Detailed Explanation of Gastrodia elata Seedling Raising Methods and Key Technical Points
Gastrodia elata, as a medicinal herb with relatively large daily demand, has decent prospects for cultivation, especially since its price has been relatively stable in recent years, making it suitable for everyone to get involved. The key to cultivating Gastrodia elata lies in raising seedlings. Only when the seedlings are well cultivated can the later harvest be substantial. So how do you raise Gastrodia elata seedlings? Let's learn about it below!
1. Site Selection
Before breeding, you need to choose a location first. The requirements for this site differ from those for cultivation, and every aspect must be taken seriously. Gastrodia elata seeds are very light, and the seeds will not be completely buried in the soil, so the site must be well sealed to prevent wind from blowing the seeds away. The site does not need to be too large, because you can use fungal beds for cultivation. The selected fungal species must match the habits of Gastrodia elata, and it is best to choose one that can cultivate high-quality fungal species, as seeds cultivated this way will grow better. Only high-quality Gastrodia elata sells well on the market nowadays, and growers should remember this point: only by being willing to invest in the early stage will the later harvest be good.
2. Breeding
Before breeding Gastrodia elata, you must first cultivate the fungus, which is the source of nutrients for the initial growth of Gastrodia elata. Take out the upper layer of the fungus that has been cultivated, clean it thoroughly without damaging the fungus, then place the seeds on it and cover the seeds with some pre-prepared rotting leaves. The type of leaves can be handled according to your own needs, and then put everything back in place. After returning it to position, slowly cover it with some fine soil, not too thick, and finally cover it with a layer of leaves as nutrients, then wait for the seeds to sprout.
3. Planting Out
After sprouting, it is time to prepare for planting out. When planting out, it is best to take out the fungal species together with the seedlings to give the Gastrodia elata seedlings good protection. The dug pits should be prepared in advance with fungal material placed inside, so that Gastrodia elata can grow quickly relying on this fungal material in the early stage. When planting out, you must clearly identify the top of the Gastrodia elata and not plant it upside down, otherwise the seedling will die. Do not press the covering soil firmly, otherwise it will directly damage the seedlings, as Gastrodia elata seedlings are very easy to break at this time.
4. Management
Management at this stage mainly focuses on two aspects: one is the growing environment of Gastrodia elata, and the other is the soil issue. For the environment, pay main attention to temperature changes. Gastrodia elata seedlings are very sensitive to temperature changes, and their rapid growth temperature is around 20-26°C. If the temperature is too high or too low, you should pay attention to adjusting it. For soil, the main thing is to control air permeability, as compacted soil will prevent the seedlings from developing. General medicinal herbs are relatively afraid of waterlogging, and Gastrodia elata is the same. You must pay close attention to the degree of water accumulation in the soil.
The above are the seedling raising methods for Gastrodia elata. Gastrodia elata takes a relatively long time to grow, so its seedling stage is also relatively long. Cultivating medicinal herbs requires great patience, and everyone should be mentally prepared.