The Latest Rhodiola Cultivation Techniques and Methods Tutorial
Rhodiola, also known as rosewort and roseroot, among other names, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Rhodiola in the Crassulaceae family. Because it grows in harsh environments, it has a very strong vitality and special adaptability. It can be used medicinally, and is able to tonify qi and clear the lungs, benefit the mind and nourish the heart, and has extremely high cultivation value. Now let us take a look together at the cultivation techniques for Rhodiola!
Rhodiola's Growth Habits
Rhodiola is distributed in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Xizang and northwestern Yunnan, Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, Xizang and other places. It grows on mountain slopes under forests or on grassy slopes in high-cold, pollution-free zones at an altitude of 1800-2500 m, and is mostly distributed in the high-cold zones of the Northern Hemisphere. Because its growing environment is harsh, such as low oxygen, low temperature and dryness, strong winds, ultraviolet radiation, and large temperature differences between day and night, it has a very strong vitality and special adaptability.
Rhodiola's Propagation Techniques
1. Seed propagation: Rhodiola seeds are tiny, with a suitable germination temperature of 15-20°C, and they lose germination ability after 1 year of storage. For raising seedlings, a greenhouse or plastic tunnel, or outdoor cold frames, may be used. Spring sowing is in April, and autumn sowing is in October, with autumn sowing being especially preferable. Sow in drills or broadcast, then cover with fine soil and straw, and keep the seedbed moist regularly. Prevent trampling of the bed surface by people and livestock, and provide appropriate shade when sunlight is too strong. After 1 year of cultivation, transplant from late April to early May or in mid-to-late September.
2. Rhizome propagation: For Rhodiola rhizome propagation, usually when harvesting, select larger rhizomes, cut them into small sections of 3-5 cm, and let them dry slightly for 1-2 days so the wounds heal. Spring planting is from April to May, and autumn planting is from September to October, with autumn planting being preferable. Plant diagonally at a row spacing and plant spacing of 20-25 cm × 10-15 cm, cover with soil, and press down lightly.
Rhodiola's Cultivation Techniques
1. Site selection: Rhodiola generally grows wild on sunny mountain slopes, in rock crevices, alpine meadows, alpine rock cracks, mountain slope grasslands, shrub edges, and in dry sandy soils of high mountains. It has strong adaptability, prefers slightly cool and humid climatic conditions, is cold-tolerant and drought-tolerant, and does not have very strict soil requirements. Mountainous areas with relatively high altitude, a cool climate, a short frost-free period, and a relatively large temperature difference between day and night in summer should be selected for cultivation.
2. Land preparation and fertilization: After selecting the site, plow deeply 30-40 cm, remove field debris, break up clods, and make beds along the slope direction. The beds are 100-120 cm wide and 20-25 cm high, with operation paths 50-70 cm wide. In conjunction with plowing, apply 30,000-50,000 kg of barnyard manure or pigpen manure and 20-30 kg of compound fertilizer per hectare, then harrow and level. Level flat land with relatively high elevation may be bedded, and plots with relatively low elevation may also be ridge-cultivated. For mountain slopes and non-cultivated mountain slope land, only plow, turn, and harrow finely, without ridging or bedding, but drainage ditches must be dug.
3. Lifting seedlings at the right time: Rhodiola seedlings are transplanted after 1 year of growth. The transplanting time is after the aboveground parts wither in that autumn or before green-up in the second spring. Spring transplanting gives better results. It is generally carried out from late March to early April, when the seedlings have not yet sprouted. First dig out all the seedlings.
4. Transplanting by grade: Transplant Rhodiola by grade according to the size of the planting stock. The planting row spacing is 20 cm and the plant spacing is 10-12 cm. Open furrows across the bed, with a furrow depth of 10-12 cm. Plant into the furrows with the terminal bud facing upward. The soil cover thickness should preferably be 2-3 cm above the terminal bud. After planting, press down lightly. If the soil is too dry, water after planting. About 50 large seedlings are planted per sq m, and 60 small seedlings may be planted.
5. Harvesting and processing: The Rhodiola harvest season is after the aboveground parts wither in autumn. First remove the withered stems and leaves aboveground, dig out the underground parts, remove the soil, rinse clean with water, and dry at 60-70°C. Alternatively, steam the cleaned medicinal material in a pot for 7-10 minutes, then sun-dry it in the sunlight or dry it in a drying room. When the medicinal material reaches 70-80% dryness, straighten the roots and rhizomes, align the tops, tie several rhizomes into small bundles, and then dry until fully dry.
6. Pest and disease control: Rhodiola diseases mainly occur at the cut surfaces of rhizome-propagated seedlings, where root rot is easily formed. It can be prevented by disinfection and sterilization before planting. Pests mainly include aphids and Lepidoptera pests such as Parnassius bremeri. Spray with an environmentally friendly insecticide, 3% high-penetration fenoxycarb EC 0.025-0.033% solution, for control.