When is the sowing time for Centella asiatica?

Stemona bulb is a commonly used medicinal material in clinical Chinese medicine, also known as baibucao, pofucao, etc. Moreover, it can kill lice and insects when applied externally. It is also widely used in animal husbandry and agriculture, and its planting prospects are very promising. So, when is the best month to sow the radish? Let’s learn more about it below.

When is the sowing time for Centella asiatica?

The best time to plant Stemona buds is in spring or autumn, usually March or April in the north and August or September in the south. The climatic conditions at this time are conducive to the germination of Stemona seeds and the growth of seedlings.

How to plant Stemona bupleuri?

1. Site selection and land preparation

Stemona is suitable for planting in sandy loam with deep soil, loose and fertile soil, rich in humus and good drainage. After selecting the land, deep plow the soil 30-33 cm, level it, and apply base fertilizer. Apply 2000-3000 kg of farmyard manure, 20 kg of superphosphate, and an appropriate amount of wood ash per mu.

2. Breeding method

(1) Seed propagation: Soak the seeds in a 50-100 mg/L gibberellin solution for 2-4 hours before sowing, then remove and dry them before sowing. The sowing method can be drill sowing or broadcast sowing. When sowing in rows, dig shallow furrows on the bed surface with a row spacing of 20-25 cm, spread the seeds evenly into the furrows, cover with 1-1.5 cm thick soil, press lightly and water. For broadcast sowing, spread the seeds evenly on the bed surface, cover with soil and water. After sowing, keep the soil moist and seedlings will emerge in about 15-20 days.

(2) Propagation by division: carried out from late February to early March. Dig up the underground roots of plants over 2 years old, cut off the tubers, divide them into clusters with 1-2 buds per plant, plant them in holes with a plant spacing of 30 cm x 40 cm, press them tightly, and water them enough to allow the roots to take hold.

3. Field management

(1) Thinning and transplanting: After the seedlings emerge from the soil, they must be thinned out in time to remove weak and diseased seedlings and keep the distance between seedlings at 5-7 cm. When the seedlings are about 10 cm tall, thin them out and leave 1-2 strong seedlings in each hole.

(2) Intertillage and weeding: Intertillage and weeding should be carried out 2 to 3 times during the growing period to loosen the soil.

(3) Water and fertilizer management: Combine tillage and weeding with topdressing, mainly using decomposed human and animal manure or compound fertilizer to promote plant growth. During drought, water should be applied in time to keep the soil moist, but during the rainy season, attention should be paid to drainage and waterlogging prevention.

4. Build a trellis to guide vines

Stemona bupleuri is a climbing plant. When the seedlings are about 30 cm tall, it is necessary to set up a support or lead the vines onto a rack to facilitate ventilation and light transmission and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.

Generally speaking, Stemona japonica is suitable for sowing in spring and autumn, and can be planted by seed propagation or division propagation. However, during specific planting, appropriate adjustments should be made according to specific environmental conditions and climatic characteristics.