How to grow water spinach seedlings? Grow seedlings and plant from April to July, in the north from June to August
AbstractSeedling method: First, choose soil with sufficient fertility that is loose and permeable for planting; the temperature should preferably be between 25-30°C, because direct sowing has a slower germination rate, so before sowing the seeds need to be soaked to promote germination to increase the germination rate; after sowing, fertilize and water promptly, which can promote the rapid growth of water spinach. Seedling time: Water spinach is generally grown as seedlings and planted from April to July; in the north, because the temperature is lower, it is generally grown as seedlings and planted from June to August.
1. Planting time
Water spinach needs to grow in a high-temperature, humid environment with sufficient light. The seeds need temperatures above 15°C to sprout. It is generally planted from April to July, but in the north the temperature is relatively low, so it is generally planted from June to August.
2. Planting conditions
Water spinach does not have high requirements for soil and is suited to loose, permeable soil with sufficient fertility. It likes high-temperature, high-humidity environments. The optimal growth temperature is 25-30°C, and it can also grow at high temperatures of 35-40°C.
3. Sowing method
The seed coat of water spinach is relatively hard and thick. If sown directly, germination is very slow, which affects the seed cycle. Under long periods of rainy weather, the seeds are prone to rotting.
Before sowing, the seeds need to be soaked in warm water at about 60°C for about 30 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent the seeds from being scalded, then placed in clean water to soak for one day, and then placed in a greenhouse to promote germination. The sowing rate is about 2 kg per mu. After sowing, cover with soil and water to ensure soil moisture.
Later management
Water spinach has a very large demand for nutrients during growth. Before planting, sufficient base fertilizer must be applied. When it grows to 5 cm, water and fertilize to promote its rapid growth, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Fertilizing should also be done at harvest time, which is beneficial for its second growth, mainly with nitrogen fertilizer.
Harvest in time
Timely harvesting is a key point for high yield of water spinach. When the water spinach grows to about 35 cm, it can be picked. Harvesting in time is what makes the taste better. Generally, all parts of the water spinach more than 5 cm above the ground are harvested.
Nutritional value
Water spinach is an alkaline food. Eating it often in summer can cool the blood and remove toxins, prevent and treat dysentery, and relieve summer heat. It contains elements such as chlorine and potassium that regulate water balance. After eating, it lowers the acidity of the intestines, can prevent intestinal flora imbalance, and also has an anti-cancer effect. The vitamin C and niacin it contains can lower triglycerides and cholesterol, and it has a certain effect of lowering lipids and aiding weight loss. Water spinach also has the effects of beautifying the skin, cleaning the teeth, preventing tooth decay, and removing bad breath.