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Platycodon grandiflorum cultivation techniques
Campanulaceae, also known as "big medicine," is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal plant that thrives in cool and moist environments. It is not overly particular about soil quality, but it performs best in neutral soils rich in phosphorus and potassium. Proper site preparation and cultivation techniques are essential for optimal growth and yield.
**Site Preparation**
Choose sunny slopes or well-drained plains with sandy loam or humus-rich soil. Apply 4,000 kg of organic fertilizer per acre as a base, then plow the land to a depth of 30–40 cm. Ensure the field is level and create raised beds that are 1.2 to 1.5 meters wide for better drainage and root development.
**Timely Sowing**
Seed selection plays a crucial role in the success of Campanulaceae cultivation. Annual varieties, often referred to as "doll types," have small, light-colored seeds with low germination rates and weak seedlings, resulting in lower yields. In contrast, two-year-old plants produce larger, darker seeds with higher germination rates, faster growth, and significantly better yields—up to 30% higher than the annual type.
**Seed Treatment**
Soak the seeds in warm water (50°C–60°C) while stirring to remove dirt and impurities. Let the water cool, then soak the seeds for 12 hours. Alternatively, use a 0.3% potassium permanganate solution for 12 hours to improve germination rates.
**Sowing Time and Method**
Autumn sowing (September–October) is recommended, as it allows the plants to establish roots before Winter, leading to stronger growth and higher yields compared to Spring planting. The seeding method can be direct sowing or transplanting. Direct sowing is more efficient, with a higher survival rate and better root quality. Use drills to sow seeds in rows spaced 20–25 cm apart, with furrows 4–5 cm deep. Mix seeds with fine soil or sand for even distribution, then cover with 2 cm of soil or ash. The recommended seed rate is 750–1,000 grams per acre for direct sowing, and 350–500 grams for nursery transplants.
**Field Management**
Once seedlings reach 2 cm in height, thin them out to leave only the strongest ones at 10 cm intervals. Weeding should be done promptly, especially during the early growth stage, as Campanulaceae grows slowly. Three rounds of weeding are typically needed: the first when seedlings are 7–10 cm tall, the second after one month, and the third after another month.
Fertilization is important from June to September, the main growing season. Apply compost or manure along with a small amount of phosphate and urea. During dry periods, irrigation is necessary, but care must be taken during rainy seasons to prevent root rot by ensuring proper drainage.
When seedlings reach 10 cm in height, they are usually transplanted to increase fruit production. Deflowering is also recommended to redirect energy toward root development. Spraying 1 ml/L of ethephon during full bloom helps control flowering and increases yield by up to 45%.
**Pest Control**
Common pests include leaf spot, sheath blight, root aphids, and Cuscuta (dodder). For fungal diseases like leaf spot, spray 1:1:100 Bordeaux mixture or 50% carbendazim diluted 1,000 times. Root aphids can be controlled using 90% trichlorfon diluted 800 times or 50% phoxim diluted 1,000 times. Aphids and spider mites can be managed with 40% dimethoate or 80% dichlorvos, applied every 10 days. Dodder infestations require manual removal, and severe cases may necessitate uprooting and deep burial of affected plants. Crickets and earthworms can be controlled with poisoned baits.
**Harvesting and Processing**
After two years of growth or following transplantation, harvest the plants when the leaves begin to wilt. Cut off the stems and leaves, wash the roots thoroughly, and remove any coarse material. Dry the roots in the sun or using anthracite for preservation.
**Seed Saving**
The flowering period is long, and fruits ripen unevenly. Select second-year plants and prune weak lateral branches and soft tops in mid-September to concentrate nutrients on central fruits. Harvest yellow pods in October in stages, cutting the fruit stems along with the branches. Dry the harvested material for 3–4 days in a ventilated area before sun-drying, threshing, and storing the seeds. Mature fruits tend to split open easily, so timely harvesting is critical to prevent seed loss.
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Platycodon grandiflorum cultivation techniques