Skullcap is a common Chinese herbal medicine, which has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, drying dampness and stopping dysentery. In the process of growing skullcap, the correct sowing method is crucial for both the growth and yield of skullcap. This article will detail the sowing method of skullcap seeds to help growers better manage skullcap cultivation.
First, the selection of land preparation.
Choose a plot of land with flat terrain and good drainage, and avoid low-lying and flood-prone land. Before planting, deep tillage is carried out to remove weeds and stones from the soil. At the same time, according to the soil fertility status, an appropriate amount of well-rotted farmhouse fertilizer or compound fertilizer should be applied to increase the nutrient content of the soil.
2. Seed treatment.
Skullcap seeds are small and not easy to collect and need to be collected from well-growing skullcap plants. Before sowing, the seeds need to be screened to remove impurities and inferior seeds. In order to improve the germination rate of seeds, the method of soaking seeds in warm soup can be used. Soak the seeds in warm water at about 50 degrees for about 10 minutes, then remove them and dry them to sow seeds.
3. Sowing method.
1.Sowing time: The sowing time of skullcap is generally carried out in spring or autumn, the spring sowing time is around March, and the autumn sowing time is around September. Choose the right time for planting according to the local climatic conditions and soil conditions.
2.Sowing method: The sowing method of skullcap can be sown in strips or holes. Strip sowing is to dig a ditch on the prepared plot, spread the seeds evenly in the ditch, and then cover the soil to suppress;Hole sowing is to dig holes in the plot according to the row spacing, scatter the seeds into the hole, and then cover the soil to suppress it. Regardless of the sowing method, it is important to keep the sowing row spacing appropriate to facilitate later field management and harvesting.
3.Sowing amount: The sowing amount of skullcap seeds generally needs about 1-2 kg per mu. Appropriate adjustments are made based on factors such as plot fertility and seed quality.
4. Field management.
1.Weeding: In the growth process of skullcap, it is necessary to remove weeds in the field in time to prevent weeds from competing with skullcap for nutrients. It can be carried out by manual weeding or chemical weeding. Care should be taken not to damage the skullcap plants when weeding.
2.Watering: Skullcap prefers moist soil environment, and should be watered in time during the dry season to keep the soil moist. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to drainage during the rainy season to prevent water accumulation and root rot.
3.Top dressing: In the growth process of skullcap, it is necessary to top dressing in time according to the soil nutrient status and the growth of skullcap. Generally, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizers are applied 2-3 times. Be careful not to over-fertilize when topdressing, so as not to cause root burning.
4.Pest control: Common pests and diseases of skullcap include root rot, leaf spot, aphids, etc. It is necessary to regularly check the growth of skullcap, and take timely control measures when pests and diseases are found. It can be controlled by biological control, pharmaceutical control and other methods. In the prevention and control of pests and diseases, it is necessary to pay attention to the safe use of drugs to avoid pesticide damage to skullcap.
5. Harvesting and processing.
1.Harvest time: The harvest time of skullcap is generally carried out about 2-3 years after planting. Before harvesting, the growth of skullcap and soil conditions should be observed to determine the appropriate harvest time.
2.Harvesting method: The harvesting method of skullcap can be carried out by digging the roots of the whole plant. Dig up the skullcap plants by the roots, shake off the soil on the root system, and then remove the stems and leaves, leaving the roots for later use. Be careful not to damage the root system of skullcap during harvesting, so as not to affect the quality.
3.Processing method: The roots of the harvested skullcap are cleaned and then dried in the air. After drying, the skullcap can be processed by slicing or powdering to make it easier to preserve and sell. Processed skullcap should be properly stored to prevent problems such as dampness, mildew or insect moth.