Cultivation Techniques and Planting Management Key Points for Scorzonera sinensis
Scorzonera sinensis Lipsch. et Krasch. is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. The plant height is 5-10 cm, with milky sap. The root is thick and sturdy, the root system is dense and substantial, fibrous, brown. The stem is solitary or 3-4 clustered together, hairless, with a white powdery coating. The basal leaves are lanceolate or broadly lanceolate, 5-15 cm long, hairless, with a white powdery coating, the margins are deeply wrinkled and curved, the apex is obtuse or gradually acuminate, the base gradually narrows into a winged petiole, the base is broadly sheathing and stem-clasping; the cauline leaves are 2-3 small leaves, scale-like, nearly sessile, semi-stem-clasping. The capitulum is solitary at the top of the stem, the involucre is cylindrical, 2-3 cm long and 8-13 mm wide, the outer phyllaries are broadly ovate or triangular, extremely short, the inner phyllaries are lanceolate; the ligulate florets are yellow, rose-colored on the outside, 20-30 mm long. The achene is cylindrical, 12-14 mm long, dark yellow, slightly curved, hairless, without a beak, with longitudinal grooves, the pappus is white, feathery. The flowering and fruiting period is April to June.
The tender leaves and young inflorescences of Scorzonera sinensis are edible and taste delicious; the root is used as medicine, with effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing inflammation, and promoting lactation.
1 Ecological Conditions
Scorzonera sinensis has strong adaptability, prefers a mild and humid environment, and also has extremely strong vitality under arid conditions. After the rhizome is planted, it can sprout when the average daily temperature reaches 6°C. The suitable temperature for growth is 20-30°C; when the temperature drops below 0°C, the aboveground parts wither and dry up, and growth stagnates. Scorzonera sinensis has low requirements for soil and can grow in clay, loam, and sandy soil. It can also be planted on barren hills, sloping land, and infertile land. The suitable soil pH is 6.5-7.5.
2 Propagation Methods
2.1 Rhizome propagation The planting period is from late October to the end of April of the following year, with late autumn planting being the best. Early planting results in fast rooting and more sprouts, and the roots and buds are sturdy. Before planting, turn up the rhizomes, with sturdy 1-year-old rhizomes being preferred; the planting row spacing is 15-20 cm, and the density should be such that the rhizomes are connected end to end, then cover with soil and rake repeatedly until even.
2.2 Seed propagation Water thoroughly before sowing, and germination occurs 10-15 days after sowing. Seedlings are raised in early April. Before sowing in the seedbed, deep plow, and at the same time apply base fertilizer. After breaking up the soil and raking it level, make a seedbed 1 m wide and 10-15 m long. Drill sowing or broadcast sowing, with a seeding rate of 8-10 kg per mu. After sowing, cover with fine soil 2-3 cm, then cover with a layer of straw curtain, water frequently, and keep the soil moist. Remove the straw curtain after seedlings emerge. The seedling raising period is 1 year.
3 Field Planting
Scorzonera sinensis can be field planted in early to mid-April, with 20,000-30,000 plants retained per mu. The planting site should be deep plowed in the winter of the previous year, then plowed once more before planting, with all weeds removed and sufficient base fertilizer applied. Generally, field planting on cloudy and rainy days or in the afternoon makes it easier to survive. After field planting, cover with soil and press firmly to avoid water loss from the root system, then water.
4 Field Management
During the growth period of Scorzonera sinensis, the soil surface should be kept moist at all times. Water promptly during drought. When rainfall is heavy, drain the field water to prevent the rhizomes from suffocating and dying. After harvesting the edible aboveground parts, promptly apply topdressing, spray pesticides, and remove weeds from the field.
5 Pest Control
Aphids mainly suck the sap of stems and leaves, and in severe cases cause the stems and leaves to turn yellow. During the occurrence period, spray with 40% dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 1500-2000 times dilution for control; locusts mainly bite and eat the leaves, causing notches and holes. During the young instar stage, spray with 90% trichlorfon at 800 times dilution for control.
6 Harvest
The tender leaves and young inflorescences of Scorzonera sinensis can be picked in spring; the rhizomes are of better quality from autumn to spring before the seedlings emerge. After digging out the rhizomes, remove the stems, leaves, soil, and fibrous roots, and they can be sold after drying in the sun.