Cultivation Techniques for Sexual Gastrodia Seeds at Low Altitudes

In nature, the distribution and cultivation areas of Gastrodia are at altitudes above 700 m. Gastrodia flowers and sets fruit in mid-to-late June, and sexual Gastrodia seeds sown in that year can only grow to 4—6 cm. If sexual Gastrodia seeds are cultivated at a low altitude of about 200 m, Gastrodia flowers and sets fruit in early-to-mid May, and the sown Gastrodia seeds can grow to 6—8 cm in that year. For many years, we have cultivated sexual Gastrodia seeds on a large scale at an altitude of 100 m and planted them at high altitudes, achieving very good returns.

1. Digging and transplanting time of Jianma. First, dig in November, select Jianma weighing more than 150 g with a plump form, regular shape, and no pest or disease damage. When putting them into boxes or baskets, place one layer of Jianma and one layer of filler (sphagnum moss, moist leaves, etc.) to prevent damage to the Jianma. It is best to pack them well while digging, transport them to a low-altitude place, and transplant and store them in time. Second, dig Jianma in late February or early March, then transport them to a low-altitude place for transplanting. When digging and transplanting Jianma in spring, pay attention to two points: first, the temperature must be above zero; second, the time must not exceed March 20.

2. Transplanting and management. Make beds 60 cm wide and of unlimited length, with 40—50 cm left between beds as walking and pollination paths. First spread 2—3 cm of fine sand on the bottom layer, then place the Jianma on top, and then cover with about 10 cm of fine sand. If transplanting outdoors, pay attention to setting up wind protection measures, or insert bamboo poles and wooden stakes on both sides of the Jianma to prevent the Jianma from being blown over when it bolts, grows tall, flowers, and sets fruit. Management after transplanting. 1) Keep the sand bed moist; 2) The environment should be ventilated, breathable, and clean; 3) Prevent rodent and insect damage.

3. Pollination and fruit harvesting. Jianma transplanted at an altitude of 100 m emerges in early April, the flowering period is generally in mid-to-late April, and the fruit maturation period is in early-to-mid May. After Gastrodia flowers, pollination within 3 days is effective, but early or timely pollination should be advocated; it is best to pollinate flowers on the same day they open. During the pollination period of Gastrodia, the air humidity should preferably be kept at 70—80%. After pollination, the fruit matures in 18—20 days and can be picked.

4. Where the fruit goes and how it is handled after picking. At an altitude of 100 m, the temperature in early-to-mid May is already relatively high, especially on sunny days when it can reach 20—25℃. Therefore, after the fruit is picked, there are four options or handling methods:

1) Quickly take it to a higher-altitude place for sowing;

2) Mix the Gastrodia seeds into the germination fungus spawn for storage. After the seeds are mixed into the germination fungus spawn, two points must be noted: first, it must be ventilated and breathable, and placed in a cool, dry place. Second, the storage time must not exceed 5 days, and it must immediately be taken to a high-altitude place for sowing;

3) Put the picked Gastrodia fruit into a refrigerator (4±℃) and store it for 5—7 days;

4) Sow on the spot.

When sowing sexual Gastrodia seeds at an altitude of about 100 m, it is also necessary to cultivate Armillaria branches or Armillaria materials two months in advance. The main management after sowing is to keep moisture and prevent excessively high temperatures. In mid-to-late July and early-to-mid August, regulate the temperature inside the cultivation bed to below 28℃. Otherwise, it is also necessary to spray medicine around the cultivation site at regular intervals to prevent pests and diseases from damaging Gastrodia.