How to sow Platycodon grandiflorus seeds? Latest technical method tutorial

Platycodon grandiflorus is usually propagated by seed. Select high-yielding plants for seed collection. In late August, remove the inflorescences on the side branches of the seed plants so that nutrients are concentrated on the development of the upper and middle fruits, making the seeds plump and improving seed quality. It can be sown in autumn, winter or spring, with autumn sowing being the best. Now let us take a look at the seed propagation technique for Platycodon grandiflorus!

Seed selection method for Platycodon grandiflorus

For Platycodon grandiflorus seeds, choose seeds from plants more than 2 years old that are not stale (if seeds are stored stale for one year, the germination rate drops by more than 70%). Before planting, carry out a germination test to ensure the seed germination rate is above 70%.

Seed treatment for Platycodon grandiflorus

Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours, or soak them in 0.3% potassium permanganate for 12 hours, or treat them with ultrasound, which can significantly increase the seed germination rate. After treatment, germinating the seeds until they show white sprouts gives a seedling emergence rate 25.5% higher.

Sowing technique for Platycodon grandiflorus

Platycodon grandiflorus can be sown in spring, summer and autumn, with autumn sowing from late October to early November being the best. Sowing methods include warm-water soaking of seeds and dry sowing. Sowing after warm-water soaking is recommended, as it can bring emergence earlier.

1. Warm-water soaking method: place the Platycodon grandiflorus seeds in warm water, stir immediately until the water cools, then soak for another 8 hours. Wrap the seeds in a wet cloth and cover well with a wet burlap sheet. Rinse once each morning and evening with warm water for about 5 days, and sow when the seeds begin to sprout. Sow the seeds evenly in the furrows. Because the seeds are small, they can be mixed evenly with fine sand before sowing. After sowing, cover with soil or wood ash. In dry areas, water after sowing to keep moist. Use 500-750 grams of seed per mu. During emergence, pay attention to loosening the soil and weeding. When the seedlings are about 2 cm tall, thin them, keeping strong seedlings at the plant spacing in meters. Where seedlings are sparse or missing, fill in with seedlings on a cloudy day. Then apply diluted human and livestock manure water, cover after application, apply topdressing once more and earth up to prevent lodging. Cover after application. In addition, loosen the soil and weed frequently, and water promptly in dry weather. Generally harvest in late autumn after sowing or before sprouting in early spring.

2. Dry sowing method: seeds sown dry take about 25 days to emerge, while seeds sown after germination also take about 10 days to emerge. After the seedlings come up, remove weeds promptly. If the seedlings are too dense, thin them in good time, preferably 10-12 plants per 100 square cm, keeping one plant at intervals of 5 cm (about 60,000 plants per mu), and combine this with loosening the soil. Later, weed in good time as well. In addition, Platycodon grandiflorus has a long flowering period, which consumes a large amount of nutrients and affects root growth. Except for seed-production fields, remove flowers and fruits in good time to improve root yield and quality.