How to Grow Andrographis paniculata? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Planting Methods
Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis paniculata) is a relatively well-known medicinal herb. It is an annual herbaceous plant and is widely cultivated in southern China. Andrographis paniculata is not only a medicinal herb but can also be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and reducing inflammation and relieving pain. With both edible and medicinal value, its planting area must be considerable, and even now new growers are still joining in. So how should Andrographis paniculata be grown? Let's take a look together below!
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
Andrographis paniculata is a moisture-loving crop. It adapts well to high temperatures and is also very suited to growing in high-temperature environments. Growing Andrographis paniculata requires plenty of sunlight and nutrients. After germination and emergence, try to keep the temperature at around 28°C. If the temperature falls below 20°C, the growth rate of the seedlings will slow down, and when the temperature falls below 8°C, the plants will stop growing. Therefore, we should choose a planting site with sufficient fertility, loose soil, good permeability and strong heat retention, on slightly acidic soil. After choosing the soil, carry out land preparation in good time. The depth of land preparation must not be less than 30 cm. During land preparation, all weeds in the soil must be picked out. After ploughing, apply enough base fertiliser, then do a good job of disinfecting the soil.
2. Timely Sowing
Choose excellent seeds that are disease-free, genetically sound, and free of cracks and wounds. Try to avoid rainy weather when sowing, and determine the sowing quantity according to the planting area. Before sowing, prepare the seeds: wash them clean, then put them into wood ash and mix evenly, because wood ash can promote seed germination and increase the growth rate. After mixing evenly, sow the seeds onto the soil by broadcasting, then cover with about 1 cm of soil. Spray with agents such as dual-rose preparation, mainly to reduce the incidence of damping-off and seedling blight, then do a good job of preserving soil moisture and fertility.
3. Field Management
After sowing, when the seedlings have grown to a certain extent, transplant them in good time and maintain a reasonable planting density. After transplanting, water promptly to promote root establishment and growth of the seedlings, then carry out cultivation about once every 2-3 weeks, combining cultivation with topdressing. When topdressing, apply more nitrogen fertiliser, and fully decomposed farmyard manure can be used. Management in summer is very important. Summer is the key period for the growth of Andrographis paniculata, and at this time we should increase the frequency of topdressing and watering. To promote plant growth, when the plants grow taller, earth up in good time to prevent lodging.
4. Pest and Disease Control
The main diseases of Andrographis paniculata are seedling blight and damping-off. Seedling blight usually occurs when the seedlings have grown about two leaves. After the disease appears, control watering to prevent the soil from becoming too moist, then use agents such as carbendazim for control. Pay attention to ventilation of the plot and control the surrounding environment well, especially the temperature. Too low a temperature will hinder plant growth. Strengthen the airiness of the field, pull out diseased plants in good time, and do a good job of pruning and trimming. Reduce the conditions for disease occurrence and lower the incidence rate.
That is all for the introduction to the planting methods of Andrographis paniculata. Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal plant with relatively high economic value, and eating it regularly can effectively enhance the human body's resistance. Although the current planting area is not very extensive, as its fame increases and market demand expands, there will be more and more growers, so Andrographis paniculata still has certain planting prospects. However, before planting, everyone should still think it through from all aspects, so as to avoid drawing water with a bamboo basket.