How to Grow Datura metel? Planting Methods and Key Technical Points
Datura metel, also known as Fengqie flower or Datura flower, is an annual herbaceous plant of the white-flowered Datura genus. It is a toxic plant and also one of the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. At present, private cultivation of Datura is prohibited in China, and the same applies to Datura metel. If you want to grow it, you need to complete the relevant national procedures before cultivation; otherwise, it is illegal. Today, the editor will briefly explain the process of growing Datura metel. Let's take a look together.
1. Growing Environment
Datura metel generally grows in tropical and subtropical regions. Its seeds can generally germinate and grow at a temperature of about 5 degrees, and the lowest temperature must not be below 3 degrees, otherwise it will freeze to death. Secondly, Datura metel is suitable for growing in a warm and humid environment, so the planting site should be a sunny area with loose soil, good drainage, and sufficient fertility, and the previous crop must not be a Solanaceae plant.
2. Planting Techniques
Datura metel is generally grown by seed propagation, and the two most commonly used methods are direct seeding and seedling transplanting. For direct seeding, it is usually done from the end of March to mid-April, with a row spacing of about 40 to 45 cm and a plant spacing of 30 to 35 cm for hole sowing, with about 6 to 7 seeds sown in each hole. For seedling transplanting, seeds are usually sown in March, and the seedling period is about 2 to 3 months, meaning transplanting is carried out in May or June.
3. Cultivation Management
When the seedlings grow to about 10 to 15 cm, we should begin thinning, evening out, and replanting to establish the stand. Generally, only 2 to 3 robust seedlings need to be kept in each hole, and the rest can be pulled out. At the same time, carry out one intertillage and weeding, and apply one topdressing of manure and urine water to promote seedling growth. The second intertillage should wait until the Datura metel seedlings grow to about 30 to 35 cm, and it should also be combined with topdressing. In the early stage of Datura metel growth, we mainly use nitrogen fertilizer, while in the later stage it should be combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Apply topdressing scientifically to avoid excessive vegetative growth of branches and leaves.
4. Pest and Disease Control
The most common disease of Datura metel is black spot disease. It not only affects the branches and leaves of Datura metel, but also causes great harm to its flower buds, fruits, and roots. If black spot disease occurs, we need to burn the diseased plants and also disinfect the soil to prevent infection by the pathogen; in the early stage of the disease, we can use tuijunte for control. Secondly, we also need to prevent damage to Datura metel from tobacco budworm, green peach aphid, and ladybugs, and we can use trichlorfon for control in all cases.
The above is the process of growing Datura metel that the editor wants to introduce to you today. Of course, if you want to know about the procedures required for growing Datura metel, you can also leave a message for the editor below.