Planting methods and techniques of white peony root

White peony root is a common Chinese medicinal material with very high medicinal value. Among them, the one produced in Zhejiang is called Hangzhou white peony, which has the best quality, and the one produced in Anhui is called Bo white peony, which has the largest output. Below, the editor will introduce the planting methods and techniques of white peony, let’s take a look.

1. Planting time

The planting time of white peony is usually chosen in spring and autumn. Spring planting generally takes place between March and April, when the temperature gradually warms up and the soil moisture is moderate, which is conducive to the rooting and germination of white peony. Autumn planting is chosen between September and October, when the soil temperature is moderate, suitable for the growth and development of the white peony root system.

2. Site selection and land preparation

White peony is suitable for growing in well-drained, deep, loose and fertile sandy loam and humus-rich loam, and avoids cultivation in clay and low-lying areas. Before planting, the soil needs to be carefully cultivated with a tillage depth of 25-30 cm, and 2500-4000 kg of manure or compost should be applied per mu as base fertilizer.

3. Seed treatment

There are two main ways of propagation of white peony: seed propagation and root division propagation. Seed propagation has low cost and is suitable for large-scale planting. Before sowing, the seeds need to be screened to remove shriveled and diseased seeds, and soaked in warm water for 24 hours to promote seed germination.

4. Sowing method

It can be sown in rows or broadcast. The row spacing is maintained at 30-40 cm and the sowing depth is about 35 cm. After sowing, cover with a thin layer of soil, compact it lightly, and finally water it thoroughly to help the seeds take root.

5. Intertillage and weeding

During the growth period of white peony, inter-row cultivation and weeding should be carried out 2-3 times to loosen the soil, reduce nutrient consumption and promote root growth. When weeding, you should follow the principle of "weed early, weed small, and weed completely" to avoid damaging the roots of the plants.

6. Fertilization management

White peony requires a large amount of fertilizer during its vigorous growth period. In addition to base fertilizer, top dressing is also required in a timely manner. Generally, compound fertilizer is applied once before budding in spring and during the peak growth period in summer, with a dosage of about 15-20 kilograms per mu. At the same time, foliar fertilizers such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be sprayed on the leaves to improve the plant's disease resistance and yield.

7. Water management

White peony likes a humid environment, but is afraid of waterlogging. The soil should be kept moist during the growing period, and irrigation should be carried out in time in dry weather. During the rainy season, attention should be paid to drainage and waterlogging prevention to prevent root rot.

The above is an introduction to the planting methods and techniques of white peony. The harvesting time of white peony is generally in autumn, when the above-ground part of the plant withers. You can also choose to harvest in August-September after the fourth year of planting, and choose to harvest when the weather is clear and the ground is dry.