Detailed Explanation of Key Points for Cultivating Pinellia ternata (Ban Xia)

Site Selection and Land Preparation: Pinellia ternata is cold-tolerant and prefers loose, fertile sandy or semi-sandy soil, though ordinary soil will also do. Before plowing, apply 100-150 kg of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer per mu, plow deeply and harrow thoroughly, and make beds running east to west.

Propagation Method: Propagate by tubers. Using a seed drill, open furrows at a row spacing of 21-24 cm with a furrow depth of 4-6 cm, plant the seed corms at a plant spacing of 5-7 cm, then cover with soil and level with a drill hoe, and push over twice with a large hoe. If the soil is moist, watering may be omitted; after the seedlings emerge, water lightly as appropriate depending on soil moisture.

Field Management: Within the beds, plant a row of tall-stalked crops running east to west at a spacing of 1.5 cm, such as corn or sorghum, which is beneficial to the growth of Pinellia ternata. Pinellia ternata needs to have its vines turned 2-3 times a year; after each vine turning, it can be watered, which helps the seedlings emerge and grow again. Pay attention to watering during drought and to drainage during rainy periods. So far there have been no pests or diseases.

Harvesting and Processing: Depending on the situation, digging can be done around the Frost's Descent solar term or in the following spring. Dig out the corms; the large ones are processed for medicinal use, and the small ones are kept as seed. For those intended for medicinal use, put them in gunny sacks, place them on a wooden board or stone slab, and rub them while dipping in water to peel off the skin, then pour them into a sieve and immerse in water to float off the skin residue; after sun-drying, they are ready for sale.