Planting Methods and Technical Points for Andrographis paniculata
Andrographis paniculata (known as chuanxinlian) is a fairly well-known medicinal herb. It is an annual herbaceous plant and is widely cultivated in southern China. Andrographis paniculata is not only a medicinal herb but can also be stir-fried and eaten as a vegetable. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, as well as reducing inflammation and relieving pain. With both edible and medicinal value, its cultivation area is certainly not small, and even now new farmers are still joining in. So how do you grow Andrographis paniculata? Let's take a look together below!
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
Andrographis paniculata is a moisture-loving crop. It adapts well to high temperatures and is very suited to growing in high-temperature environments. Growing Andrographis paniculata requires sufficient sunlight and nutrients. After germination and seedling emergence, try to keep the temperature at around 28 degrees. If the temperature is below 20 degrees, the growth rate of the seedlings will slow down, and when the temperature is below 8 degrees, the plants will stop growing. Therefore, we should choose a planting site with sufficient fertility, loose soil, good permeability and strong heat retention, on slightly acidic soil. After choosing the soil, carry out land preparation in a timely manner. The depth of land preparation must not be less than 30 cm. During land preparation, all weeds in the soil must be picked out. After plowing, apply sufficient base fertilizer, and then do a good job of disinfecting the soil.
2. Timely Sowing
Select superior seeds that are disease-free, genetically sound, and free of cracks or wounds. Try to avoid rainy weather when sowing, and determine the sowing quantity according to the planting area. Before sowing, treat the seeds properly: wash the seeds clean, then put them into wood ash and mix evenly, because wood ash can promote seed germination and increase growth speed. After mixing evenly, sow the seeds onto the soil by broadcasting, then cover with about 1 cm of soil. Spray with agents such as dual-rose preparation, mainly to reduce the incidence of damping-off and rhizoctonia rot, and then do a good job of preserving soil moisture and fertility.
3. Field Management
After sowing, when the seedlings have grown to a certain extent, transplant them in a timely manner and maintain a reasonable planting density. After transplanting, water promptly to promote root establishment and growth of the seedlings, then carry out cultivating about once every 2-3 weeks, combining cultivation with topdressing. When topdressing, apply more nitrogen fertilizer, and fully decomposed farmyard manure can be used. Management in summer is very important. Summer is the key period for the growth of Andrographis paniculata. At this time, we should increase the frequency of topdressing and watering to promote plant growth. When the plants grow taller, earth up promptly to prevent lodging.
4. Pest and Disease Control
The main diseases of Andrographis paniculata are rhizoctonia rot and damping-off. Rhizoctonia rot usually occurs when the seedlings have grown about two leaves. After the disease occurs, control watering to prevent the soil from becoming too moist, then use agents such as carbendazim for control. Pay attention to ventilation in the field, control the surrounding environment well, especially the temperature, as excessively low temperatures will hinder plant growth. Strengthen the permeability of the field, promptly pull out diseased plants, and do a good job of pruning and trimming. Reduce the conditions for disease occurrence and lower the incidence rate.
That is all for the introduction to the planting methods of Andrographis paniculata. Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal plant with relatively high economic value. Regular consumption of Andrographis paniculata can effectively enhance the body's resistance. Although the current cultivation area is not very extensive, as its reputation increases and market demand expands, more and more growers will appear, so Andrographis paniculata still has certain prospects for cultivation. However, before planting, everyone should still consider things clearly from all aspects, so as to avoid drawing water with a bamboo basket and ending up with nothing.