Planting Method and Cultivation Technology of Bupleurum

Bupleurum usually grows in mountainous and hilly areas below 1,500 meters above sea level, and is commonly found on barren slopes, grassy areas, roadsides, forest edges, and open spaces between woods. This plant has a strong adaptability to the environment and prefers mild, cool and humid climatic conditions. It has a certain degree of cold and drought resistance, but it is not suitable for growing in high temperature or waterlogged places. Let’s learn about the planting methods and cultivation techniques of Bupleurum.

1. Land selection and preparation

Choose sandy loam or humus-rich soil for planting on hillside terraces, and avoid planting in clay and areas prone to waterlogging. Before sowing on reclaimed wasteland , debris such as stones and branches must be removed. Apply sufficient base fertilizer before sowing, apply about 22,500 kg of circled manure and 75 kg of superphosphate per hectare, spread evenly and plow the soil to a depth of 25 to 30 cm, then harrow it to make flat beds 100 to 130 cm wide or high ridges 30 cm wide in preparation for sowing.

2. Reproduction method

Bupleurum is mainly propagated by seeds, which can be sown directly or raised as seedlings before transplanting. Large-scale production mostly adopts direct seeding, and the seed germination rate is about 50%. At a temperature of 20℃ and suitable humidity, seedlings will emerge 7 days after sowing. If the temperature is lower than 20℃, it will take longer.

(1) Live broadcast

Do this before winter freeze or in spring. Spring sowing is from late March to early April. Water thoroughly before sowing. After the water seeps in, sow in rows with a row spacing of 17 to 20 cm. The furrow is 1.8 cm deep, sow seeds evenly, cover with 0.7 to 1 cm of soil, use about 22.5 kg of seeds per hectare, keep the soil moist, and seedlings will emerge in about 10 to 12 days.

(2) Seedling cultivation

Choose a sunny spot in March or April for sowing. You can sow in rows or broadcast. The row spacing for row sowing is 10 cm. Draw small shallow furrows for sowing. Cover with soil and press down slightly. Water with a watering can or water first and then sow. After evenly spreading the seeds, cover them with a layer of fine soil with a bamboo sieve, and cover them with plastic film or straw mats to keep warm and moist, and promote germination.

(3) Transplantation

When the seedlings are 7 cm tall, dig out the seedlings with soil and transplant them to the field, with row and plant spacing of 17 to 20 cm and 7 to 10 cm respectively. Water the plants promptly after planting. When new roots grow and leaves expand, loosen the soil gently. Maintaining moisture and protecting seedlings is the key to high yield.

4. Processing

Collection of stems, seeds and roots of Bupleurum chinense. The stems and seeds are harvested when the seeds are yellow-black and the leaves are withered and yellow. After threshing, they are dried and stored separately. The medicinal roots are usually harvested two years after planting, and are dug deep by hand to avoid pulling them out to prevent root breakage. The medicinal roots are sorted, tied into small bundles, dried and then sold.

The above is an introduction to the key points of Bupleurum cultivation and management. Planting Bupleurum requires suitable environmental factors and comprehensive management techniques. It should not be planted blindly.