How much hard work goes into growing Panax notoginseng? Field notes (Part Two)
Panax notoginseng is a perennial herbaceous plant, and nowadays it is basically all cultivated artificially. Its usual growth cycle is 3 years, with a few cultivated for more than 4 years. Panax notoginseng grows continuously from the moment it is planted. When nutrients are sufficient, it is already mature after about three years. If it is allowed to keep growing, the increase in individual size is not very obvious, and the increase in the content of active ingredients such as saponins within it is not very great. Moreover, the cultivation cost is very high, so much of the Panax notoginseng on the market now is 3-year Panax notoginseng.
Seed germination
Panax notoginseng that has grown for one year is a seedling. In order for Panax notoginseng to grow better, some of the weaker seedlings need to be removed. At this stage, the Panax notoginseng is what we call seed seedlings. Seed seedlings also have a certain medicinal effect, though much weaker than that of Panax notoginseng. Growing Panax notoginseng requires meticulous care: when there is too much light, it must be shaded; when the humidity is insufficient, it must be watered; when there is excessive waterlogging in the ridges, insects must be controlled. In short, planting Panax notoginseng is even more demanding than raising a child.
Two years of growth
Panax notoginseng that has grown for two years can already be used as medicine, including the Panax notoginseng flower, though at this stage the Panax notoginseng still cannot compare with three-year Panax notoginseng, and the same is true of the Panax notoginseng flower. At this time, attention must be paid to the threat posed to Panax notoginseng by natural disasters, diseases and pests, which may be a fatal threat, and is also a fatal threat to the farmers who grow Panax notoginseng, so even greater care is needed.
Panax notoginseng that has grown for three years can be dug up. The Panax notoginseng is already fully mature, naturally including the Panax notoginseng flower. This is also a critical moment. Apart from natural disasters, there is also the need to guard against theft. If Panax notoginseng that is about to be harvested right before one's eyes is stolen, that is a fatal blow to the farmers who grow it. Usually, when visiting a Panax notoginseng garden, the owner's consent must be obtained. Entering rashly really will get you treated as a thief by the owner.
Three years to maturity
After being dug up, it can be taken to the market to be exchanged for bright red banknotes, which can be considered as giving an accounting for three years of hard work. Likewise, Panax notoginseng is also graded by size. The larger the size, the better the price it can fetch. The usual three-year Panax notoginseng weighs between 30oneand 80 grams each. There are also large Panax notoginseng of around 100 grams each, and very few exceed 200 grams. Exceeding 300 grams is quite rare.