How to Grow Cocklebur? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Planting Methods
Cocklebur is an annual herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family. It used to be seen everywhere in rural areas when we were children. It was originally a wild weed, and also something many people used for pranks in childhood. In fact, cocklebur is a medicinal herb with effects for treating leprosy, chronic rhinitis and various other diseases. As wild numbers have declined, the area of artificial cultivation of cocklebur has gradually expanded. So how should cocklebur be grown? Below, the editor brings you the planting methods for cocklebur. Let's take a look!
1. Site selection and land preparation
As a wild weed, cocklebur has very strong adaptability, but as the area of artificial planting has expanded, its adaptability has gradually declined. Therefore, when selecting a site, we should choose a plot that is sheltered from the wind and faces the sun, with soft, deep soil, sufficient water sources and fertile soil, and keep the pH value at around 5. Then prepare the land; the depth of land preparation must not be less than 30 cm. For plots with a relatively large slope, they can be prepared into terraced fields. Land preparation is intended to improve soil permeability, enhance soil fertility, and promote cocklebur seed germination and nutrient absorption.
2. Sowing at the right time
Cocklebur seeds are not demanding; simply clean the seeds, then air-dry them and they can be sown. If they need to be stored for a period, the seeds can be placed in wet sand for storage, though the germination rate of the seeds will gradually decline as a result. The storage time should not be too long, as it is not only unfavorable for germination, but the seedlings will also emerge unevenly. Cocklebur is generally sown and raised as seedlings around the Mid-Autumn Festival each year. Before sowing, prepare the seedling bed well and dig the seedling furrows well. Then place the seeds into the seedling furrows, apply sufficient base fertilizer, cover well with plastic film, and uncover it when the emergence rate reaches about 80%. About 15 days after emergence, topdress and water in time, and carry out field management well. When the seedlings grow to about 65 cm, they can be transplanted and established.
3. Transplanting and establishing
After the seeds emerge, they should not only be transplanted according to the growth of the seedlings, but the weather should also be observed. Usually the best transplanting time is in early spring. Before transplanting, water thoroughly. After digging out the seedlings, cut the residual roots shorter and transplant with soil. Transplanting should not be too deep. After transplanting, firm the soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots. Control the planting density well and dig the planting holes well, because cocklebur is dioecious, and the valuable part is the fruit. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient number of pollinator plants and fruit-bearing plants. Prevent uneven pollination from affecting the fruiting rate and causing a decline in yield.
4. Field management
When raising seedlings, observe the growth of the seedlings and do a good job of thinning and filling in seedlings to prevent uneven emergence and a decline in yield. After transplanting, manage fertilizer and water well, and water in time according to the soil moisture content, but the amount of water should not be too much, because the roots of cocklebur are relatively shallow and are prone to waterlogging damage. Farmyard manure can be used as fertilizer, and remember it must be fully decomposed, otherwise it will burn the roots, block nutrient absorption and transport, and affect growth. Also, cultivate and weed in time to prevent soil compaction and rampant weeds, which pose a threat to the growth of cocklebur.
The above is a brief introduction to the planting methods for cocklebur. Although it is a common wild weed, its medicinal effects are still very great. However, note that although cocklebur has medicinal value, it must never be eaten. The entire cocklebur plant is toxic, and eating it will cause poisoning. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you all for reading and supporting.