Cultivation and seed collection of dandelion fleshy taproot

Cultivation of dandelion fleshy taproot

The fleshy taproots used to produce sprouts can be collected directly from the wild. Although this method is more economical, the fleshy taproot is not enlarged and cannot produce high-quality sprouts, so artificial cultivation is recommended.

Preparation before sowing

Choose loose, fertile, organic-rich sandy loam as the planting site. After the autumn harvest, clean the garden and till the land. Apply 4,000 to 5,000 kilograms of decomposed high-quality farmyard manure per mu. The following year, after the soil thaws, make beds 1.2 meters wide and wait for sowing.

sowing

Start sowing when the soil temperature reaches above 15℃. Dig shallow furrows 2-3 cm deep in the ridge, with a distance of 10 cm between the furrows and a width of 10 cm. Tamp the soil firmly and water thoroughly. Mix the seeds with fine sand, mix well, and sow them in the furrows. Cover with 2-3 cm of soil, and finally insert bamboo bows on both sides of the bed and cover with plastic film to maintain the optimal temperature and humidity for dandelion germination.

Seedling management

Seedlings emerge about 9-12 days after sowing. After all the seedlings have emerged, remove the film and carry out inter-cultivation and weeding in time, as well as topdressing and watering to promote vigorous growth of the seedlings.

When the dandelion seedlings enter the stage of 2-3, 5-6 and 7-9 true leaves, thinning should be carried out three times in combination with tillage and weeding (the thinned seedlings can be put on the market). The last time, strong seedlings should be selected and transplanted according to the plant spacing of 5 cm and row spacing of 10 cm. Watering is generally required in time after thinning and transplanting.

After transplanting, apply 15-20 grams of urea and 6-8 grams of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per square meter, and water again in combination with topdressing. During this period, we should prevent excessive growth and lodging, combine tillage with timely removal of field weeds.

Seedling planting and field management

Dandelions enter the rosette stage soon after they are established, which is a critical stage for laying the foundation for their succulent quality. Do not water for a period of time thereafter, until the fleshy roots enter a period of rapid expansion. Dandelions have strong resistance to stress and disease. The focus of field management is to clear weeds and manage fertilizer and water. Water and apply fertilizer in time according to the growth conditions of the plants and the soil. You can also use leaf fertilization to delay leaf senescence.

Harvesting and storing fleshy roots

The harvesting of fleshy roots should be completed before freezing at the latest. Arrange the dug out plants, remove the old leaves, and retain the complete root system and terminal buds.

Prepare a storage cellar. It is best to choose a shady plot and dig a storage cellar that is 1-1.2 meters wide and 1.5 meters deep.

Place the fleshy roots in the cellar and stack them up so that they are no more than 50 cm high.

In the early stage of storage, it is necessary to prevent the temperature from being too high which may cause the fleshy roots to rot or sprout, and in the later stage of storage, it is necessary to prevent frost.