The planting conditions of Angelica Aba
- Geographic adaptability
(1) Native environment: Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, 2500-3000 meters above sea level.
(2) Home planting: altitude <1000 meters need to pay attention to the summer shade - Climate and Soil
(1) Temperature: 10-20℃ during the growing period (extreme heat >30℃ will lead to dormancy)
(2) Soil formula: humus 50% + perlite 30% + river sand 20% (pH 6.0-7.0)
(3) Taboo: avoid continuous cropping, need to rotate with legumes (prevent soil-borne diseases)
Seed treatment 2 skills
- Break dormancy
(1) operation: warm water (40 ℃) soaking 12 hours → wet sand layer 30 days (0-5 ℃ refrigeration)
(2) Comparison of data: 85% germination rate of treated seeds vs <30% for untreated seeds - Sterilization and mold prevention
(1) Recommended program: soak in 0.1% potassium permanganate solution for 20 minutes → rinse with clean water for 3 times.
(2) Wrong case: the mold rate of unsterilized seeds is as high as 60%.
Seedling and transplanting steps
- Seedling bed preparation
Container: 15cm deep seedling tray (avoid direct seeding, the root system is easily damaged)
Sowing density: 3cm × 3cm spot sowing, mulch thickness 0.5cm - Transplanting timing
Signs: seedlings 4-5 true leaves, stem thickness ≥ 2mm
Weather: transplanting on cloudy days or in the evening, shading rate of 70% during the seedling slowing period
Daily maintenance points
- Water and fertilizer management
(1) Watering: keep the soil moist but not waterlogged (recommended drip irrigation system)
(2) Fertilizer: organic liquid fertilizer once a month during the growth period (avoid urea, preventing the growth of futile) - Light regulation
(1) highland areas: full sunshine
(2) low altitude areas: summer 10:00-15:00 50% shade
Pest Control
| Pests and Diseases | Symptoms | Organic control program |
| Root rot | Root browning, Plant wilt | Mycorrhizal fungi root irrigation + Increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer |
| Aphids | Young leaf curl, honeydew residue | Picrasidine spray (once every 3 days for 2 weeks) |
Harvesting and storage
- Best harvesting period: 2-3 years after planting in the fall, when the leaves are yellowing
- Drying method:
(1) Wash and slice (thickness 2-3mm)
(2) Hot air drying at 40℃ until the moisture content is <10%.
(3) Storage conditions: sealed cans + desiccant, keep away from light (shelf life of 3 years)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I grow Abelmoschus radix on my home balcony?
Reference answer: Can try but need to fulfill:
(1) Container depth ≥40cm
(2) Temperature control in air-conditioned room in summer
Q2: Why doesn’t Angelica sinensis bloom in the first year?
Answer: Normal phenomenon! Aba Angelica is perennial and usually blooms and sets seed after 2 years.