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Suitable for early sowing of Chinese herbal medicines
Chinese herbal medicines come in a wide variety, each with unique growth habits and characteristics. Over time, many farmers have developed long-term cultivation techniques, believing that certain medicinal herbs can be planted earlier to take advantage of their rapid emergence, strong growth, and natural resistance to diseases and environmental stresses. These early-planted herbs often exhibit high performance and yield benefits.
One widely used herb is Platycodon grandiflorum, commonly known as Balloon Flower. It is not only used for medicinal purposes but also as a food item, and it grows naturally across mountains, hills, and plains throughout China. Currently, there are four main production regions and several secondary ones. Traditionally, Platycodon is sown in spring or summer using about 2 kg of seeds per acre, with the soil evenly spread over the field. The seeds are often soaked and crushed before planting. However, this method has some drawbacks: dry conditions make germination difficult, and weeds often interfere with seedling development.
An alternative approach is winter planting. In this method, the seeds are mixed with soil in a specific ratio and then exposed to cold temperatures—no covering is needed. Through the snow and rain during winter, the seeds come into full contact with the surface and begin to expand. By early spring of the following year, the seeds sprout, and the plants emerge quickly. This method offers several advantages: earlier and more uniform emergence, stronger seedlings, and better overall growth.
Another important herb is Bupleurum chinense, commonly known as Chaihu. Historically, it was mainly found in the wild, leading to a significant gap between supply and demand. After the 1980s, its cultivation became widespread, with traditional planting done in spring. However, Bupleurum seeds have a tough outer layer, which makes germination slow—usually taking 18–25 days at temperatures above 20°C. As a result, low germination rates have been a major challenge in cultivating this herb.
Winter planting has proven effective in overcoming this issue. When planted in winter, the hard outer shell of the seeds gradually softens under cold weather conditions. This makes the seeds much easier to germinate when spring sunlight returns. Farmers have also found that broadcasting Bupleurum seeds in wheat fields is a natural and efficient method. Once the wheat is harvested, the Bupleurum begins to grow rapidly. Experience shows that winter planting improves germination consistency, enhances the quality of the medicinal herb, and leads to better yields.
Atractylodes macrocephala, commonly known as Baizhu, is another widely used medicinal herb. Its growth cycle typically lasts two years: one year for seedling cultivation and another for mature plant growth. Traditionally, seedlings are started around the Qingming Festival, when the weather is mild. Seedlings usually emerge 7–10 days after sowing. However, this method has several issues: the seedlings tend to be short due to shallow planting, they are weak and prone to disease (especially in spring when viruses and bacteria are active), and the yield is often low.
By advancing the planting time to colder periods, these problems can be mitigated. Cold-seeded Atractylodes seeds are generally sown deeper to avoid freezing on the surface. The resulting seedlings grow faster, develop more vigorously, and produce higher yields. Additionally, early-emerging seedlings are stronger and more resilient, improving their ability to withstand pests and diseases. Experienced farmers and agricultural experts often prefer to plant Atractylodes during colder months to ensure better results.