With the increasing demand for Sichuan pepper, the planting area has expanded significantly in recent years. If you plan to grow Sichuan pepper from seeds, here are the methods and timing to follow for seedling cultivation.
Methods and Timing for Sichuan Pepper Seedling Cultivation
1. Timing
Sichuan pepper seeds can be sown in either spring or autumn. For spring sowing, the period is mid-March to mid-April. For autumn sowing, it should be done from late October to early December.
2. Germination
The seeds of Sichuan pepper have a hard shell and are covered with a thick layer of oil, making it difficult for water to penetrate, which results in low germination rates and slow sprouting. Therefore, it is necessary to promote germination before sowing. First, place the seeds in water to remove any damaged or shriveled seeds. Rub the selected seeds with fine soil, then rinse them in water. You can add 1% detergent to the water and rub the seeds repeatedly to remove the oil. After soaking the seeds in detergent for about two days, take them out and continue soaking in clean water. Once the seed shells start to crack, they are ready for sowing.
3. Sowing
Apply 4000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer per mu (Chinese unit of area, approximately 666.7 square meters). Prepare the land by digging ditches and making beds, with row spacing controlled at around 25 cm and a ditch depth of 3-5 cm. Disinfect the soil and spray 70% thiophanate-methyl or lime sulfur before sowing. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil about 1 cm thick, and according to soil moisture conditions, cover with straw or dry grass.
4. Transplanting
When the seedlings reach about 5 cm in height, start thinning them, maintaining a plant spacing of around 10 cm. Regularly check for any missing or dead seedlings and fill in the gaps as needed. Generally, keep about 20,000 Sichuan pepper seedlings per mu.
5. Water and Fertilizer Management
After June, during the peak growth season of the seedlings, apply fertilizer 1-2 times according to the growth condition. Use ammonium sulfate or urea, with a dosage of 5-10 kg per mu. Water according to soil moisture and weather conditions, keeping the soil moist until June. After June, as the weather becomes hot, water the seedlings as needed. If there is excessive rainfall, ensure proper field drainage to avoid waterlogging.
