How to plant Platycodon grandiflorum

Platycodon is not only an ornamental flower, its roots also have medicinal value and multiple functions, and it is a commonly used medicinal material in traditional Chinese medicine. Platycodon can adapt to higher temperatures and can tolerate cold, but extreme cold and heat are not conducive to its growth. Let’s learn how to grow gentian.

1. Planting conditions

In the north, due to the lower temperature and shorter growing season, the plants are usually shorter and not very valuable as cut flowers, so they should be planted in a sunny and warm place. In the south, the hot summer will also inhibit the growth of Platycodon, so it is best to choose areas with higher altitudes and cooler climates. Platycodon likes plenty of sunlight and humid air, and does not like dry wind and long-term shade. It prefers fertile, moist and well-drained loose soil and is not suitable for growing in heavy clay or waterlogged soil. It does not require high soil fertility and can grow in soil with average fertility, but fertile soil can make the plants taller and produce more flowers. If it is used for cut flower cultivation, the soil should be deeply plowed and sufficient base fertilizer should be applied before planting, and topdressing should be applied 2 to 3 times before flowering to promote the growth of flower stems and the formation of flower buds. After cutting the flowers, protect the remaining stems and leaves at the base, and apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers once to facilitate root growth. After autumn, the roots can be collected for medicinal purposes or kept for sprouting new plants next year. Platycodon grandiflorum is rarely bothered by pests and diseases and is relatively easy to manage.

2. How to propagate Platycodon grandiflorum

Seed propagation: You can choose to sow in autumn or spring. Autumn sowing is usually in late October to early November, and spring sowing is no later than the end of March. Because Platycodon grandiflorum seeds are small, the land needs to be carefully prepared before sowing. Then, horizontal furrows should be opened on the bed surface with a row spacing of 15 to 20 cm. The furrow depth should be 1.5 to 2 cm, and the sowing width should be about 10 cm. The bottom of the furrow should be flat. After sowing, cover with a thin layer of soil so that the seeds are not visible.

Propagation by division: For home flower growing, propagation by division is a simple method. Before the plants sprout in spring, dig out the plants and cut off the lower roots. The upper buds can be planted directly or divided into several petals before planting.

3. Management measures for Platycodon grandiflorum

Intertillage, weeding and topdressing: After the seedlings have all emerged, intertillage and weeding should be carried out in time, and topdressing fertilizer should be applied to promote the healthy growth of the seedlings.

Thinning and transplanting: Thin out the seedlings when they are about 3 cm tall. When they are 6 cm tall, transplant or pot them with a spacing of 5 to 6 cm.

Soil cultivation: Since Platycodon grandiflorum plants are prone to lodging, attention should be paid to soil cultivation during the growth period.

Drainage: Due to the high planting density of Platycodon grandiflorum, during the high temperature and high humidity rainy season, it is necessary to clear ditches and drain water in time to prevent water accumulation and root rot.

Pruning: If you want Platycodon to bloom again, you can prune it in time after the first batch of flowers, and strengthen fertilizer and water management, so that it can bloom again during the National Day.

Potted plant management: When planting Platycodon grandiflorum in pots, pay attention to controlling water and fertilizer. If there is too much water and fertilizer, the plant may grow too tall, thus reducing its ornamental value. When the seedlings are 10 cm tall, pinch off the tips and control the moisture. Every time the plant grows vigorously thereafter, it can be suppressed by controlling the water content. Superphosphate can be applied once before flowering.

4. Platycodon disease and insect pest control

Ring rot: It mainly harms leaves, producing nearly circular brown spots. Prevention and control methods include reasonable density planting, enhanced management, cleaning fields, and spraying 800 to 1000 times diluted 50% carbendazim during the disease period.

Leaf spot: It harms leaves and produces round or nearly round grayish-white spots. Prevention and control methods include removing diseased and damaged tissues and spraying Bordeaux mixture or 800 to 1000 times diluted 50% thiophanate-methyl during the growth period.

Wilt disease: The root part and the base of the stem near the ground turn brown and dry and rot first. Prevention and control methods include choosing dry land and highland planting, strengthening field management, increasing the application of organic fertilizers , and spraying 800 to 1000 times of 50% thiophanate diluted in the early stage of the disease.

Pseudo-ground beetle: It harms roots. Control methods include spraying 1000 times diluted 50% zinc disulfide during the adult mating period and the larval stage.

The above is an introduction to the planting method of Platycodon. Some friends often confuse Platycodon and Lisianthus , but in fact the two are different.