How Does Selfheal Propagate? A Detailed Guide to Propagation Methods

Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) is a plant with relatively high medicinal value. It is a herb that withers in summer, often growing wild in wet spots in mountain gullies, in damp grassy areas along riverbanks, on wasteland and beside roads, and it is distributed throughout the country. Today it is widely cultivated in provinces such as Hunan, Henan and Anhui. It has strong adaptability and rarely suffers from pests and diseases, and since its growing returns are decent, it attracts many people to cultivate it. But when growing it, propagation is tied to its returns, so follow along with the editor below to take a look at the propagation methods for selfheal.

1. What Propagation Methods Are There

Besides being able to adapt to the traditional seed propagation method, selfheal has strong sprouting and tillering ability, so it can also be propagated by division. Division propagation has the advantages of being easy to carry out, having a high survival rate and producing established seedlings; many people use it when planting. Let us look below at the specific steps of the two propagation methods.

2. Seed Propagation

Seed propagation first requires collecting seeds. Every year in June, selfheal gradually turns yellow and withers. When it has withered by about 80%, the fruit spikes can be cut off. After drying them for a period of time, the seeds can be screened out; remove the impurities from the seeds, store them in a cool place, and wait until the right time to sow. The sowing time is generally March-April in spring and August in autumn. Use the broadcast sowing method, scattering the seeds evenly over the soil at a certain row spacing; it should not be too dense. After broadcast sowing, cover with a layer of fine soil, then press lightly with your hand, and water again. Note that the amount of water should not be too large, so as not to wash the seeds right out. After that, water frequently to keep the soil moist, but there should not be waterlogging; about 10-15 days later they will germinate.

3. Division Propagation

Division propagation is generally done in spring, at the end of the planting period when new shoots emerge. Dig out the older roots of robust, healthy plants, divide them into 2-3 small clumps, and plant them separately. When planting, the density must likewise be controlled and should not be too dense; the plant and row spacing can be controlled at about 10×25cm. After planting, press the soil lightly with your hand, then water to keep the soil at a certain humidity. Under suitable temperatures, seedlings will emerge in about a week; at this point give them careful maintenance, ready for transplanting.

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