Planting method and adaptation environment of Codonopsis pilosula

Codonopsis pilosula, also known as three-leaf vegetable, Shangdang, Dongdang, Xidang, Ludang, etc., is a perennial herbaceous vine belonging to the Campanulaceae family. As a common Chinese medicinal material , Codonopsis pilosula originated in the Shangdang area of ​​Shanxi Province. Because the shape of its root is similar to ginseng, it is named Codonopsis pilosula. In terms of medicinal use, its roots are mainly used. Let’s learn about the planting methods and adaptation environment of Codonopsis pilosula.

1. Adapt to the environment

Codonopsis is a deep-rooted plant that thrives in mild climates and cool, humid summers. It prefers deep, loose, fertile soil, is cold-resistant but sensitive to high temperatures. Codonopsis pilosula should not be planted in waterlogged areas, waterlogged areas, saline-alkali land and black clay soil, and continuous cropping should be avoided.

Codonopsis seedlings prefer a humid environment, especially before germination. Because the seeds are small and the soil covering is thin, if the soil surface is dry, the seedlings will not be able to emerge successfully. Even if they emerge, the seedlings may die due to drought. During the seedling stage, Codonopsis pilosula needs shade because strong light can easily cause the seedlings to die. Mature Codonopsis pilosula prefers sufficient sunlight. If there is insufficient sunlight, its growth will be affected and its yield will be reduced.

2. Cultivation Technology

1. Site selection and land preparation

It is best to choose sandy loam with deep soil, good drainage and rich in humus.

Avoid planting in low-lying areas, clay and saline-alkali lands, and avoid continuous cropping. The nursery site should be selected in a semi-shaded and semi-sunny place close to a water source. About 2,000 kilograms of farmyard manure is applied per mu, and then the land is plowed, raked and leveled to make a flat bed 1.2 meters wide. The planting site should be selected in a sunny place, with sufficient base fertilizer applied, about 3,000 kg of farmyard manure per mu, and appropriate amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. After fertilizing, plow the soil 30 cm deep, harrow and level it to make a flat bed 1.2 meters wide.

2. Breeding method

It is mainly propagated by seeds, usually by seedling transplanting, and less often by direct seeding.

Seedling cultivation: Usually sowing is done during the rainy season from July to August or before the freezing in autumn and winter. In areas with irrigation conditions, spring sowing can also be used. Can be sown in rows or broadcast. To promote seed germination, place the seeds in warm water at 40-50℃, stirring until the water temperature is close to the temperature of your hand, and then leave it for 5 minutes. Then put the seeds in a gauze bag, rinse them with clean water several times, and then place them on a sand pile indoors at 15-20℃. Rinse them with clean water every 3-4 hours. After 5-6 days, the seeds can be sown when they crack. When sowing, spread the seeds evenly on the bed surface, cover with a thin layer of soil, and then compact it lightly. The seed rate is 1 kg per mu. When sowing in rows, dig 1 cm shallow furrows with a row spacing of 10 cm, spread the seeds evenly into the furrows, and cover with a thin layer of soil. The seed rate per mu is 0.6-0.8 kg. After sowing, cover the bed surface with corn stalks, rice straw or pine branches to maintain humidity, and water in time to keep the soil moist. When sowing in spring, you can cover the ground with plastic film to facilitate germination. When the seedlings are about 5 cm tall, gradually remove the covering; when the seedlings are about 10 cm tall, thin them out with a plant spacing of 2-3 cm. Weed in time, control moisture appropriately, and water frequently in small amounts.

Transplanting: After the Codonopsis pilosula seedlings have grown for one year, they can be transplanted in autumn from mid-October to November before freezing, or in early spring from mid-March to early April after thawing and before the seedlings sprout. On the prepared ridges, dig 15-20 cm deep furrows with a row spacing of 20-30 cm. On hillsides, trenches should be dug horizontally along the slope. Place the Codonopsis pilosula seedlings obliquely into the trench with a plant spacing of 6-10 cm, with the buds facing upwards, and then cover with soil about 5 cm. The seed rate per mu is about 30 kg.

3. Field management

Intertillage and weeding: Weed promptly after seedlings emerge, loosen the soil shallowly, and stop after ridges are closed.

Top dressing: Top dressing is generally not required during the seedling stage. After transplanting, human manure is usually applied once before setting up the trellis, with 1000-1500 kg per mu, and the soil is cultivated after application.

Irrigation and drainage: Water in time after transplanting to prevent the Codonopsis seedlings from drying up and ensure emergence. After the plants take root, you do not need to irrigate them or irrigate them less to prevent the Codonopsis seedlings from growing too tall. Pay attention to drainage during the rainy season to prevent root rot.

Trellis: The stems and vines of Codonopsis pilosula can be more than 3 meters long, so a trellis is needed when the seedlings are 30 centimeters tall to allow the stems and vines to climb and grow, which is conducive to ventilation and light transmission, increases the photosynthesis area, and improves disease resistance. The materials for scaffolding can be obtained locally, such as branches, bamboo poles, etc.

The above is an introduction to the key points of Codonopsis pilosula cultivation technology. As a major medicinal material, Codonopsis pilosula has a large market demand, but there are still many things to pay attention to if you want to grow high-quality Codonopsis pilosula.