Detailed Guide to Polygonatum Cultivation Techniques: Planting Methods and Management Key Points

I. Site Selection and Land Preparation

PlantingPolygonatumChoose relatively moist and fertile woodland or mountain land, with forest edge land being most suitable; it requires no waterlogging and no saline-alkali influence. Fertile, loose, humus-rich sandy soil is best. Thin soil, arid land and sandy land are not suitable for planting. Land preparation requires deep plowing of the soil to more than 30 cm; after leveling and raking fine, make beds. Generally the bed surface width is 1.2 m. The bed length is 10-15 m, and the bed surface is 10-15 cm above ground level. Apply sufficient base fertilizer in the bed, 4000 kg/mu of high-quality decomposed farmyard manure, evenly applied into the bed soil. Then deep plow again 30 cm. Make the fertilizer and soil fully mixed, then level and rake fine again and wait for sowing.

II. Scientific Planting

1. Seed propagation: Select robust, pest-free biennial plants for seed production, strengthen field management, and collect in autumn when the berries turn black and ripe. Before winter, carry out wet sand low-temperature treatment. The method is: dig a deep pit in a sunny, wind-sheltered spot in the yard. The pit is 40 cm deep and 30 cm wide. Thoroughly mix 1 part seeds with 3 parts fine sand evenly. The moisture of the sand should be such that it forms a ball when held in the hand, breaks apart when dropped, and does not drip between the fingers. Place the mixed seed and wet sand into the pit. In the center place tall straw for ventilation. Then cover with fine sand, keep the pit moist, check frequently, and prevent drying out and rodent damage. In early April of the following spring, take out the seeds, sieve off the wet sand and sow. On the prepared seedbed, open furrows at a row spacing of 15 cm and a depth of 3-5 cm, and evenly sow the treated germinated seeds into the furrows. Cover with soil 2.5-3 cm thick, press lightly, and keep the soil moist. For plots with poor soil moisture, water thoroughly once after sowing, then insert arch rods, cover with plastic agricultural film, strengthen the management of the arched shed seedbed, ventilate and harden the seedlings in time. When the seedlings are 3 cm high, open by day and cover by night, gradually remove the arched shed, weed in time, and water to promote robust growth of the young seedlings. After autumn or the following spring, the seedlings emerge and are transplanted to the field. 2. Rhizome propagation: In the seed-production field, select robust, pest-free plants, dig up the rhizomes in autumn or early spring. Those dug in autumn need to be properly stored; those dug in early spring can be planted directly. Cut into small sections 5-7 cm long, with bud sections of 2-3 nodes. Then treat the wounds with plant ash, let them dry slightly, and plant immediately. Spring planting is carried out in early April. On the prepared bed surface, open horizontal furrows at a row spacing of 25 cm and a depth of 8-10 cm. Place the seed roots with bud eyes facing upward. Place them along the furrow, laying one section flat every 10-12 cm. Cover with fine fertile soil 5-6 cm thick. Press firmly. For fields with poor soil moisture, water thoroughly once after planting. 3. Seedling raising and transplanting: Generally in northern regions, transplanting time is mostly in early April. On the prepared planting plot, dig holes at a row spacing of 30 cm and a plant spacing of 15 cm, with a hole depth of 15 cm. Loosen and level the bottom of the hole, apply base fertilizer 3000 kg/mu. Then plant the raised seedlings into the holes. 2 plants per hole, cover with soil and press firmly. Water thoroughly once. Then seal the holes again to ensure the survival rate.

III. Field Management

1. Intertillage and weeding. During the growth period of Polygonatum plants, intertillage and weeding should be carried out frequently. Each time it is best to hoe lightly to avoid damaging the roots and to promote strong plants. 2. Reasonable topdressing. Carry out topdressing every year in combination with intertillage, each time applying 1000-1500 kg/mu of high-quality human and livestock manure. Before winter each year, apply again 1200-1500 kg/mu of high-quality farmyard manure, mixed with 50 kg superphosphate. 50 kg cake fertilizer. After mixing evenly, apply in furrows, then water to accelerate root formation and growth. 3. Timely drainage and irrigation. Polygonatum likes moisture and fears drought. The field should often remain moist. In dry weather, water in time, but in the rainy season, prevent water accumulation and drain promptly to avoid root rot. 4. Remove flowers. The flowering and fruiting period of Polygonatum lasts a long time, and each stem node axil produces many umbels and fruits, consuming a large amount of nutrients and affecting rhizome growth. Therefore, the flower buds should be removed in time before the buds form. This promotes the concentrated transfer of nutrients to the harvested rhizome part and helps increase yield. 5. Disease control: Generally, brown round spots appear on the leaves with purplish-red edges, which is leaf spot disease. It mostly occurs in summer and autumn. The pathogen is a fungus of the Deuteromycetes. Control method: give priority to prevention. In early summer, spray with 1:1:100 Bordeaux mixture or 65% zineb wettable powder at 500-600 times dilution, once every 5-7 days, for 2-3 consecutive times.