A Full Analysis of the Latest Planting Methods for Cornus officinalis
Cornus officinalis (Asiatic dogwood) is one of the commonly used medicinal herbs in China, with a long history of use. It is often used for conditions such as liver and kidney deficiency, dizziness and blurred vision, and incessant spontaneous sweating. As demand for it continues to grow, many people have started cultivating it, so how exactly should it be planted? Let's take a look together.
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
It is best to choose flat land or gently sloping land that is sheltered from the wind, faces the sun, has sufficient sunlight and deep soil for planting. The planting site is suitable for fertile, loose, well-drained neutral and slightly acidic sandy loam soil, ideally close to a water source for irrigation when disease occurs. After selecting the planting site, deep plow it 30-40cm before winter sets in, and half a month before sowing, apply about 3000 kg of farmyard manure or cake fertilizer per mu as base fertilizer. Then make beds 1.2 m wide, 25cm high, with 25cm wide furrows, and wait to sow.
2. Propagation Methods
There are many propagation methods for Cornus officinalis, including sowing, layering, cuttings and grafting, but in production, the sowing propagation method is generally used. Harvest the fruit when it is ripe, dry it in the sun for 3-4 days, remove the flesh, then soak the seeds in water with bleaching powder dissolved in it to rot the oily outer shell. Remember to stir during soaking, then remove the seeds and mix them with plant ash before sowing. Sowing is done by broadcasting: open shallow furrows 5cm deep on the bed surface at 25cm row spacing, scatter the seeds evenly, then cover with a layer of soil and mixed fertilizer. Generally, 40-60 kg of seed is used per mu. After sowing, keep the soil moist; seedlings will emerge in about 40 to 50 days.
3. Seedling Stage Management
After emergence, keep the soil moist. When the seedlings grow to 3-4 true leaves, thin them and weed in time, and topdress 2 times according to plant growth, applying 4-5 kg of urea per mu. When the seedlings grow to 10-20cm, if there is drought or strong light, it is best to take shade and drought-prevention measures. Before winter sets in, water with freeze-protection water, and combine with earthing up and fertilizing so they overwinter safely. When the one-year-old seedlings grow to 70-80cm, they can be planted out in the field in the second spring.
4. Field Planting
To ensure normal growth, generally plant 30-50 plants per mu; if there are other trees or shrubs, then only about 20 plants can be planted. Decide the planting density according to the actual conditions of the planting site. The best time for planting is from December to January, because this is the dormant period of Cornus officinalis, and planting at this time can improve the survival rate. Choose a cloudy day to lift the seedlings, lifting them with soil. After pruning their root system, dip it in mud slurry; it is best to plant them as soon as they are lifted. Before planting, apply 20 kg of barnyard manure per hole, mix it with fine soil and apply it. Hold the plant upright and plant it in; when half the soil has been filled, lift the seedling slightly so the root system connects closely with the soil, then tread it firm and water to help it survive.
The above are the planting methods for Cornus officinalis. We hope this helps you. To learn more about planting knowledge, please stay tuned to us.