Rhodiola Growers of Canada strives to help and support growers around the world in their efforts to cultivate Rhodiola rosea. We believe sustainable cultivation of this amazing adaptogen is possible, and that’s why we developed our Knowledge Base. If you or anyone you know has an interest in learning more about growing Rhodiola rosea, please check out the Knowledge Base on our website.
If you are growing or want to grow Rhodiola rosea, here’s a tip for you –
From seed to mature plant, Rhodiola rosea needs to grow for 5 years in order to obtain adequate concentrations of the beneficial compounds – rosavins and salidrosides. One of the best ways to cut down on the number of growing years is to start from cuttings, rather than seed. If taken care of properly, you will have mature plants from your cuttings within 3 to 4 years.
Here is a picture of cuttings, often called a crown or root divisions, after 1 month (on the left) vs. seedlings after 6 months (on the right). Stems growing from the of the cuttings are 4-6 inches tall. The 6-month-old seedlings are 1-2 inches tall.
Steps for Taking Cuttings from Mature Rhodiola roots –
- For any root division to survive, it will need to have at least one bud and some portion of the crown and/or roots. The roots are cut into sections 1 to 6 inches long, with at least one bud on each division. Crown division can be performed in early spring on crops in their third year or older. The buds should be growing, but not green and shooting. The optimal bud size is .25 to 3.0 inches long.
- Remove the plant from the ground and take away all weeds and dirt by brushing or knocking the root on a hard surface. Do not bruise or crush the root. With both hands break the root at its natural break points or where it will easily break. For more divisions, these pieces can be split apart with a knife, making sure to include at least one bud and some crown or root.
- Expose the pieces to air for 1 to 2 days before planting. This will allow the broken surfaces to heal and prevent take up of soil-borne diseases.
- Soak pieces for 30 minutes in 10-52-10 liquid fertilizer just prior to transplanting. Transplant directly into the field as per your field design and spacing. Water heavily after transplanting.
Patience and TLC
Three to 4 years is still a long time to wait. But patience is very much a virtue, and something that you can also cultivate as you wait for your Rhodiola. The end results are well worth the effort and wait. Try it as a tea or a tincture, or both. But before you harvest your Rhodiola, make sure to take more cuttings for the years to come!
Rhodiola Growers of Canada encourages the sustainable cultivation of Rhodiola rosea. Please check out our Knowledge Base for more information on growing Rhodiola rosea. And send comments to this blog, if you have any questions on raising Rhodiola from cuttings.
for more information on growing Rhodiola rosea. And send comments to this blog, if you have any questions on raising Rhodiola from cuttings.
