A Detailed Guide to Honeysuckle Cultivation Techniques and Storage Methods

Cultivation: For planting honeysuckle, raising seedlings and transplanting them is best. Seedling transplanting gives a high survival rate, early flowering and quick results. Because honeysuckle has extremely strong vitality, transplanting seedlings nearby can be done at any time throughout the year. For transplanting to a different location, because the journey is long and transport takes a long time, the seedlings are prone to heating up in their bundles and damaging the roots and branches. It is best to transport seedlings over long distances during the 2nd-4th lunar months or the 8th-10th lunar months, taking specific measures en route (such as sprinkling water); the survival rate of honeysuckle seedlings can generally be above 90%. When cultivating "Jinfeng No. 1" honeysuckle in flat garden fields, dig round pits with a diameter of 30 cm and a depth of about 25 cm at a plant spacing of 1-1.5 m and a row spacing of 2 m, place 1-2 "Jinfeng No. 1" honeysuckle seedlings in each pit, firm the soil, and water immediately. Management: Pruning branches is the most important part of high-yield management techniques for honeysuckle. In winter or early spring, cut off all weak and old branches, creeping branches along the ground, overly dense overlapping branches, crossing branches, and leggy branches, so as to concentrate nutrients and promote the growth of flowering branches. During pruning, follow the principles of "prune according to the branch, shape according to the tree, balance tree vigor, and ensure ventilation and light penetration." Fertilization: Fertilize twice a year. The first is in spring, called bud-promoting fertilizer; water promptly after fertilizing. The second is in autumn and winter, applying barnyard manure, also called root-warming fertilizer. This fertilization allows honeysuckle to store nutrients, warm the roots for overwintering, and lay a good foundation for the next year's growth. Where conditions permit, after harvesting the first flush of flowers and after harvesting the second flush of flowers of "Jinfeng No. 1" honeysuckle, a light application of quick-acting nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer can also be made. When fertilizing, it is best to combine it with intertillage and weeding, and carry out moisture-conservation measures at the same time, so as to promote better absorption of nutrients. Harvesting and storage: Begin harvesting the first flush of flowers a few days before Xiaoman. As the saying goes: "On the eighth day of the fourth month, pick silver flowers! [Note: referring to Fengqiu, Henan], at this time spread the harvested honeysuckle evenly on reed mats, sorghum-stalk baskets or a clean ground to dry (it can also be baked); do not turn it until it is 80 percent dry, otherwise it will turn black. Honeysuckle that has been dried (or baked) in one go should be dried again (or baked) after a period of time, and then it can be packed in plastic bags, stored, and kept for transport and sale.