Detailed techniques for cultivating Gastrodia elata seeds at low altitude

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

1. Digging time and transplanting time of Jianma. First, dig in November, select Jianma weighing more than 150 g with plump form, regular shape, and no pest or disease damage. When packing 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 promptly; 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, with unlimited length, and leave 40—50 cm 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 windproof measures, or insert bamboo poles and wooden stakes on both sides of the Jianma to prevent the Jianma from being blown down when they bolt, grow tall, flower, and set fruit. Management after transplanting. 1) Keep the sand bed moist; 2) The environment should be ventilated, breathable, and clean; 3) Prevent rodent damage and insect damage.

3. Pollination and fruit harvesting. Jianma transplanted at an altitude of 100 m emerge in early April, the flowering period is generally in mid-to-late April, and the fruit maturity period is in early-to-mid May. After Gastrodia elata flowers, pollination within 3 days is effective, but early or timely pollination should be advocated, and it is best to pollinate flowers opened on the same day on that same day. During the pollination period of Gastrodia elata, 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 after picking and how it is handled. At an altitude of 100 m, the temperature in early-to-mid May is already relatively high, especially on sunny days when the temperature can reach 20—25°C. Therefore, after the fruit is picked, there are four destinations or handling methods:

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

2. Mix the Gastrodia elata seeds into the germination fungus strain for preservation. After the seeds are mixed into the germination fungus strain, attention must be paid to two points: 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 elata fruit into a refrigerator (4±°C) and store for 5—7 days;

4. Sow on the spot.

When sowing sexual Gastrodia elata seeds at a place around 100 m in altitude, it is also necessary to culture Armillaria mellea branches or Armillaria mellea material two months in advance. After sowing, the main management is to keep moisture and prevent excessively high temperatures. In mid-to-late July and early-to-mid August, regulate and control the temperature in the cultivation bed below 28°C. Otherwise, it is also necessary to regularly spray chemicals around the cultivation site to prevent and control pests and diseases harming Gastrodia elata.