Planting Techniques and Management Methods for Sarcandra glabra
Sarcandra glabra is a relatively rare medicinal herb. It is the dried whole plant of Sarcandra glabra (Chloranthaceae), also known as Jiu Jie Hua, Zhu Jie Cha, Jie Gu Lian, and Jie Gu Mu. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, heat-clearing and detoxifying, and meridian-unblocking and bone-setting effects, and is often used to treat rheumatic joint pain, traumatic injuries, fractures, and more. Due to the scarcity of wild resources, artificial cultivation has begun in many areas. Below, the editor introduces its planting techniques.
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
Sarcandra glabra prefers a warm and humid climate and a cool, shady environment. It is averse to intense sunlight and strong exposure, and likes to grow in deep, loose, fertile, slightly acidic sandy loam soil. Poor, waterlogged soil is not suitable for planting. When planting, it is best to choose hillsides near water sources, mountain gullies beside streams, or shaded valley forests. After selecting the site, plow the soil in autumn and winter to allow it to fully weather, then carry out land preparation in the following spring. Apply 2000-2500 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu as base fertilizer.
2. Propagation Methods
In production, Sarcandra glabra is mostly propagated by division, though it can also be propagated by seeds and cuttings. Once planted, it can be harvested continuously for more than ten years. Division propagation is generally carried out in early spring or late autumn. Dig out the plant, divide it into several small plants, and replant them at a spacing of 20×30 cm. Water frequently after planting to keep the soil moist, which helps the divisions survive. After they survive, pay attention to cultivating and weeding and fertilizing. This method is relatively simple, and the plants grow quickly. For seed propagation, seeds are generally collected from October to December, stored in sand, and sown in the following spring. Open a shallow furrow on the seedbed at a row spacing of 20 cm, sow the seeds evenly, cover with soil and straw to help emergence. Seedlings generally emerge in 15-20 days. Cutting propagation is carried out in March to April. Select 1-2 year old branches from robustly growing plants as cuttings, cut them into 10-15 cm lengths, soak them in a rooting powder solution for 2-3 minutes, then insert them. Roots generally form in one month.
3. Transplanting
For plants propagated by seeds and cuttings, transplanting can be done when the seedlings have grown for about one year. Transplanting is generally carried out in winter from November to December or in spring from February to March. On the prepared bed surface, dig holes at a spacing of 20×30 cm, plant one plant per hole. When planting, spread the root system out, lightly lift the seedling after filling half the soil, then firm the soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots. After transplanting and survival, carry out field management well to promote robust plant growth.
4. Field Management
During the seedling stage, cultivate and weed 2-3 times to keep the soil loose and the field free of weeds. After transplanting, check the seedlings promptly, and replant promptly where dead or missing plants are found to ensure a full stand. After transplanting, water frequently to keep the soil moist. After the rainy season, drain promptly to avoid root rot. Topdress once each in spring and summer every year, and apply farmyard manure once in winter together with earthing up to ensure the plants safely overwinter. In addition, attention should also be paid to pest and disease control.
The above is an introduction to the planting techniques for Sarcandra glabra. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.