How long is the growth cycle of Gastrodia elata?

Growth cycle of Gastrodia elata

It takes about 3 years for Gastrodia elata to complete a growth cycle. The natural season for artificial cultivation of Gastrodia elata is from November to January of the following year in winter, and the harvest can be harvested after 9 to 11 months of growth; spring planting is from February to May, and the harvest can be harvested after 6 to 8 months of growth. The most suitable time for planting Gastrodia elata should be October to November, followed by February to March, and the worst is June to July.

Gastrodia elata grows in the shade and moist areas under forests with thick humus at an altitude of 1200-1800m. It is distributed in Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shaanxi, Gansu, Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Tibet and other places, and is now mostly cultivated artificially.

Growth rate of Gastrodia elata

As the temperature rises, the growth of Gastrodia elata gradually accelerates, with the fastest growth rate at 20-25℃. When the temperature rises to 30℃ in summer, the growth of Gastrodia elata is hindered.

If the temperature continues to rise, not only will the Gastrodia elata stop growing, but it will also be prone to various problems. In particular, high temperature and high humidity are extremely unfavorable to the growth of Gastrodia elata and Armillaria mellea, and it is easy to cause the Gastrodia elata to rot.

Gastrodia elata growth cycle management

Water management: In the early stage of Gastrodia elata growth, it is generally necessary to ensure that the moisture content in the soil is more than 60%. In the middle stage of Gastrodia elata growth, the moisture content can be maintained at around 50%. In the later stage of growth, its requirements for nutrients and various substances will gradually decrease, but the moisture content in the soil should still be about 40%.

Temperature management: Gastrodia elata has a strong ability to tolerate low temperatures and will not be frozen to death at -4°C, but it will not germinate when the temperature is below 10°C. Generally, its lower growth temperature is 12°C.

Fertilization management: After planting, Gastrodia elata does not require fertilizer, loosening the soil or weeding, and should be kept in the soil.