Detailed Explanation of Blumea balsamifera Planting Techniques and Management Key Points
Blumea balsamifera is a perennial herb or subshrub of the Asteraceae family, mainly growing under forest, in valleys or on grasslands at altitudes ranging from 600-1000 m. The whole plant can be used as medicine, having the effect of inducing sweating and expelling phlegm, and can be used to treat symptoms such as heatstroke and chest and abdominal pain. So how should Blumea balsamifera be planted? Let's take a look.
1. Growth Habits
Blumea balsamifera has a relatively developed root system and prefers sunny, high and dry terrain with good drainage. The soil should preferably be acidic or neutral soil with deep soil layers, and continuous cropping on the same land should be avoided. The suitable average growth temperature is 18-21 degrees. It has a certain drought resistance; during mild drought, water shortage has little effect on it, but if it is in a dry environment for a long time, its growth will be extremely slow, and in severe cases it will cause leaves to drop and the plant to wither and die.
2. Propagation Methods
Blumea balsamifera can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods, but asexual propagation is mainly used in production. Its underground rhizomes produce bud points during growth, and these bud points grow into separated seedlings. These separated seedlings can be separated and transplanted in April-May, and soon they become new plants. Its sexual propagation is by sowing. Although its seed germination rate is relatively low, once the seeds germinate and grow into mature plants, their growth will be extremely vigorous and their disease resistance will also be strong.
3. Planting
When the cultivated seedlings grow to 5-20 cm, they can be transplanted. The best transplanting time is April-May. When transplanting, dig out the seedlings, taking care not to damage the root system excessively, dip the roots in mud slurry, and complete the transplanting within two days. When transplanting, the row spacing should be controlled at about 1 m, and the plant spacing varies from 15-100 cm. Choose the transplanting plant spacing according to the soil fertility condition. If the soil fertility is better, it can be planted appropriately densely; otherwise, it should be planted appropriately sparsely. When transplanting, keep the stem upright and centered, spread out the root system, then cover with soil and water.
4. Field Management
One week after planting, check the survival rate of the seedlings in time. Dead seedlings show withered central leaves, while surviving plants show expansion of the upper central leaves. Replant dead seedlings promptly by transplanting again. By the end of June, even surviving plants are highly prone to death from pests and diseases, so pest and disease control should be done well. After survival, topdressing should be combined with intertillage and weeding. Intertillage and weeding should be carried out 2-3 times each year to loosen the soil and promote root growth.
The above is an introduction to Blumea balsamifera planting techniques. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.