How long is the growth cycle of Ophiopogon japonicus?

Introduction to Ophiopogon japonicus growth

Ophiopogon japonicus has strict requirements on soil, and prefers loose, fertile, well-drained slightly alkaline sandy loam. It is best planted on the first or second terraces of river alluvial dams because the terrain is flat and the soil is fertile, which can meet its growth needs.

Ophiopogon japonicus is native to China and is cultivated in Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Anhui, Henan, Shaanxi (southern part) and Hebei (south of Beijing). It is commonly found in the shade and wet places under forests and in grass on hillsides below 2000 meters above sea level.

Ophiopogon japonicus growth cycle

Ophiopogon japonicus likes a warm and humid environment. The suitable growth temperature is between 15 and 25 degrees. The temperature in winter cannot be lower than 0 degrees, and the temperature in summer cannot be higher than 35 degrees, so as to avoid stopping the growth of the plant. It requires a large amount of water during the growth process and also needs sufficient light, especially during the period of tuber expansion.

The growth cycle of Ophiopogon japonicus is 1 year.

Growth rate of Ophiopogon japonicus

The growth and development period mainly goes through the growth and development stage and the tuber development and hypertrophy stage.

The growth and development stage is mainly in the summer. During this stage, the plant grows vigorously, forming a large number of suckers. New roots, i.e., nutrient roots, will emerge from the base, which are relatively slender. The tuber development stage is from the dog days of summer to the following spring. At this time, new roots grow from the base of the seedlings, which are relatively short and thick, and fleshy tubers will appear in the middle or tip.

Ophiopogon japonicus grows slowly.

Management of Ophiopogon japonicus growth cycle

Generally, one acre can produce 1,500 kilograms of fresh Ophiopogon japonicus, and up to 2,000 kilograms if the yield is good.

Temperature management: Ophiopogon japonicus likes a warm, humid and sunny environment. It has a certain degree of cold resistance and can withstand temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius. However, it is still necessary to take measures to keep warm in winter to avoid frost damage and affect its yield.

Fertilization management: Ophiopogon japonicus likes fertilizer. On the basis of applying base fertilizer, you can apply compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Generally, top dressing is done three times a year, the first time in July, the second time in August, and the third time in November.