A Detailed Guide to the Latest Planting Methods for Panax notoginseng Seeds

Panax notoginseng is a perennial erect herbaceous plant of the genus Panax in the family Araliaceae, distributed in Yunnan, Guangxi, Jiangxi, Sichuan and other places, growing at altitudes of 1200-1800 m, with significant effects of invigorating blood and dissolving stasis, reducing swelling and relieving pain, and enjoys the reputation of “jinbuhuan” and “southern divine herb.” It has extremely high cultivation value. Let us take a look below at how to plant Panax notoginseng seeds!

Germination Conditions of Panax notoginseng

The germination temperature of Panax notoginseng seeds is 10-30°C, with the optimal temperature being 20°C. The seed dormancy period is 45-60 days. During dormancy, the seedlings need to undergo a period of low-temperature treatment before they will sprout, and they are very sensitive to light. It is traditionally believed that 30% natural light is needed for normal growth and development, hence the saying about Panax notoginseng shade sheds: “three parts light, seven parts shade.” According to the latest research, the most suitable light transmittance for Panax notoginseng sheds is 8-12%; once it exceeds 17%, the growth of Panax notoginseng will be adversely affected.

Seed Treatment of Panax notoginseng

For Panax notoginseng, seeds produced by robust 3-year-old plants free of pests and diseases are generally selected. When the fruits mature in November to December, they are harvested, the flesh is washed off, and they are sown promptly, because after the seeds are stored for one week the germination rate drops greatly. Before sowing, disinfect with 0.2-0.3% Baumé lime-sulfur mixture for 10 minutes, or with 200-300 times diluted zineb for 15 minutes, then sow.

Sowing of Panax notoginseng Seeds

For the sowing and seedling raising of Panax notoginseng, 2-3 months before planting, plow the selected land repeatedly so that the soil is fully weathered and broken up finely. Before sowing, plow and harrow once more, then make beds 18-20 cm high and 1 m wide, apply 3000-4000 kg of base fertilizer per mu, mix it evenly with the soil, level the bed surface, and open holes at a spacing of 6 cm × 6 cm, with a hole depth of 1.5 cm. Place 1 seed in each hole, cover with soil, and then cover with rice straw to prevent the bed soil from caking. For winter sowing in the south, seedlings emerge in 3 months and are complete in 4 months. About 100,000 seeds can be sown per mu (weighing 8.5 kg). After one year of cultivation, they are lifted from the nursery and transplanted.

Transplanting of Panax notoginseng Seedlings

After growing in the seedbed for one year (commonly called “zitiao”), Panax notoginseng must be transplanted to a different location. The new land for transplanting must be prepared in the same way as the seedbed, and it is best to do this during Major Snow or Winter Solstice. Dig up the “zitiao” from the seedbed, cut off the stems and leaves, and place what is commonly called the “kezi” into the holes, apply a pinch of mixed fertilizer, and cover with about one inch of local soil. Open furrows at a spacing of 24 × 20 cm or 27 cm × 20 cm, with a furrow depth of 3-5 cm. When planting the seedlings, make the seedlings form a 20-30 degree angle with the bottom of the furrow, cover with soil as you plant, with the thickness judged by not exposing the bud head; it should not be too thick. Then cover with about 1-1.5 cm of chopped grass, following the principle that no soil is visible.