How to Propagate Salvia miltiorrhiza? A Detailed Guide to Common Propagation Methods

Salvia miltiorrhiza grows on sunny hillside grasslands, beside ditches, along roadsides or forest edges, and is distributed across most regions of the country. Its propagation methods include seed, root division, root crown (luhou) or cuttings propagation. Using the root crown as propagation material gives the highest yield, followed by root division propagation.

Seed Propagation

Spring sowing, in mid to late March, drill sowing on the prepared seedbed surface, then cover with plastic film to keep warm and moist; seedlings emerge in about 15 days. Thin the seedlings when they reach 5-6 cm in height. When the seedlings reach about 10 cm in height, lift them from the seedbed and transplant.

Root Division Propagation

In the south, February to March; in the north, March to April. On the prepared seedbed surface, dig holes at a row spacing of 33-35 cm and a plant spacing of 23-25 cm, apply base fertilizer at the bottom of the holes, cut the stored seed roots into small sections of 5-7 cm, with the thick end facing up, and plant 1 section upright in each hole. After planting, cover with about 3 cm of soil; the soil should not be too thick, otherwise emergence will be difficult, and the sections must not be planted upside down, otherwise they will not sprout.

Root Crown Propagation

When harvesting Salvia miltiorrhiza roots, select robust plants free of pests and diseases; the thick roots are used for medicinal purposes, and the thin roots with a diameter of 0.6 cm, together with the root crown on the base, are cut off as seed material. Digging holes and planting are the same as for root division propagation.

Cutting Propagation

Cut robust growing stems and branches into small sections about 20 cm long, insert them immediately after cutting, at a depth of 1/2 or 1/3 of the cutting. After insertion, keep the seedbed surface moist and provide appropriate shade; roots will form in about half a month.