How to grow velvetleaf? Detailed explanation of planting methods and technical points
Velvetleaf is an annual subshrub herbaceous plant with extremely strong adaptability to the environment. In China, it can be grown everywhere except on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The whole plant of velvetleaf can be used as medicine, but its stem bark is often used for weaving sacks and making hemp rope, while its seeds can be used to make paint and industrial lubricating oil, giving it extremely high use value. However, today the editor will walk you through the planting methods of velvetleaf. Let's take a look together.
1. Soil and fertilizer improvement
Velvetleaf does not have very high requirements for the soil of the planting site. Generally, land that can be used to grow crops, and even wasteland and hillsides that cannot be used to grow crops, can all be used to grow velvetleaf. But if you want high yields of velvetleaf, it is best to choose plots with good soil permeability and fertile soil. After determining the planting site, the land should be turned and prepared, combined with the application of base fertilizer. The base fertilizer is mainly farmyard manure such as chicken manure, cow manure, and sheep manure. Finally, mix the soil and fertilizer thoroughly, then level the land and dig drainage ditches before planting.
2. Propagation methods
Velvetleaf is generally grown by seed propagation. When planting velvetleaf, we should pay attention to sowing early at the right time, because seedlings from early sowing can extend the growth period of velvetleaf and improve its yield and quality. When sowing, two methods can be used: drilling and broadcasting. For drilling, the row spacing is generally about 45 cm, then the seeds are evenly scattered in the furrows, covered with soil, and left to sprout. Broadcasting is even simpler: directly scatter the seeds evenly, then gently pat the seeds into the soil with a broom.
3. Growth management
When the velvetleaf seedlings grow to about 5 cm, carry out the first thinning, pulling out seedlings that are too small, growing too fast, poorly developed, or even damaged by pests and diseases. When the seedlings grow to about 15 cm, carry out final planting, which is the second thinning, keeping a distance of about 10 cm between each plant. During the growth of velvetleaf, generally carry out three cultivations and three topdressings. Cultivation and topdressing can be combined, which helps the absorption and use of nutrients. Also, when fertilizing, it is best to water, which can avoid fertilizer damage. Finally, do a good job of drainage to avoid waterlogging.
4. Pest and disease control
The main diseases of velvetleaf include leaf spot, downy mildew, stem canker, and damping-off. Because there are many diseases, it is best to carry out comprehensive control, which can effectively prevent the occurrence of diseases. First, we should pay attention to crop rotation and avoid continuous cropping. Second, choose high-quality varieties. Third, treat seeds with chemicals before sowing. Finally, use Bordeaux mixture for control. The main pests of velvetleaf include cutworms, root-cutting worms, corn borers, cotton leafworms, and hemp longhorn beetles, which can be controlled by trapping and killing. Of course, the most direct way is to spray and kill them with specialized insecticides.
That is the end of the velvetleaf planting techniques the editor wanted to share with you today. If you have any other thoughts, you can leave a comment below.