How to Grow Codonopsis Well? An Analysis of the Latest Key Cultivation Techniques

Codonopsis is a very common Chinese medicinal herb. It has effects such as strengthening the body's resistance, nourishing the blood and replenishing qi, lowering blood pressure, and treating gastric ulcers. At present, the main producing areas of Codonopsis are still in southwest China, Hebei, northeast China, and Inner Mongolia. It is generally planted in spring and autumn, preferably in March and April and in October and November each year. So how should Codonopsis be planted to achieve high yield? Let's take a look together today.

1. Land selection and soil preparation

According to relevant surveys, the soil for generally high-yielding Codonopsis cultivation sites is sandy loam, with good soil structure, rich organic matter, sufficient nutrients, and good water retention and drainage. The terrain is relatively high, and semi-sunny slopes are generally chosen. At the same time, continuous cropping cannot be carried out. When preparing the soil, deep plowing is generally combined with base fertilizer. The base fertilizer is mainly farmyard manure or organic fertilizer. After the fertilizer is spread evenly, deep plowing is carried out. This can better improve soil fertility. Finally, make beds and dig furrows, and then wait for sowing.

2. Seed selection and germination promotion

The quality of seed selection directly determines the yield and quality of Codonopsis, so when selecting seeds we should try to choose seeds that are plump, bright in color, and free from pests and diseases. Then put the selected seeds in the sun to dry for one or two days. After screening, the seeds need to be put into a bag and soaked in warm water. After soaking for one day, remove the seeds and place them at a suitable temperature for seed germination to promote sprouting. Generally, after about a week, most seeds will show white sprouts, and at this point they can be sown.

3. Seedling raising and transplanting

There are two methods of planting Codonopsis, namely direct sowing and seedling raising followed by transplanting. Direct sowing means sowing the seeds on prepared land at a row spacing of 30 cm and a plant spacing of 10 cm. However, in order to ensure the seedling emergence rate and yield of Codonopsis, we now usually use the method of seedling raising and transplanting. First, the treated seeds need to be sown on a seedbed. After a period of careful management and the growth of seedlings, transplanting is best carried out in March. When transplanting, it is best to transplant with soil, as this results in a higher survival rate. The transplanting density can be divided into several types, namely row spacings of 35, 30, and 25 cm, and plant spacings of 15, 10, and 5 cm. The specific implementation needs to be based on the fertility of the planting site and the purpose of cultivation.

4. Field management

First, we need to inspect seedlings, thin seedlings, and fill in gaps in the field, and then carry out timely intertillage and weeding, generally about one month after planting. Later weeding needs to be carried out according to the growth of Codonopsis and the growth of weeds in the field. Second, in order to support the growth of Codonopsis branches and leaves, it is necessary to appropriately remove the tips of some branches and leaves. Because the branches and leaves of Codonopsis can grow to at least 1 m, we can set up trellises when it grows to about 25 cm. This can reduce diseases and enhance field ventilation. Finally, it is necessary to carry out timely topdressing and watering. Specific water and fertilizer management needs to be based on the different growth stages of Codonopsis. Nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied in a one-sided way, and drainage should be carried out in a timely manner.

5. Pest and disease control

Codonopsis is one of the more resistant medicinal materials. Generally, if field management is done well, there will not be many pests and diseases. However, we still need to control root rot and rust disease. Both of these diseases are caused by high temperature and high humidity, and both can be controlled with carbendazim. The main insect pests are some underground pests, red spiders, and rats. Underground pests can be irrigated with trichlorfon, while red spiders can be controlled with hexythiazox. As for rodent pests, only trapping methods can be used.