Key Techniques and Detailed Methods for Seed Saving of Angelica sinensis

For raising seedlings and transplanting, seeds of medium maturity produced from flowering in the third year should be used. A single plant, besides the main bud, has many lateral buds. Both the main bud and the lateral buds can bolt, flower and set seed. Flowering branches that bear seeds can also grow from the axils of the main stem. Because the growth periods of the various flowering branches differ, flowering times and seed maturation occur in succession. Therefore, when collecting seeds, one must frequently observe in the field. Looking down from the top of the flowering stem, when the first umbel appears pink, the second umbel appears light red, and the third umbel appears pale yellow, it is time to harvest (generally in early to mid-August). Seeds that are over-mature will bolt early after seedling raising and transplanting, so it is best to break off the fruit umbels when the seeds are 80% mature, insert them in water or wet soil, or wrap them in fresh Artemisia annua, and after 12 to 48 hours, when they appear white, the after-ripening process has been completed. Tie the harvested fruit umbels into small bundles, hang them with stalks and branches in a smokeless, dry, well-ventilated place to dry thoroughly (moisture content below 8%), then thresh to remove impurities, and store sealed in a dry, cool place. Avoid exposure to the sun, baking and rain.

For direct seeding cultivation, biennial seeds with a high degree of maturity and plump, full grains must be selected and reserved. Direct seeding with such seeds gives early emergence, vigorous sprouting and rapid growth, and is an important factor in obtaining high yields. However, such seeds are only suitable for direct seeding and cannot be used for raising seedlings.