What are the key points of Schisandra cultivation techniques? A detailed explanation of planting methods in one article

1. Overview. Also known as northern Schisandra and Liaoning Schisandra, it is a plant of the Magnoliaceae family, and its fruit is used as medicine. It has the effects of astringing the lungs, nourishing the kidneys, stopping diarrhea, and securing essence. It is mainly produced in the Northeast and in provinces and autonomous regions such as Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Shandong, and Hubei.

2. Cultivation techniques. Schisandra is mainly propagated by seed. After the fruit is harvested in August-September, the flesh is removed and the seeds are washed out. Direct sowing of dry seeds does not produce seedlings because the seed coat is hard, smooth, and has an oily layer that is impermeable to light. Before sowing, the seeds need to be treated. After soaking the seeds at room temperature for 2 days and nights, mix them evenly with 3 times the amount of clean river sand, and bury them in a relatively cool place. After 3-4 months, when the seeds crack open and the radicle is exposed, sow them again. Seedlings are usually raised by drilling in late autumn or early spring, using about 5 kg of seed per mu, covering with 1.65 cm of soil, watering thoroughly, and covering with grass to keep the soil moist. After the seedlings emerge, remove the covering grass, set up a frame for shade, and keep a small amount of sunlight. They can be planted out in early spring of the second or third year. There are two situations: one is to use natural supports, and the other is to use artificial supports. Tree species selected for natural supports should preferably have smaller leaves and not overly vigorous growth. Hawthorn is a relatively ideal tree species. Tree seedlings can first be planted at a spacing of 3 m x 3 m between rows and plants, and then 2 Schisandra seedlings can be planted under each tree, at a distance of about 67 cm from the trunk, one on each side. If artificial supports are used, Schisandra seedlings can be planted at a spacing of 1 m between wide rows, 67 cm between narrow rows, and 50 cm between plants, with rows oriented north-south to facilitate ventilation and light penetration. Schisandra is a fertilizer-loving plant, so sufficient base fertilizer should be applied at planting time. First dig holes about 33 cm deep and wide, mix the fertilizer with soil and fill it into the holes. When planting seedlings, spread the root system so it is beneficial for survival and growth, and after planting, firm the soil and water. During the seedling stage, growth is slow, so pay attention to weeding and loosening the soil, and water appropriately. After the second year, set up supports for the branches to climb, so as to provide ventilation and light and promote growth. In addition to applying sufficient base fertilizer at planting time, topdress every spring, applying 1500-2000 kg of barnyard manure or compost and 15-20 kg of superphosphate per mu.

3. Harvesting and processing. After planting, Schisandra bears a large amount of fruit in 4-5 years. In autumn, when the fruit turns purplish red in August-September, pick it and dry it in the sun or in the shade.