**"Seminar on Cultivation of Chinese Medicinal Materials" Expert Series Lecture 5**
Achyranthes, commonly known as *Lu Lu Xiang* in traditional Chinese medicine, thrives in areas near homes, at forest edges, and on hillside grasslands. It prefers a warm and dry climate and is not tolerant of cold temperatures, withstanding only down to -17°C. It should not be planted in clay or alkaline soils, as it is sensitive to continuous cropping. The growth cycle of Achyranthes can be divided into four key stages: the seedling stage (from emergence until the plant reaches 15–20 cm in height, typically in July), the planting period (rapid above-ground growth, around August), the root expansion phase (where shoot growth slows but root development accelerates, from September to October), and the mature harvest period (when the plant begins to wither, usually in November).
In terms of cultivation techniques, site selection is crucial. Achyranthes is a deep-rooted plant, so it requires well-drained sandy loam soil that is deep, loose, and fertile with a low water table. Before planting, the soil should be deeply tilled to a depth of over 60 cm. Apply 3,000 kg of well-rotted manure, 50 kg of superphosphate, and 50 kg of rapeseed per acre. Mix these materials thoroughly and spread them evenly on the topsoil for several days before plowing again. Create raised beds that are 1.3 meters wide, with furrows 40 cm wide and deeper drainage channels around the field.
For propagation, seed sowing is the most common method. The ideal time for sowing is during the first half of July. Sowing too early may result in weak roots and poor-quality herbs, while sowing too late can lead to lower yields. Before planting, soak the seeds in warm water at 20°C for 12 hours, then dry them and mix with ash, human or animal urine, and ensure even distribution. Sow the seeds on the surface of the raised bed, gently rake the soil to cover the seeds, and then add a thin layer of fine soil (sand) about 1–1.5 cm thick. Finally, sprinkle a light layer of chaff on top to aid germination. The recommended sowing rate is 500–750 grams per acre. It's important to sow before mid-May, as any plants flowering later will have roots unsuitable for medicinal use. There are three types of seeds: autumn seeds, autumn vine seeds, and vinegar seeds. Autumn seeds are the best quality, while vinegar seeds are considered the worst.
Field management begins five days after sowing. In the early stages, seedlings are weak, and timely watering is essential during dry periods to protect them. When the seedlings reach 5–6 cm in height, perform the first thinning, removing weak plants and keeping the strongest ones at 6–7 cm. When the seedlings grow to about 10 cm, thin them according to a spacing of 15 cm by 15 cm. If there are gaps, transplant seedlings on cloudy days. Weeding should be done 3–4 times throughout the growing season. After the seedlings emerge, the first weeding and application of diluted manure and ash should take place. The second weeding, combined with fertilization, involves applying 1,000 kg of organic fertilizer, 5 kg of urea, and 10–15 kg of potassium nitrate. Removing buds is also important—by cutting off the top inflorescences in batches, nutrients are redirected to the roots.
During the seedling stage up to early August, irrigation should be controlled to encourage strong main root development. Once August arrives, the main roots stop elongating, and irrigation can be increased to promote firm root growth. After heavy rains, drainage must be ensured to prevent waterlogging. Proper field management significantly affects the yield and quality of Achyranthes, making it a vital component of successful medicinal herb cultivation.
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