The Latest Planting Methods and Techniques for Boat Sterculia Seed
Boat sterculia seed, also known as Dahaizi and Dadongguo, is a famous fruit-type Chinese herbal medicine that can be both eaten and used medicinally. It clears heat and moistens the lungs, soothes the throat and removes toxins, and moistens the intestines to relieve constipation. It is also a very good health product, and drinking it steeped in water has the effect of lowering blood pressure. Nowadays it is quite popular on the market, but it is an imported Chinese herbal medicine with relatively low yield, so planting it is a good project. Below, Qinnong Web brings you its planting methods.
1. Soil Selection and Land Preparation
Boat sterculia seed has no strict requirements for soil and can grow well in various soils, and it grows especially quickly in soil with high fertility. Boat sterculia seed has an underdeveloped root system and relatively slender, tall stems, and it is very easily broken or toppled by strong winds, so choose flat land or sloping land with good drainage and shelter from the wind. Clear all shrubs and weeds from the planting site, then cultivate it into 2 cm wide contour terraces, which can prevent soil erosion.
2. Propagation Methods
Boat sterculia seed has three propagation methods: seeds, layering, and grafting.
Seed propagation: Choose mature seeds with obvious wrinkles on the surface, sow them on a clean sand bed, cover with a layer of sandy soil after sowing, then cover with a layer of rice straw, water thoroughly once, and keep the sandy soil moist. Seedlings will emerge in about 7-10 days, and when the seedlings grow to 30-50 cm they can be planted out in the field.
Layering propagation: Select healthy, disease-free, lignified branches from the plant, peel the bark at 20-30 cm from the tip of the branch, let the wound air-dry after peeling, wrap the wound with wet rice straw and wet mud, then wrap it tightly with plastic film. After about two months, new roots will grow. When the new roots begin to lignify, the branch can be cut off and planted out in the field.
Grafting propagation: Cut current-year branches from the canopy of the plant, cut a section of about 12-15 cm as the scion, select a plant of the same genus as boat sterculia seed as the rootstock, and perform branch grafting or bud grafting. After the scion and rootstock have healed, cut off the main trunk of the rootstock and regularly remove the rootstock's sprouts.
3. Field Management
Boat sterculia seed has an underdeveloped root system, so its absorption of water and nutrients is limited. Pay attention to strengthening water and fertilizer management. Water frequently during drought, and drain water during the rainy season to prevent root rot. Normally fertilize once every quarter, and during its peak growth season and fruiting period, fertilize once a month to promote rapid growth and increase fruit yield. When the plant grows to about 1 m, pinch off its top for dwarf cultivation. This not only allows it to branch more but can also increase yield.
The above are the planting methods for boat sterculia seed. The editor reminds everyone that boat sterculia seed is an imported plant, and the climate and environment of many regions in our country are not suitable for its growth, so before planting, choose a suitable growing environment. For more related agricultural knowledge, please stay tuned to Qinnong Web.