Croton: Latest Planting Methods and Cultivation Techniques Explained

Croton is a relatively commonly used medicinal herb. We all know that accidentally eating croton can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is the main ingredient in purgatives, usually used for disinfecting and reducing edema and for promoting bowel movements. Croton is toxic, so it cannot be used casually. At present, croton in our country is mainly produced in Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and other places. So how is croton grown? Let us take a look together at the planting methods for croton.

1. Land preparation and fertilization

Croton is suitable for growing in a warm and humid environment. Choose a planting site in an area with relatively abundant water sources. It can be planted in any soil. So when choosing a site, besides considering the water source, you only need to consider wind; it is best to choose a place that is sheltered from the wind. At the same time, it is even better if the soil is relatively fertile. Land preparation is divided into seedbed land and planting land. The soil of the seedbed land should be prepared into a granular texture and free of impurities, while the planting land, after deep plowing, needs holes dug, and then sufficient fertilizer scattered in before waiting to plant.

2. Sowing and raising seedlings

We usually choose to sow around before or after rain, as this can promote the seed germination speed and increase the seed germination rate. Open furrows on the prepared seedbed land; it cannot be done by drilling in rows. Open furrows at a spacing of about ten to twenty cm per row, then evenly scatter the seeds into the furrows and cover them with soil.

3. Seedling stage management

Croton takes a relatively long time to emerge. After the seedlings come out, manage them according to their growth conditions. When the weather is relatively dry, water generally about once every three to four days. At the same time, fertilize appropriately according to the growth of the seedlings, mainly nitrogen fertilizer, or you can use manure and urine water for irrigation. Next is reasonable weeding, so as to prevent nutrients from being consumed by weeds and affecting the growth of croton seedlings.

4. Transplanting and field planting

When the croton seedlings have grown to about twenty cm, they are transplanted. Generally, planting is done at a spacing of three m between rows and about two point five m between plants. When planting, it is also best to choose a cloudy day or around before or after rain, as this can increase the survival rate of croton seedlings.

5. Field management

⟦NL>One week after planting, we need to inspect the growth of croton in the field, replant missing seedlings in time, and carry out the first topdressing, so that the seedlings in the field are uniform. Then in the middle growth stage of croton, if the branches are found to be relatively thin and weak and the leaves yellowish, then an additional application of urea is needed. Next, when croton blooms and sets beans, carry out the third topdressing, mainly with potassium fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer and a three-element compound fertilizer. At the same time, in order to avoid aging of branches and leaves, a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer can be applied appropriately. Each time you fertilize, note that it should be combined with intertillage and watering.

6. Pest and disease control

Croton has very low resistance; throughout its entire growth period there are basically no pests or diseases, and a large part of the reason also lies in the fact that it is itself toxic, so it can provide very good protection. But there is one pest that is not afraid of death, namely the inchworm, and we can use trichlorfon to control it.