The white peony, scientifically known as *Paeonia lactiflora*, is a significant medicinal herb belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. It has a bitter and sour taste with a slightly cold nature, primarily affecting the liver meridian. It is renowned for its ability to nourish the blood, accumulate yin, soothe the liver, relieve pain, and calm internal heat. Traditionally, it is used to treat irregular menstruation, abdominal discomfort, uterine bleeding, and symptoms such as spontaneous sweating and night sweats. The annual demand for this plant is approximately 10,000 tons, making it a highly valued crop in traditional Chinese medicine.
When selecting a site for cultivation, it's essential to choose well-drained, deep, and fertile loam or sandy loam soil. Previous crops like corn, wheat, beans, and sweet potatoes are ideal for preparing the land. Before planting, the soil should be deeply tilled to a depth of 25–30 cm, with 1–2 plowings. A base fertilizer of 2,500–4,000 kg of compost per acre is recommended. Raised beds should be about 1.3 meters wide, while drainage ditches should be 40 cm wide and 20 cm deep in areas with heavy rainfall. Sandy loam soils found near roadsides, open spaces, tourist spots, villages, and farms are also suitable for cultivation. These areas not only enhance the landscape but also provide economic returns, offering both aesthetic and commercial value.
In terms of planting techniques, two main varieties are commonly selected: medicinal and ornamental types. Medicinal varieties such as "National Flag Unparalleled," "Five-Fold," and "Sunflower Red" are high-yielding and of superior quality. Ornamental varieties like "Big Rich," "Hong Yan Zhengguang," and "Mileen" are favored for their large, vibrant flowers and long blooming periods. For propagation, healthy buds are cut into pieces, each containing 2–3 segments, with a thickness of over 2 cm. If not planted immediately, they should be stored in a cool, dry place, covered with moist sand to prevent rotting.
Planting is typically done between September and October in northern regions, while southern areas may plant earlier if temperatures remain favorable. Late planting can lead to weak root development, which may hinder growth. In field cultivation, plants are spaced at 50 × 30 cm, with 4,000–4,500 plants per acre. For tourism purposes, planting methods can be adjusted based on layout preferences. Buds are placed 1–2 per hole, 4–5 cm deep, and covered with soil to form a mound for winter protection.
Field management includes regular weeding and loosening the soil after emergence, with 2–3 sessions during the growing season. In late October, stems and leaves are cut back to 7–10 cm above the ground to help the plant survive the winter. In Heze, the "Bright Roots and Roots" method is often used, where the soil around the roots is gently poked to expose them for a few days, improving temperature and reducing pests. Fertilization occurs three times annually, starting in late March with diluted human urine, followed by more concentrated applications in April and November. Irrigation is minimal, except during severe droughts when watering is done in the evening. Drainage is crucial during rainy seasons to prevent root diseases.
Harvesting takes place 3–4 years after planting, with timing varying by region—late June to early July in Zhejiang, August in Anhui and Sichuan, and September in Shandong. Stems and leaves are cut, and the entire root is dug out. After removing the buds for seed, the roots are processed by boiling in water for 5–15 minutes until the core becomes white. They are then cooled, peeled, and dried in the sun. Traditional drying involves alternating exposure to morning and midday sun, with nighttime coverage to allow moisture to redistribute. This process ensures even drying and prevents mold. Some modern producers prefer direct drying without peeling, depending on market demands.
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