To grow mulethi from seed, soak the hard seeds in water for 24 hours to improve germination. Plant the soaked seeds in a nursery in January-February, or directly sow them in the main field during February-March or July-August. Provide a well-drained, loamy soil in a sunny or partially shaded location, and keep the soil moist until the plants are established. The plants take 3-4 years to grow large enough for their medicinal roots to be harvested.
1. Seed Preparation Soak:
Licorice (mulethi) seeds are hard and require pre-treatment to improve germination. Soak them in a shallow container of water for a full day.
2. Sowing
Nursery: Prepare a nursery in January-February to transplant later.
Direct Sowing: Alternatively, you can directly sow seeds in the main field during February-March or July-August.
3. Location and Soil
Sunlight: Mulethi prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil: It thrives in well-drained, loamy soil. The field needs to be well-leveled to prevent water stagnation.
Location: Choose a site that is weed-free and has amended soil for fertility, good water retention, and drainage.
4. Planting
Spacing: Plant seeds or root cuttings about 24 to 36 inches apart.
Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of 6-8 cm.
5. Post-Planting Care
Watering: Water deeply during the first year to keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging. After the first year, water only when necessary during dry spells.
Weed Control: Keep the planting area free of weeds through hoeing and weeding.
6. Harvest
Time: The roots are ready for harvest after 3 to 4 years.
