The invention discloses an artificial planting method of Chinese pennisetum. The method includes the steps of soil preparation, Chinese pennisetum seed treatment, cuttage, fertilizer and water management, field management, harvesting, overwintering and the like. The planting method is scientific, reasonable and simple in management, can improve the survival rate and growth vigor of Chinese pennisetum, and makes the yield per mu of Chinese pennisetum reach a high level. The invention further discloses a water-retaining and slow-released fertilizer used for planting and a preparation method of the fertilizer. The fertilizer is prepared from urea, ammonium chloride, calcium superphosphate, potassium sulfate, borax, medicinal diamond, attapulgite and other materials. The fertilizer is high in water retention and good in slow release performance, water and nutrients can be slowly released according to the need of the Chinese pennisetum, leaching and volatilization loss is little, the long-term demand of Chinese pennisetum for nutrients and water is easily met, the utilization rate of the fertilizer can be improved, the planting cost is reduced, and the quality and yield of Chinese pennisetum can also be improved.