Detailed Explanation of Key Points and Methods for Growing Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, also known as Longyan root or Zhouma, is a perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Cimicifuga. Its rhizome can be used as medicine, with effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and lifting yang qi. It is mainly used for wind-heat headache, sore throat, and so on. So how should black cohosh be grown? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction.
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
Black cohosh is suitable for growing in areas at an altitude of about 1000 m. It is best to choose deep soil rich in humus on semi-shaded slopes or in well-drained sandy loam. After selecting the planting site, first remove field debris, deeply plow the soil 30-40 cm, apply 1000-2000 of decomposed organic fertilizer per mu, break up the soil clods, rake fine and level, then make beds. The beds should be 20 cm high and 100-130 cm wide.
2. Sowing
Sowing can be done in spring and autumn. In spring, it is done in March-April; in autumn, it is done in the 40th month. When sowing, first open shallow furrows on the bed surface at a row spacing of 20-25, with a furrow depth of 4-5 cm. Sow the seeds evenly in rows in the furrows, cover with a layer of fine soil, and press lightly. After sowing, if the soil is dry, water thoroughly once to keep it moist, then cover with a layer of rice straw to keep warm and retain moisture. Autumn sowing is the same as spring sowing, but in northern regions attention should be paid to insulation measures, or cultivation in greenhouses can be used.
3. Field Management
After emergence, water timely according to soil conditions when dry, keep the soil moist, and promote seedling growth. During the seedling stage, timely cultivating and weeding should be carried out to loosen the soil, but pay attention to the depth of cultivation to avoid damaging the seedling roots. When cultivating and weeding, topdressing can be applied according to seedling growth. During the seedling stage, topdressing should mainly be nitrogen fertilizer. After the rainy season, drain and earth up promptly to avoid root rot or pest and disease problems caused by water accumulation. Two-year-old black cohosh bears fewer fruits, and the seed quality is also poor, so cut off the buds when they appear, allowing more nutrients to flow into the roots, promoting robust root growth and preparing for fruiting the next year.
4. Pest and Disease Control
Black cohosh has relatively few pests and diseases. The main disease is leaf spot, which damages leaves and generally occurs in August-September. Spray Bordeaux mixture before onset for prevention, and spray zineb at onset for control. The main pest is white grubs, which damage the plant roots. White grubs generally occur in May-June, burrowing into the soil and gnawing the roots, causing the plants to gradually wither and die. Rogor emulsifiable concentrate can be used as a root drench for control.
The above is an introduction to black cohosh growing techniques. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.