How to grow Sichuan pepper well? A detailed explanation of key planting techniques
Sichuan pepper is grown in many places in our country. In the past, Sichuan pepper was basically wild. Although wild Sichuan pepper trees still exist today, they are no longer as abundant as before. This is mainly because people have learned about the effects and value of Sichuan pepper through various platforms, so for a time it was extensively picked and cut down, and at the same time, cultivation of Sichuan pepper appeared in many places. So today, let us take a look with Qinnong.com at how Sichuan pepper is actually grown better.
1. Select improved varieties
Wild Sichuan pepper actually has a fairly good yield, but it is still not enough for current market demand. Secondly, wild Sichuan pepper grains are relatively small, so later artificial breeding is needed for improvement. Now there are already many varieties of Sichuan pepper, and they all have their own unique advantages, so we can make a reasonable seed selection according to the local climate and the environment of the planting site, trying to choose varieties with large grains, high yield, strong resistance, and easy management.
2. Scientific planting
To grow Sichuan pepper well, the planting time is also very important. The temperature suitable for the growth of Sichuan pepper must be at least around ten degrees, so we generally choose to plant in March or April each year. Next, choosing suitable soil is also a relatively important condition. We should choose land that faces the sun and has relatively high soil nutrients and organic matter, good permeability, and complete drainage and water storage functions for planting. Before planting, we should deep-plow the land, and during deep plowing, combine it with organic fertilizer or farmyard manure as base fertilizer to enhance soil fertility. One more thing to note is that the seeds should first be soaked in warm water for about a day and a half, then taken out and mixed with plant ash before sowing. Commonly used sowing methods are drilling, hole sowing, and transplanting. After sowing, plastic film should be used to cover them to keep warm and retain moisture.
3. Field management
When the Sichuan pepper seedlings grow to about ten to fifteen cm, we need to carry out management for checking seedlings, thinning seedlings, and filling gaps. Generally, planting is done at a spacing of one meter five per row and one meter per plant. After planting, the first watering and fertilizing are needed. This can improve the survival rate of the Sichuan pepper trees and promote their growth. For one mu, about two thousand jin of manure and urine water is needed, and about thirty jin of potassium fertilizer or calcium fertilizer and other trace element fertilizers can be applied to improve the soil. Usually, topdressing should wait until after Sichuan pepper enters the flowering stage, but topdressing still needs to be done according to the growth of the plants. If the growth is poor, then naturally multiple topdressings are needed. One relatively important point is that watering, fertilizing, and weeding are best carried out together, as this helps nutrient absorption.
4. Branch and leaf management
To make Sichuan pepper grow well, have high yield, and excellent quality, branch and leaf management is a very key link. This is because the branches and leaves of Sichuan pepper grow relatively quickly and very densely, but plant growth requires sufficient light, so if we want to maintain reasonable density and permeability in the field, then we must prune branches and leaves. However, pruning branches and leaves does not mean cutting randomly; rather, there are certain requirements. First, in order to increase yield, it is necessary to cut off old branches, diseased branches, weak branches, and dense branches. Second, in order to make the tree shape more attractive and pleasing to the eye, the direction of branch and leaf growth should be properly adjusted. Finally, in order to facilitate harvesting, it is best to allow the Sichuan pepper tree to grow horizontally.