What are the propagation methods for Salvia miltiorrhiza? Detailed explanation of common propagation techniques

Salvia miltiorrhiza, also known as red root and Dahongpao, is cultivated in most parts of China. It has high medicinal value, with effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, removing blood stasis and promoting blood circulation. It is extremely effective for irregular menstruation in women, and can even eliminate inflammation of the mammary glands and lymph glands. So do you know how it is propagated? Let's find out together.

1. Root division propagation

At harvest time each year, select thick, bright red, pest-free, intact one-year-old root strips as seed roots, and store them in wet sand until planting the following year. Of course, you can also choose healthy, pest-free plants not to harvest, leave them in place as seed stock, and dig them up for planting the following year. When planting, cut the tubers into 5-7cm small sections, let them dry slightly, then begin planting. When planting, control the plant and row spacing, insert them into the soil so the roots are not exposed, water and cover with an arched plastic film tunnel, water once a week, and they will sprout and emerge in about one month.

2. Rhizome head propagation

Rhizome head propagation is similar to root division propagation. Also at harvest time, select healthy, pest-free plants, cut off their thick roots for medicinal use, and use the thin roots less than 0.6cm in diameter and the rhizome heads at the base as seed. Spray the seed stems with low-concentration zinc sulfate solution, pile and cover for 2 hours, then dry and plant. The method is the same as root division.

3. Seed propagation

Seed propagation is suitable for raising large quantities of seedlings. It is generally carried out in late March. First prepare the seedbed, then open shallow furrows 1cm deep on the seedbed at a row spacing of 33cm, mix the seeds with fine sand and sprinkle them evenly, then cover with soil just until the seeds are no longer visible. After sowing, cover with straw to keep warm and moist. Under suitable temperature conditions, seedlings will emerge in half a month. After emergence, promptly remove the straw cover, and carry out seedling-stage management such as thinning and filling in gaps.

4. Cutting propagation

Salvia miltiorrhiza has strong asexual propagation ability, and it can generally be done in warm weather. In the south it is usually in April-May, and in the north in July-August. First take the aboveground stems of Salvia miltiorrhiza, cut them into 10-15cm small sections, remove the old leaves on the lower part, and keep half of the new leaves on the upper part. To improve the survival rate, it is best to insert them as soon as they are cut. Open furrows on the prepared raised bed, insert the cuttings at an angle, with a plant spacing of 4-5cm, and insert them to a depth of 6-7cm. After cutting, water and shade.

The above is an introduction to the propagation methods of Salvia miltiorrhiza. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.