How to propagate scutellaria barbata in pots at home? Detailed methods

  Scutellaria barbata, also known as large-flowered purslane and sun plant, is an annual herbaceous flower of the Portulacaceae family, semi-erect, about 20 cm tall, with cylindrical alternate leaves, flowers borne at the tips of the branches, blooming profusely, with brilliant colors including bright red, white, yellow, pale yellow, rose red, and snow blue. Because it is tough and easy to grow, suitable for both pots and the ground, it is very popular.

  It is native to Brazil, prefers warmth, is not cold-tolerant, and likes sunny, high and dry places. The flowers open after sunrise and close as the sun sets, and open less on cloudy days. It has no strict requirements for soil, tolerates drought and poor soil, dislikes waterlogging, and can self-seed and reproduce.

  Scutellaria barbata is mostly propagated by sowing and cuttings. Sowing is usually done in April, with seedlings emerging in about a week. The seedlings grow slowly at first, speed up after entering the 6th month, and generally bloom more than two months after sowing. Cuttings can be taken throughout the growing season and root easily. It is suitable for small-scale home propagation.

  Scutellaria barbata is simple to cultivate and manage, and transplants easily. Throughout the growing period it requires neither dryness nor waterlogging, with appropriate fertilization; if sufficient sunlight is ensured, it will bloom profusely.

  When the top cap of the Scutellaria barbata capsule turns yellowish-white or grayish-white, it indicates that the seeds have matured, and they should be harvested promptly at this time; otherwise, the capsule will split open and scatter the seeds, making them impossible to collect.

  Because its leaves resemble pine needles and its flowers resemble peonies, Scutellaria barbata is also called “pine-needle peony.” Scutellaria barbata blooms when it sees sunlight and closes in the early morning, evening, and on cloudy days, hence the names “sun plant” and “noon flower.” The flower colors of Scutellaria barbata include white, yellow, red, and purple, a rich range of colors. When sowing, note that the seeds are tiny and should not be covered with soil; simply firm the seedbed. Apart from ensuring necessary moisture at the seedling stage, there is no need to water frequently during the growing period.

  Scutellaria barbata is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with functions such as reducing swelling and relieving pain, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, clearing heat and detoxifying, and fighting cancer. It is deeply favored by the market, so how should Scutellaria barbata be raised from seedlings?

  Soil selection for Scutellaria barbata:

  Scutellaria barbata prefers a warm climate and a moist, half-shade half-sun environment. It is best to choose loose, fertile, well-drained soil for planting, and avoid waterlogging.

  Scutellaria barbata seedling cultivation is mainly by seed propagation, and can also be done by division.

  1. Seed propagation

  ① Seed collection. In autumn, when the small seeds turn yellowish-brown, collect the mature seeds promptly, dry them in the sun, remove impurities, put them in a cloth bag, and store them in a dry, ventilated place for later use.

  ② Raising seedlings. In spring from March to April, and in autumn from September to November, on a seedbed leveled and raked fine, open shallow furrows (4-6 cm) at a row spacing of 15-20 cm for drilling, with a sowing width of 10 cm. Scatter an appropriate amount of burnt soil ash on the bottom of the furrow, water the furrow or add diluted human manure and urine, then evenly scatter the seeds mixed with fine soil, and then scatter a thin layer of fine burnt soil ash or fine loess on top, and finally cover with straw or other mulch. Keep the seedbed constantly moist; generally they germinate and emerge in about half a month. After emergence, remove the mulch, strengthen seedling management, and transplant to the field when the seedlings are about 5 cm tall.

  ③ Direct sowing. Generally done in spring. On the prepared bed surface, open furrows at a row spacing of 30 cm, with a furrow depth of 3-5 cm. Evenly scatter seeds mixed with fine burnt soil ash or fine loess into the furrows, cover with a thin layer of fine fertile soil, then cover with grass to keep the soil layer moist. They emerge in about half a month; after the seedlings are uniform, remove the grass, carry out seedling management well, using 1 kilogram of seed per mu.

  2. Division propagation: After the autumn harvest, dig out the old clumps together with their fibrous roots. Select robust root clumps free of pests and diseases, divide them into several small clumps, then on the prepared planting site dig holes at a row spacing of 30 cm and a plant spacing of 7-10 cm, plant one small clump in each hole, press the soil down after planting, apply diluted human and livestock manure water, and they will sprout and emerge in the spring of the following year.