Detailed Guide to Polygonatum Planting Methods and Cultivation Techniques
Polygonatum can be eaten as a vegetable, and it is also a very commonly used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Moreover, when it blooms, it is a very beautiful sight, and finally, it also has beauty benefits and a sweet taste, so market demand is growing. However, wild polygonatum has basically been fully harvested, so in order to meet market demand, we naturally need to carry out rational artificial cultivation. So how should polygonatum be grown for the best results? Below, let us study together with Qinnong Network.
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
The growing habits of wild polygonatum are generally sun-loving and fertilizer-loving, so when planting, we usually choose a plot with relatively complete soil structure, sufficient fertility, and a good drainage system. It can be clay soil or sandy soil. Although it likes light, when carrying out artificial cultivation, we should choose a semi-sunny area, or build shade structures ourselves. It only needs sufficient sunlight, and cannot be exposed to too strong light, as this will also harm polygonatum. When preparing the land, we should first evenly spread a layer of base fertilizer on top, then deep plow, level the land, and finally dig drainage ditches all around, as well as small ditches in the field about every 1.5 meters, and then we can wait to sow.
2. Sowing Methods
We generally sow around August each year or around March. There are two sowing methods. The first is tuber transplanting, and the second is direct seed sowing. Tuber transplanting is done around March by digging some tubers out of the ground, dividing them into small sections, drying them, placing them evenly in rows, and finally covering them with thin soil. When necessary, a layer of straw or plastic film can be placed on top. Direct seed sowing is even easier: simply sow the seeds at a reasonable spacing and cover them with soil. The final treatment method is the same as for tuber sowing.
3. Reasonable Density
In order for polygonatum to grow better, we need to reasonably arrange the planting density when sowing. Normally, about 800 to 1,000 polygonatum plants can be planted per sq m. Planting can be adjusted according to soil fertility. In relatively poor soil, plant with 20 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants, while in relatively fertile land, plant with 30 cm between rows and 20 cm between plants. Only polygonatum planted this way will be high-yielding.
4. Scientific Fertilization
Polygonatum requires relatively many nutrients during its growth period, so when topdressing, we follow the principle of frequent application of thin fertilizer. The first topdressing is about one week after polygonatum is established, mainly to promote seedlings, so a somewhat larger amount of nitrogen fertilizer can be applied. Especially during the peak growth season, polygonatum needs more nutrients, so after that, fertilization is needed once every month, mainly with farmyard manure, supplemented by a small amount of phosphate fertilizer and cake fertilizer. Each fertilization can be combined with weeding, which is more conducive to nutrient absorption by polygonatum.
5. Field Management
If planting is done in a semi-sunny area, then shade structure management is not needed, but if there is direct sunlight all day, we need to reasonably build some sheds around it, which can provide a shading effect to a certain extent. Polygonatum generally enters its flowering period in early May, but because its growth period is relatively long, it needs to consume relatively many nutrients. So in order to make better use of nutrients, we need to remove some flower buds and branches and leaves, so that nutrients are completely absorbed by the underground tubers. Finally, pest and disease control also needs attention. The main disease is twig blight, which can be controlled with Bordeaux mixture, while the main pests are underground insects such as cutworms, which can be controlled by drenching the roots with trichlorfon powder.