When is the best time to plant Ophiopogon japonicus?

Ophiopogon japonicus is mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, Zhejiang and other places in my country. These areas usually have sufficient precipitation and warm climate conditions, which are suitable for its growth conditions. Let’s learn together when is the best time to plant Ophiopogon japonicus?

When is the best time to plant Ophiopogon japonicus?

Ophiopogon japonicus is usually planted in spring and autumn. The best time for spring planting is from mid-March to late April, and the best time for autumn planting is from mid-September to late October. In northern regions, due to lower spring temperatures, the planting time of Ophiopogon japonicus is generally later than in southern regions. In the southern regions, planting time is earlier in the spring and later in the fall.

Ophiopogon japonicus planting method

1. Breeding method

Ophiopogon japonicus is mainly propagated by division. During the harvest season from April to May, select Ophiopogon japonicus plants that are bright green, strong and free of pests and diseases. After digging, the attached soil needs to be cleaned off and the tubers need to be cut off as commodities. Next, trim off the nodes at the bottom of the rhizome, leaving about 0.5 cm of the stem base, making sure the cross section is white and the leaves are firm. Avoid leaving the stems too long to prevent the formation of "tall seedlings", which have fewer tubers and affect the yield. Next, gently loosen the base of the plant, separate it into individual plants, tie them together with straw, cut off the leaf tips to reduce water loss, and then plant them. If there are any remaining seedlings, their bases should be soaked in clean water. After they have fully absorbed water, they should be temporarily planted in cool and moist soil and watered regularly for no more than 5 days to ensure the survival rate.

2. Land preparation and fertilization

Since the roots of Ophiopogon japonicus are mainly distributed in the 20 to 25 cm layer of soil surface, the land needs to be plowed three times to ensure that the soil is sufficiently loosened. During land preparation, apply 2 tons of well-rotted compost or manure and 50 kg of superphosphate per mu. Before planting, till the land again, level it, create beds with a width of 1.2 to 1.3 meters, and ensure there is a good drainage system around to avoid water accumulation.

3. Planting time and method

The best time to transplant Ophiopogon japonicus is usually around the Qingming Festival, and the period from the Spring Equinox to the Qingming Festival is the most suitable. Transplant the plants at the same time as harvesting, choosing sunny or cloudy weather. On the prepared bed, dig furrows with a row spacing of 15 to 20 cm and a furrow depth of about 5 cm, and plant 3 seedlings with a plant spacing of 8 to 10 cm. Make sure the seedlings are upright, fill the soil and compact it, and water it thoroughly immediately after planting to promote rapid growth of new roots.

4. Field management

Because Ophiopogon japonicus plants are relatively short, the first weeding should be done half a month after planting, and weeding should be done 3 to 4 times throughout the growing season to promote the growth of Ophiopogon japonicus seedlings. Ophiopogon japonicus planted in spring can also be intercropped with crops such as corn. Ophiopogon japonicus has a long growth cycle and requires more fertilizer . Timely topdressing is the key to increasing yield. Generally, between April and May, 1.5 tons of human and animal manure or 7.5 to 10 kilograms of ammonium sulfate are applied per mu. The flowering period is from June to July, which is also the tuber growth period. At this time, combine weeding with the application of compound fertilizer or decomposed compost rich in potassium and phosphorus, wood ash, superphosphate, etc., and cover the soil. Apply winter fertilizer again in October.

5. Pest and disease control

(1) Prevention and control of black spot disease

The disease usually begins in mid-April and is particularly severe during the rainy season. Symptoms include yellowing and browning of the leaf tips, which may spread to the entire plant. Prevention and control measures include selecting healthy and disease-free plants as seed plants, soaking the seedlings in 1:1:100 Bordeaux liquid for 15 minutes before planting, and draining water in time during the rainy season to reduce field humidity. In the early stage of the disease, spread 100 kg of wood ash per mu in the early morning when the dew has not dried. During the disease period, spray 1:1:100 Bordeaux mixture or 500 times of 65% Zineb once every 10 days for 3 to 4 times.

(2) Root-knot nematode control

The disease mainly harms the roots, causing galls to form on the roots and shortening of the fibrous roots. In severe cases, the roots may rupture and turn reddish-brown. Prevention and control methods include crop rotation with grass crops or water-land rotation, and avoiding root vegetables as the previous crop or intercrop. When preparing the land, apply 250 to 300 grams of 20% methyl isothion emulsion or 5% granules per mu to make poisoned soil and spread it on the bed and turn it into the soil to prevent and control nematodes.

(3) Grub control

White grubs mainly occur from August to September and can be killed by spraying with 200 times diluted 90% dichlorvos.

The above is an introduction to the planting time and methods of Ophiopogon japonicus. Ophiopogon japonicus is a perennial herb of the Liliaceae family. It has certain market prospects and is suitable for growing in warm and rainy places.