Propagation Methods and Cultivation Techniques of Polygonatum

Propagation methods: Propagated by rhizomes and seeds, mainly by rhizomes.

1. Site selection and land preparation: Choose loam soil with deep, fertile, loose and moist soil layers. Apply 2500 kg of decomposed compost or barnyard manure per 667 sq m, plow deeply 25-30 cm, then break up the soil finely and level it, and make beds 1.2 m wide.

2. Rhizome propagation: In late autumn or late March of early spring, dig out the underground rhizomes, cut them into small sections with 2-3 nodes, and air-dry them for half a day or 1 day to let the wounds heal. Open furrows at a row spacing of 20-25 cm, with a furrow depth of 6 cm, and place the seed rhizomes in the furrows at a plant spacing of 10-15 cm. Cover with 3-5 cm of soil and then water, keeping the soil moist. Seedlings emerge in about 15 days. For planting in late autumn, water thoroughly once before the ground freezes, and keep the soil moist before emergence in the following spring. Use about 150 kg of seed rhizomes per 667 sq m.

3. Seed propagation: Harvest seeds in August and immediately carry out sand storage treatment. Mix 1 part seeds with 3 parts wet sand evenly, and store in a pit 30-40 cm deep in a shaded place. Take out the seeds before sowing the next spring, open furrows at a row spacing of 10-13 cm, with a furrow depth of 1-2 cm, evenly scatter the seeds into the furrows, cover with soil and press lightly, water, and keep the soil moist. When the temperature is about 15°C, seedlings emerge in about 15-20 days. When the seedlings are 5-10 cm tall, thin out weak and overly dense seedlings, and transplant after 1 year. For spring or autumn planting, dig holes at a row and plant spacing of 20 cm x 150n, plant 1 seedling per hole, cover with soil and water. Use 1-1.5 kg of seeds per 667 sq m.

Cultivation management:

1. Intertillage and weeding: During the seedling stage, loosen the soil and weed frequently. Earth up appropriately around the seedling roots, and pull weeds later.

2. Topdressing: When the seedlings are 10-15 cm tall, apply 1 round of light human and livestock manure water. In June-July, apply 1000 kg of compost and 10 kg of superphosphate per 667 sq m, and water after application. Increase the fertilization amount appropriately in the second year.

3. Intercropping: In places with direct sunlight, the leaves tend to turn yellow and wither early. Intercropping can make full use of the land and also provide shade. Corn can be interplanted at the edges of Polygonatum beds, achieving both grain and medicinal harvests.