How to Select Dahurian Angelica Seeds? A Detailed Guide to Seedling Cultivation Methods
Dahurian angelica is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb, widely cultivated in China, mainly produced in Northeast and North China. Dahurian angelica has good medicinal properties, with effects of dispersing wind and removing dampness, reducing swelling and discharging pus, unblocking the nasal passages and relieving pain, and is very popular in domestic and international markets. So how are Dahurian angelica seeds selected? What are the seedling cultivation methods? Let's find out together.
How are Dahurian angelica seeds selected?
Dahurian angelica is propagated by seeds. Seeds of the current year should be chosen; seeds kept from the previous year have a low germination rate or may not germinate at all. Under normal conditions, the germination rate of Dahurian angelica is 70-80%, and seedlings emerge 10-15 days after sowing at a temperature of 13-20°C with sufficient moisture. If you do not have your own seeds, you can also buy them yourself. Dahurian angelica seeds are relatively easy to find, generally available from seed sellers in various regions, and there are even more varieties available online.
What are the seedling cultivation methods?
1. Site selection and land preparation
Dahurian angelica is not very strict about the previous crop. Generally, cotton fields and corn fields can both be used for cultivation. Sandy loam soil with deep tillage layers, loose and fertile texture, good drainage, warmth, sun exposure and relatively moist conditions is best; generally, locations in plain areas are preferred in production regions. After the previous crop is harvested, plow promptly to a depth of 33 cm.
2. Seed cultivation
Select disease-free, robust Dahurian angelica plants as seed plants. Before transplanting, remove the leaves and control the row and plant spacing at about 50-70 cm. Carry out weeding and fertilizing promptly in winter and the following spring. Seeds will mature successively around June to July. When the fruit skin turns yellow-green, pick them together with the fruit cluster, spread them in a ventilated and dry place to air-dry, then thresh them, remove impurities and set aside for later use.
3. Sowing
The sowing period for Dahurian angelica can be divided into spring and autumn, with autumn sowing being preferable. The direct sowing method is used; seedling transplanting is not suitable, as transplanted plants have forked roots and poor root growth, affecting yield and quality. Use hole sowing and drill sowing. Before sowing, water the bed thoroughly, and begin sowing after the water has seeped down. Before sowing, the seeds should be mechanically treated to remove the wing membrane, then soaked in warm water (45°C) for 6 hours, removed, wiped dry and sown.
4. Thinning and final singling
Dahurian angelica is not thinned in the year of sowing. In the following spring, when the regrown seedlings are 7-10 cm tall, thin to a plant spacing of about 20 cm. When thinning, remove overly strong seedlings and overly weak seedlings, keeping moderately growing ones. This is because overly strong seedlings tend to flower and set seed, and their roots grow poorly and cannot be used as medicine.
5. Routine management
Do a good job of thinning, loosening the soil, weeding, applying base fertilizer and topdressing, irrigate promptly and keep the soil moist to facilitate seedling emergence. During the growing period, if drought occurs, water promptly to ensure the needs of plant growth. When there is excessive rain or waterlogging in the field, drain promptly to prevent disease or root rot.
Overall, the cultivation techniques for Dahurian angelica are now relatively mature, and the planting area is gradually expanding and growing. Generally, one mu of Dahurian angelica can yield about 500-550 kg. The current market price is 8-10 yuan/kg, and the income per mu is about 4,000-4,500 yuan.
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