Medicinal honeysuckle cultivation and management points
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Honeysuckle is a perennial, evergreen vine that holds significant medicinal value. Cultivating medicinal honeysuckle requires careful attention to several key aspects:
First, selecting the right variety is essential. Medicinal honeysuckle should have thick branches, a well-structured form, and produce abundant, high-quality flowers. Varieties like "Chicken Flower" and "Big Hair Flower" are known for their superior medicinal properties and yield.
Next, choosing the right planting site is crucial. Honeysuckle thrives in open, well-drained soils that are loose and rich in organic matter. Sandy loam with good drainage is ideal. You can also use small plots such as areas behind houses, ditches, or ponds. For optimal growth, prepare raised beds about 1.2 meters wide, with a depth of around 50 cm.
Nurturing strong seedlings is another important step. Honeysuckle is typically propagated through cuttings. In early spring, before new growth begins, take cuttings with 1–4 buds, remove the lower leaves, and plant them in a prepared bed. Keep the area shaded and water regularly, especially during dry periods. Once the cuttings develop roots and new leaves, gradually introduce them to sunlight and apply a diluted organic fertilizer every two weeks. As the plants grow, increase the fertilizer strength and transplant them after about six months.
Scientific management plays a vital role in ensuring healthy growth. Fertilize before spring growth starts or before winter cold sets in. Apply composted manure, ammonium sulfate, and superphosphate around each plant. During May and June, use diluted organic liquid fertilizer 2–3 times to boost growth. To enhance flower bud formation and improve yield, spray 0.5–1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate on the leaves during the budding stage. Pruning is essential to shape the plant into an umbrella-like shrub with multiple branches. Cut the main stem at 30 cm, encourage lateral growth, and trim branches regularly. Before spring budding, clear the garden by removing dead, weak, or diseased branches to reduce pests and diseases.
Common pests include locusts and coffee tiger beetles. Locusts damage leaves and buds, while larvae of the coffee tiger beetle feed inside the stems, causing hollowing. Control measures include manually removing larvae or using dichlorvos-soaked cotton to block entry points. The main disease is honeysuckle brown spot, which appears in summer. Early treatment with Jinggangmycin can help prevent its spread.
Harvesting medicinal honeysuckle involves picking the flowers at the right time. The best time is when the base of the flower is green and the top is milky white, with vibrant color and fullness. Harvest on sunny days before the dew dries, handling the flowers gently to avoid damage. Dry the harvested flowers immediately. On sunny days, spread them evenly on a drying table for natural sun-drying. On rainy days, use a controlled drying room with layered racks and a heating system. Maintain a temperature range from 30–35°C initially, gradually increasing to 45–50°C. After about 10 hours, the flowers should be dry, crisp, and aromatic. Avoid interrupting the drying process, as continuous drying ensures the highest quality and medicinal value. Alternatively, you can lightly bake the flowers first before completing the drying process.