How to grow Polygala tenuifolia well? Planting methods and technical key points
Polygala tenuifolia is currently a very expensive medicinal herb, and wild Polygala tenuifolia has also been listed by the state as a protected plant, so it is not allowed to be harvested without authorization. Moreover, the scale of artificial cultivation of Polygala tenuifolia is not large, and the market price has been continuously rising. Polygala tenuifolia has the effects of calming the mind and improving intelligence, resolving phlegm, reducing swelling, and treating symptoms such as cough and insomnia, and its uses are very wide-ranging. What we need to understand today is the planting methods of Polygala tenuifolia. Let us take a look together.
1. Land selection and land preparation
Polygala tenuifolia has no special requirements for the soil used for planting. Wild Polygala tenuifolia generally grows in cool, moist places with good light, so according to its growth habits, we can choose loam or sandy soil that faces the sun, has sufficient water sources, and has convenient drainage and irrigation. Next, the planting site should preferably be selected as a plot with relatively sufficient soil fertility. When plowing the land, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied, and deep plowing and compaction should be carried out at the same time. The land should be leveled and the soil should be finely broken up, made into flat beds of about 1.5 to 2 m, and the dug ditches should interconnect with one another, which facilitates later watering and drainage.
2. Scientific sowing
In our country, Polygala tenuifolia can basically be planted in spring and autumn, generally in April or August each year. When planting Polygala tenuifolia, be sure to note that the time cannot be too early or too late, and planting should be carried out according to the time and local conditions. Before sowing, the seeds should first be soaked in water or a special medicinal agent, removed after 24 hours, and mixed evenly with fine river sand. Then the planting site should be watered thoroughly, and furrows should be opened for sowing at a row spacing of 25 to 30 cm. The seeds should be spread evenly, covered with about 1 cm of thin soil, and finally covered with a layer of film or straw.
3. Transplanting and setting out
When transplanting Polygala tenuifolia, attention should be paid to the weather. It is best to choose a rainy day or the afternoon. When the seedlings of Polygala tenuifolia grow to about five or six cm, they can be transplanted. When transplanting, plant them at a row spacing of 25 to 30 cm and about 10 cm per plant.
4. Field management
One week after planting, it is necessary to check the growth of the seedlings in the field, replant missing seedlings and water in time. When the Polygala tenuifolia seedlings grow new roots, intertillage weeding and earthing up can be carried out, and this can be done together with watering and fertilizing. During the growth period, Polygala tenuifolia has a relatively large demand for fertilizer and water. We should topdress with about 30 kg of urea per mu and about 100 jin of phosphate fertilizer, and water in time. This can dilute the fertilizer concentration and allow the plants to absorb it better. Next, when the tubers swell, an appropriate amount of foliar fertilizer needs to be sprayed, which can prevent plant aging while also promoting tuber growth. Foliar fertilizer is generally best sprayed two to three times, as this can increase yield. During the flowering period of Polygala tenuifolia, flowers should be appropriately removed, or a medicinal agent that inhibits flower and pod growth should be sprayed, which can avoid nutrient consumption and promote root growth. The last thing to note is that if there is too much water in the field, drainage should be carried out in time to avoid plant rot.
5. Pest and disease control
The main diseases of Polygala tenuifolia include root rot and leaf blight. Root rot mainly damages the roots of Polygala tenuifolia and causes serious losses to yield. The resistance of the plants can be enhanced by increasing the application of phosphate fertilizer and base fertilizer, and carbendazim can also be used for treatment. Leaf blight mainly damages the leaf surface of Polygala tenuifolia, and an 800-1000 times dilution of zineb can be used for control. In addition, pests such as bean blister beetles, red spiders, and white grubs often appear, damaging not only the branches and leaves of Polygala tenuifolia but also its roots, affecting the quality of Polygala tenuifolia. We can use crop insecticides, ferrous sulfate, and trichlorfon crystal respectively for control.