Wuzhao Feng is the whole herb of the Rosaceae plant Potentilla chinensis, mainly distributed in Sichuan, Guizhou and other provinces in China. It has the effect of promoting blood circulation and dispersing blood stasis, and can be used to treat injuries, chicken claw wind (a type of joint disease), and lower back pain. Now let's learn about the cultivation methods of Wuzhao Feng.
1. Biological Characteristics
It prefers a sunny and mild climate with relatively humid conditions. It has strong adaptability and can be cultivated in high mountains, hills, and plains. It does not have strict requirements for soil, and is often found growing wild in wasteland, field edges, or roadside. It is best cultivated in sandy soil with good drainage, fertility, and moisture.
2. Cultivation Techniques
Propagation is mainly done by division. New shoots growing on the creeping stems of old plants are dug out and used as seedlings. Each seedling should have a root system. Planting can be done in spring (March to April) or autumn (September to October), with autumn planting being preferred. Dig planting holes with a spacing of 20cm between rows, and plant 2-3 seedlings per hole. Cover with soil and press firmly, and apply diluted animal or human manure water.
3. Field Management
Watering should be done promptly after planting. For plants planted in autumn, tillage and weeding should be done in mid-December of the same year, and fertilization should be carried out once. After that, weeds should be removed at any time, and shallow tillage and additional fertilization should be done once in May and September-October after two harvests. Fertilizers can be animal or human manure water or ammonium sulfate. After 3-4 years of continuous harvesting, it is necessary to change the planting location.
4. Harvest and Storage
The harvesting of Wuzhao Feng should be done in a timely manner, neither too early nor too late. Generally, it is harvested one or two days after maturity. The berries should be picked with the fruit stalk and part of the fruit peduncle.
The harvested berries are best stored in a refrigerator at a temperature close to 0°C and a relative humidity of about 90%. Under such temperature and humidity conditions, they can be stored for about a week. Cold storage facilities, such as cold stores, can be used for long-term preservation of the berries.
