Planting methods and management techniques of Sichuan pepper

With its unique aroma and numbing taste, Sichuan pepper has become an indispensable condiment in many delicacies and also has high economic value. In China, especially in Sichuan, Chongqing, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Yunnan and other regions, the planting area of ​​Sichuan pepper is extensive and the market demand is strong. Let’s learn about the planting methods and management techniques of Sichuan pepper.

1. Determination of planting time

The planting time of Sichuan pepper should be determined according to the geographical location and climatic conditions. In northern regions, March in spring is the best time to plant peppercorns. Planting too early or too late may affect the growth and germination of the plants. In the south, due to the warm climate, autumn and winter are also suitable for planting.

2. Cultivation and purchase of pepper seedlings

Although it is possible to grow pepper seedlings from pepper seeds , the process is rather complicated and includes steps such as grafting. In comparison, it is more convenient and lower cost to purchase pepper seedlings directly, usually priced at around 1-2 yuan per plant.

3. Soil Selection and Preparation

Sichuan pepper grows best in loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam. Before planting, apply 2,000 kg of manure and 100 kg of phosphate fertilizer per mu to improve soil fertility. Deep ploughing and ridge making, keep the box width at 1 meter, control the spacing between peppers at 20-25 cm when sowing in rows, and the furrow depth at about 5 cm.

4. Fertilization method

Fertilization of Sichuan pepper should be adjusted according to the growth stage, including before flowering, young fruit stage, flower bud differentiation period and autumn topdressing. Fertilization before flowering is mainly used to supplement the lack of basal fertilizer. Topdressing during the young fruit stage is mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. During the flower bud differentiation period, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers are mainly used with appropriate amounts of potassium fertilizers. In autumn, topdressing increases potassium fertilizers to increase yield and quality.

5. Water Management

Sichuan pepper is highly drought-resistant, but to ensure sufficient water during the growth period, it needs to be watered appropriately from March to June. At the same time, attention should be paid to drainage after the rainy season to avoid water accumulation and root damage.

6. Plastic surgery

The shaping and pruning of pepper trees is crucial to their long-term high yield. When pruning in the first year, the trunk height is set at about 40-50 cm; in the second year, weak branches are thinned out and side branches are cut short; in the third year, the second side branches on the main branches are cut short to cultivate new fruiting branches.

7. Picking and Drying

When the peppercorns are ripe, the suture lines on the pericarp are raised, parts of the pericarp are cracked, and the seeds are black and shiny. It is best to pick the peppercorns on a sunny morning to avoid direct sunlight, which may affect their commercial value.

In short, when planting Sichuan pepper, we should take into account the local climate and soil conditions, which can effectively improve the yield and quality of Sichuan pepper and increase economic income.