Detailed Explanation of Croton Planting Methods and Technical Points

Croton is a fairly commonly used medicinal herb. We all know that accidentally ingesting croton can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is the main component in laxatives, usually used to treat edema and to promote bowel movements. Croton is toxic, so it cannot be used casually. At present, croton in China is mainly produced in Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and other places. So how is croton planted? Let us take a look at the croton planting methods below.

1. Land preparation and fertilization

Croton is suitable for growing in a warm and humid environment. Choose a planting site in an area with relatively abundant water sources. It can be planted in any soil. So when choosing a site, besides considering the water source, you only need to consider wind. It is best to choose a place that is sheltered from wind, and it is even better if the soil is relatively fertile. Land preparation is divided into nursery land and planting land. The soil of the nursery land should be broken into granular form with no impurities, while the planting land needs to be deep-ploughed and then holes dug, after which sufficient fertilizer is scattered in and it is ready for planting.

2. Sowing and seedling raising

For sowing, we usually choose around rainy periods, as this can promote the seed germination speed and increase the seed germination rate. Open furrows on the prepared nursery land. It should not be done by strip sowing. Open furrows at a spacing of about 10 to 20 cm per row, then evenly scatter the seeds into the furrows and cover them with soil.

3. Seedling stage management

Croton takes a relatively long time to emerge. After the seedlings come out, manage them according to their growth conditions. During dry weather, water generally about once every 3 to 4 days. At the same time, apply fertilizer appropriately according to the growth of the seedlings, mainly nitrogen fertilizer, or use manure and urine water for irrigation. Next is proper weeding to prevent nutrients from being consumed by weeds and affecting the growth of croton seedlings.

4. Transplanting and planting out

When the croton seedlings grow to about 20 cm, they are transplanted. Generally, planting is done at a spacing of 3 m between rows and about 2.5 m between plants. When planting, it is best to choose a cloudy day or around rainy periods, as this can increase the survival rate of croton seedlings.

5. Field management

One week after planting, we need to check the growth of croton in the field, replant missing seedlings in time, and carry out the first topdressing, so that the seedlings in the field are uniform. Then in the middle growth stage of croton, if the branches are found to be relatively weak and the leaves yellowing, an additional application of urea is needed. Next, when croton blooms and sets beans, carry out the third topdressing, mainly with potassium fertilizer, phosphorus fertilizer and NPK compound fertilizer. At the same time, in order to avoid aging of branches and leaves, a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer can be applied appropriately. Each time you fertilize, be careful to combine it with cultivating and watering.

6. Pest and disease control

Croton has very low resistance, and basically there are no pests or diseases throughout its entire growth period. A large part of the reason is also that it itself contains toxicity, so it can play a very good protective role. But there is one pest that is not afraid of death, and that is the inchworm. We can use trichlorfon to control it.