Detailed guide to Gymnadenia conopsea planting techniques, from site selection to field management
Gymnadenia conopsea, also known as shou shen, zhang shen or fo shou shen, is a rare medicinal herb of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, named for its resemblance to a human palm. It has high medicinal value and is currently grown in relatively large quantities in the region. So how should Gymnadenia conopsea be planted? Let's take a look.
1. Site selection and land preparation
Gymnadenia conopsea generally grows in alpine grassland or at forest edges. It has strict soil requirements: the soil pH should be between 4.5-5.8, and sandy loam or loam rich in humus with good drainage and irrigation is best for planting. Continuous cropping is avoided; it is usually cultivated under forest. If farmland is chosen for planting, the preceding crop should be a grass-family crop. After selecting the site, plow 1-2 times in the winter of the previous year. After the soil thaws the following spring, plow again and apply 4000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu as base fertilizer. Shape and rake the soil level, then make beds, and at the same time dig drainage ditches.
2. Propagation methods
In production, Gymnadenia conopsea is generally propagated by seed. After the seeds mature, harvest them and sow immediately; the seeds overwinter in the soil and emerge the following spring. The seeds can also be stratified with sand to promote germination and then sown in spring, which can also increase the germination rate. When sowing, drill in rows on the bed surface at a spacing of 3×5 cm, cover with 2-3 cm of soil, then cover the bed surface with a layer of rice straw or stalks to keep warm and moist and aid emergence.
3. Seedling raising and transplanting
After the seeds emerge, carry out weeding, loosening the soil, watering and fertilizing well so the plants grow strongly. After 2-3 years of cultivation, they can be transplanted, generally in October-November; if planting in spring, do it before the seedlings begin to sprout. For transplanting, choose strong seedlings with robust roots and no pests or diseases, and transplant them in grades according to plant size. Before transplanting, trim them appropriately and cut off excess fibrous roots, but be careful not to break the root skin. When transplanting, keep the spacing at 8×25 cm or 13×30 cm, arrange the roots well so they are not twisted together, cover with 4-6 cm of soil, then cover with stalks or rice straw to preserve soil moisture.
4. Field management
In November, the aboveground stems and leaves of plants that have grown for more than one year wither. At this time, clear the ground promptly, gather the stems and leaves and bury them deeply or burn them, and at the same time water well for overwintering, and add rice straw or stalks to aid overwintering. After the seedlings emerge in spring, build a shade shed promptly to avoid wilting or death of the seedlings caused by strong direct sunlight. Before emergence, loosen the soil frequently to prevent the soil from crusting. When weeds are excessive, weed promptly; when dry, water promptly; after the rainy season, drain promptly. In the year of transplanting, generally no topdressing is needed. After emergence in the second year, remove the covering grass promptly and broadcast one application of decomposed farmyard manure and a small amount of calcium phosphate, and mix it evenly with the soil by loosening the soil.
The above is an introduction to Gymnadenia conopsea planting techniques. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.