How to grow Centipeda minima? Detailed explanation of key planting techniques
Centipeda minima is a traditional Chinese medicine, commonly growing in rural areas. It got its name because even geese won't eat it. It has effects such as dispelling wind-cold, clearing the nasal passages, relieving cough, detoxifying, and relieving itching, and is often used to treat rhinitis. So how do you grow it? Let's take a look together.
1. Site selection and land preparation
Centipeda minima has low requirements for soil and can adapt to various soils. It is suitable for planting in loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam. Before planting, the land must be prepared by deep plowing the soil to break it up. Since Centipeda minima has a short growth cycle, a heavy application of base fertilizer is needed. The base fertilizer should be mainly farmyard manure, with 3000-4000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure applied per mu, combined with an appropriate amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer. After mixing with the soil, make beds according to the terrain.
2. Seed treatment
The seeds of Centipeda minima are relatively small and are wrapped inside the fruit. Before sowing, the fruit must first be collected. After collecting the seeds, dry them in the sun, rub off the fruit skin, and take out the seeds for later use. The outer layer of the seed has a waxy substance that affects water absorption and makes germination difficult. Therefore, when sowing, to improve the germination rate, the seeds must be treated by soaking in water to remove the waxy outer layer. Then mix the seeds evenly with fine soil or fine sand and prepare to sow.
3. Sowing
Sowing can be done in spring or autumn. Spring sowing is generally for commercial use, while autumn sowing can be for commercial use and seed retention. Spring sowing is carried out from March to May, and autumn sowing in mid-to-late August. Sowing can be divided into drilling and broadcasting methods. For drilling, open shallow furrows on the bed surface at a row spacing of 25-30 cm, evenly scatter the seeds into the furrows, and then cover with soil. For broadcasting, prepare a seedbed, evenly scatter the seeds on the seedbed, and then cover with a thin layer of soil. Generally, broadcasting consumes more seeds than drilling.
4. Field management
After sowing, water frequently to keep the soil moist, but also be careful of waterlogging to avoid seed rot or damage to seedling roots. Drain promptly after rain. At a certain stage of growth, thin and finalize the seedlings in time. After planting, water management is extremely critical. Both drought and waterlogging must be prevented, and irrigation can be stopped during the fruiting period. During high temperatures, irrigate in the drainage ditches, which can lower the temperature and prevent the plants from being scorched.
The above is an introduction to the planting techniques for Centipeda minima. We hope it helps you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.