How much do Kochia scoparia seeds cost? With planting methods
Kochia scoparia, also known as broom seedling, broom vegetable, peacock pine, etc., is an annual herbaceous plant of the genus Kochia in the Amaranthaceae family. It has strong adaptability and can be planted in front of and behind houses, at field edges and corners throughout the north and south. Its fruit is flat and spherical, called Kochia fruit, and can be used as medicine. The young stems and leaves can be eaten, and the old plants can be used to make brooms. Let us take a look at Kochia scoparia seed prices and planting methods together!
How much does a jin of Kochia scoparia seeds cost?
The price of Kochia scoparia seeds is about 25 to 35 yuan per jin, but it varies depending on seed quality, variety, place of origin and purchase quantity. Kochia scoparia can be planted throughout the north and south of China. Its tender stems and leaves are a semi-wild vegetable rich in carotene, potassium and copper. They are generally blanched in boiling water and then stir-fried, served cold or used as filling. In spring, the old leaves can be used as feed. The seeds contain 15% oil and are used for food, industrial use or medicine. The usual sowing rate is about 2 jin per mu.
Preparation for planting Kochia scoparia
1. Land selection: Kochia scoparia is drought-tolerant and has low requirements for climate conditions, but it likes sunlight and grows poorly in shaded places. Therefore, it is best to choose flat, fertile, sunny, well-drained sandy soil with irrigation conditions.
2. Apply sufficient base fertilizer: After the plot is determined, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied in late March, generally 3000 to 5000 kg of high-quality farmyard manure per mu. On the basis of applying farmyard manure, inorganic fertilizer should also be applied, with 50 kg of compound fertilizer.
3. Deep plowing and sun-drying the soil: After the fertilizer is applied, plow the land deeply 25 to 30 cm and sun-dry the soil. This is mainly to eliminate root-type weeds and underground overwintering pests, thereby reducing the harm of diseases and insects.
4. Leveling and making beds: 6 to 8 days before sowing Kochia scoparia, level the sun-dried land and make beds according to the terrain and climate conditions. Make long beds on flat terrain and short beds on undulating terrain. Note that the bed edges should be firm and the bed surface should be level.
Sowing methods for Kochia scoparia
1. Seed collection: Kochia scoparia has a certain ability to self-sow, but it can also be sown manually. When the Kochia scoparia fruit matures in August and September, the seeds can be collected. Remove the fruit from the plant, remove impurities, and dry the fruit for later use.
2. Sowing time: Kochia scoparia can be directly sown or transplanted after seedling raising. If directly sown in the open field, it can be done in early April. If raised as seedlings and transplanted later, sow from early to mid-March, and transplant after seedlings grow.
3. Sowing method: Kochia scoparia can be sown in holes, in rows or broadcast. Although it is relatively drought-resistant and has low soil requirements, it is still necessary to water thoroughly before sowing and apply a certain amount of decomposed organic fertilizer. After sowing, keep the soil moist, and seedlings emerge in about 10 days.
Planting methods for Kochia scoparia
1. Thinning and transplanting: For direct sowing in open ground, when the seedlings grow to 15 to 20 cm high, the seedlings can be finalized at a spacing of 70 to 100 cm between plants and rows while harvesting young seedlings. For seedling raising in protected facilities, when the seedlings grow to 6 to 10 cm, they can be transplanted and planted.
2. Water and fertilizer management: In addition to applying sufficient base fertilizer, when thinning seedlings and after transplant recovery, apply a quick-dissolving biological organic fertilizer at 150 kg/hectare along with irrigation. During the growing period, water once every 7 to 10 days.
3. Pest and disease control: Kochia scoparia is susceptible to aphid damage, which can be controlled with a 1000 to 1200 times dilution of 40% dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate. It is also easily parasitized by dodder, which should be removed promptly once found.
4. Timely harvesting: When planting Kochia scoparia, the young seedlings can generally be harvested when the plants grow to 15 to 20 cm high. From April to July, tender stems and leaves can be harvested successively. After the Beginning of Autumn, the whole plant or seeds can be harvested.