fertilizer.
2. Propagation methods
In production, Sarcandra glabra is mostly propagated by division, though it can also be propagated by seed and cuttings. Once planted, it can be harvested continuously for more than ten years. Division propagation is generally carried out in early spring or late autumn. Dig out the plant, divide it into several small plants, and replant them at a spacing of 20×30 cm. Water frequently after planting to keep the soil moist so as to help the divisions survive. After survival, pay attention to cultivating, weeding and fertilizing. This method is relatively simple, and the plants grow quickly. For seed propagation, seeds are generally collected from October to December, stored in sand, and sown in the following spring. On the seedbed, open a shallow furrow at a row spacing of 20 cm, sow the seeds evenly, cover with soil and straw to aid emergence. Seedlings generally emerge in 15-20 days. Cutting propagation is carried out in March-April. Select 1-2 year old branches from robustly growing plants as cuttings, cut them into 10-15 cm lengths, soak them in a rooting powder solution for 2-3 minutes, then insert them for cutting. They generally root in one month.
3. Transplanting
For plants propagated by seed and cuttings, transplanting can be done when the seedlings have grown for about one year. Transplanting is generally carried out in winter from November to December or in spring from February to March. On the prepared bed surface, open holes at a spacing of 20×30 cm, plant one plant per hole. When planting, spread the root system out, lift the seedling slightly when filling half the soil, then firm the soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots. After transplanting and survival, carry out field management well to promote robust plant growth.
4. Field management
During the seedling stage, cultivate and weed 2-3 times to keep the soil loose and the field free of weeds. After transplanting, check the seedlings promptly, and replant in time where dead or missing plants are found to ensure a full stand. After transplanting, water frequently to keep the soil moist, and drain promptly after the rainy season to avoid root rot. Topdress once each in spring and summer every year, and apply farmyard manure once in winter together with earthing up to ensure the plants overwinter safely. In addition, attention should also be paid to the prevention and control of pests and diseases.
The above is an introduction to the cultivation techniques of Sarcandra glabra. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.