Astragalus, also known as Camellia root, belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is a root-based medicinal herb. It is propagated through seeds and is known for its resilience to drought and cold. It should not be grown in the same area consecutively. Astragalus has traditional medicinal properties, including the ability to reduce dampness, stop diarrhea, control bleeding, and clear heat.
**First, Site Selection**
Choose a plot with high fertility, loose soil, no waterlogging or salinity, and ensure deep plowing. Apply approximately 5,000 kg of high-quality farmyard manure or 100 kg of superphosphate per acre to enrich the soil.
**Second, Sowing and Cultivation**
1. **Seed Treatment**: Seed treatment is crucial for improving germination rates. Soak the seeds in warm water at 40°C for 2–3 hours, then dry them. Use seeds from plants that are 2–3 years old, as they have a higher germination rate.
2. **Sowing Time**: The best time to sow is between early May and late July. This allows the seedlings to survive the winter safely.
3. **Planting Methods**: Astragalus can be sown directly or transplanted. Direct seeding is generally more effective than transplanting.
4. **Sowing Technique**: Create furrows spaced 24 cm apart and 2 cm deep. Evenly sprinkle the seeds mixed with fine sand into the furrows, cover with 1 cm of soil, and water after pressing down. Germination usually takes about 13 days. Use approximately 2 kg of seeds per mu (about 667 square meters). When the seedlings reach 10 cm in height, thin them out to maintain spacing of 3 cm.
5. **Cultivation Management**: The period from emergence to the development of true leaves is when seedlings are most vulnerable. Keeping the soil consistently moist during this time ensures a high survival rate. Once the leaves are well developed, mortality drops significantly. Weeds must be controlled promptly. Watering is essential, especially in areas with irrigation facilities. A single watering session per year helps the plant recover and stay green in the following season.
6. **Pest and Disease Control**: If root rot occurs, remove the affected plants immediately and apply lime water for prevention. For leaf blight, use a 1:1:100 Bordeaux mixture. For pests like cutworms and earthworms, apply 90% trichlorfon diluted 1,500 times as a pesticide.
**Third, Harvesting**
The optimal time to harvest Astragalus is 3 to 5 years after transplanting. In autumn, when the above-ground parts die back, dig up the roots before the ground freezes. Remove the stems and dirt, dry them partially, gently knock off the outer skin, and continue drying until fully dry. High-quality Astragalus is long, solid, smooth on the surface, and has a bright yellow color.
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