The Chinese medicinal herb "Xishaicao" is a traditional herb used to treat various diseases. It is commonly found in mountain slopes, roadsides, and wastelands. It has strong adaptability and grows well in fertile clay and sandy loam soil rich in humus, resulting in high yields. How is Xishaicao cultivated? Let's find out together!
Xishaicao is the aerial part of the plants Xishaicao, Xiangan Xishaicao, or Maogeng Xishaicao in the Asteraceae family.
It has a cold nature and a pungent and bitter taste. It is used for treating rheumatism, weak tendons and bones, and other conditions. It flowers from August to October and fruits from September to December. It is mainly produced in Fujian and other regions.
Xishaicao has strong adaptability and is commonly found in mountain slopes, roadsides, and wastelands. It prefers warm and moist environments and grows well in fertile clay and sandy loam soil rich in humus, resulting in high yields.
It requires a moderate amount of soil moisture, as excessive moisture can cause root rot. It is not suitable for cultivation in low-lying and waterlogged areas.
Functions and Uses of Xishaicao:
Xishaicao has the functions of dispelling wind and dampness, promoting joint mobility, and detoxifying the body. It is used for treating rheumatism, weak tendons and bones, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, paralysis of limbs, hemiplegia, and wind rashes and damp sores.
Cultivation Techniques for Xishaicao:
Xishaicao can be propagated by seeds, either through seedling cultivation or direct sowing.
Seedling Cultivation: After autumn harvest, plow the land to a depth of about 20cm. Before the Grain Rain season of the following year, plow the land once again. Apply 75,000-105,000kg of organic fertilizer per hectare and level the land to form beds.
Sow the seeds at a rate of 3.75kg per hectare, covering them with 1-1.5cm of soil. Water the seeds after sowing. The seedlings will emerge in 15-17 days and reach a height of 5-10cm. Transplant the seedlings with a spacing of 5cm between plants.
In northern regions, prepare the land and apply fertilizer after harvesting wheat, then transplant the seedlings when they reach a height of about 30cm. Plant two rows per bed, with a row spacing of 45cm and a plant spacing of 30cm.
Direct Sowing: 10 days before the Grain Rain season, open furrows 3cm deep between rows in the wheat field and cover them with 2cm of soil. Sow the seeds at a rate of 7.5kg per 4 hectares and water after sowing.
After wheat harvest, transplant the seedlings when they reach a height of 7-10cm, with a row spacing of 45cm and a plant spacing of 30cm.
Field Management:
Water the seedlings and weed the field when the direct-sown seedlings reach a height of 6-10cm.
When the seedlings reach a height of 30-45cm, apply organic manure or cake fertilizer and water after application, or apply 75kg of ammonium sulfate per hectare.
Keep the soil moist during the plant growth period.
