Detailed guide to Codonopsis pilosula seedling-raising techniques, easily grow robust seedlings

Codonopsis pilosula is one of China's important medicinal herbs and a major source of income for many farmers. It not only sells well in our country but also enjoys a high reputation on the international market. So how should Codonopsis pilosula be grown from seed? Let's take a look together below.

1. Seed harvesting

Whether Codonopsis pilosula is direct-sown or raised as seedlings for transplanting, it generally flowers and sets fruit in the same year, but one- to two-year-old Codonopsis pilosula has a high seed-setting rate and plump seeds. Codonopsis pilosula seeds generally mature in mid-October, and when the seeds turn brown they should be harvested promptly. When harvesting, cut off the above-ground plants, dry them in the sun and thresh them, then store them in a dry environment, waiting for sowing the following year.

2. Land preparation and fertilization

Before raising seedlings, a plot with deep soil, flat terrain, good drainage and strong water- and fertilizer-holding capacity should be chosen, preferably a good terraced field; plots with many weeds from the previous crop and severe soil-dwelling pests should not be chosen. The seedling plot must be finely cultivated, achieving a level and loose surface, and at the same time, to ensure the seedlings grow robustly, fertilization should be carried out after land preparation. Generally, 4000-4500 kg of decomposed farmyard manure is applied per mu, along with an appropriate amount of chemical fertilizer; after that no further fertilization is needed.

3. Ensuring seedling emergence

Codonopsis pilosula can be sown and raised in spring and summer, with about 2-2.5 kg sown per mu and a sowing depth of 2-3 cm. Codonopsis pilosula has weak soil-piercing strength, so sowing too deep will make emergence difficult; therefore the soil needs to be loosened before sowing. After sowing, it can be covered with rice straw or farmyard manure to a thickness of 2-3 cm, which helps keep warmth and moisture and prevents sun exposure.

4. Field management

Codonopsis pilosula seedlings grow thin and weak, and are afraid of sun and drought, so corresponding measures should be taken according to the growth characteristics of the seedlings. For example, when soil moisture is insufficient, water promptly, and sprinkler irrigation can be used to ensure uniform and robust seedlings. After the seedlings grow larger, they can be watered directly, but the amount of watering must also be controlled; too much water will cause excessive growth of branches and leaves. In the rainy season, drain promptly to avoid waterlogging that rots the roots. When the seedlings grow to 6-8 cm, carry out the first weeding; weed carefully so as not to damage the seedlings, and at the same time also control soil-dwelling pests.

  The above is an introduction to Codonopsis pilosula seedling-raising techniques. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.