How to Grow Thick and Sturdy Lotus Root: Six Planting Methods to Teach You

Lotus root is a food with very strong edible value and is also very common in people's daily lives. It can be used in soups, served cold dressed, made into delicious dishes, and also processed into lotus root powder, candied lotus root slices and preserved lotus root, among others. With diverse preparation methods and wide uses, it has attracted the attention of many growers. So how should lotus root be planted to make it thicker and sturdier? Let's learn about it together!

1. Planting Time

The planting time for lotus root is closely related to the regional temperature. Because the most suitable temperature for lotus root growth is around 20-30°C, the earliest temperature for planting lotus root must also reach above 15°C, otherwise the survival rate of lotus root will not be very high. Due to the large temperature differences between northern and southern China, the planting time for lotus root in the south is generally February to March, while in the north it is slightly later, starting around April to May.

2. Choosing the Lotus Field

Generally speaking, lotus root prefers acidic or neutral soil, and the soil quality needs to be rich in organic matter and clay content. Lotus root cannot grow in lotus fields with alkaline soil. Moreover, the size and depth of the lotus field are also very important. If the lotus field is too large, it is inconvenient for planting and management; if the lotus field is too small, it is not conducive to the propagation and growth of lotus root; if the lotus field is too deep, it is inconvenient for later digging; if the lotus field is too shallow, it is not conducive to maintaining water and warmth in winter. Therefore, the size and depth of the lotus field should also be appropriate, so as to benefit the growth of lotus root.

In addition, during the growth process of lotus root, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are essential, but the content of the three fertilizers should vary accordingly based on the different varieties being planted. Seed lotus type lotus root requires more nitrogen and phosphorus; root lotus type lotus root requires more nitrogen and potassium. Therefore, the soil cultivation of the lotus field should be carried out specifically according to the variety being planted.

3. Selecting Lotus Root Seeds

First, when selecting seeds, growers should pay attention to observing whether there are new tender shoots on the lower part of the lotus root. New roots will also regrow beside the tender shoots, and such seedlings can be directly taken for planting. Second, when selecting seeds, try to choose intact, larger lotus roots with at least three nodes or more, and the new shoots should appear to have vigorous growth. In this way, the newly developed young lotus roots will also be better.

4. Sowing

Lotus root seeds should not be left for too long; generally, after selection they can be planted immediately. Before planting, the lotus root seeds need to be treated. First, mix the lotus root seeds with targeted chemicals, then take them for planting. This can prevent many diseases caused by the environment during the growth process in advance. When planting, plant as deeply as possible, so that the lotus root can grow large and well.

The sowing density needs to be estimated according to the size of the lotus field. Generally speaking, lotus root develops relatively quickly and spreads over a relatively large area, and before long it will cover the entire lotus field. Therefore, it is generally sufficient to plant one lotus root every 30-50cm.

5. Field Management

1. Removing Leaves

One month after planting, the lotus leaves and lotus flowers in the lotus field will gradually grow out. At this time, growers should remove some leaves and flower buds to prevent them from absorbing a large amount of nutrients and hindering the growth of lotus root.

2. Fertilizing

When the lotus root grows five or six lotus leaves, we need to fertilize, mainly to confirm whether they have survived. Second, after the lotus leaves in the lotus field have basically grown fully, fertilize once more. At this time, it indicates that many small tender lotus roots have appeared and sufficient nutrients are needed. The last fertilization is when new leaves have gradually stopped growing in the lotus field. At this time, it indicates that the lotus root in the lotus field is slowly growing larger, so a large amount of nutrients is needed to sustain their growth.

Fertilizing lotus root can also follow certain techniques. It should be done on a clear and windless morning or evening. Before fertilizing, drain the water from the lotus field, and after fertilizing, refill with water to the original water level. When topdressing deep-water lotus fields, do not directly use liquid fertilizer; instead, use solid fertilizer and bury it into the mud. When topdressing, the fertilizer can be mixed and stirred with mud to make fertilizer-mud balls, and then applied into the lotus field for better results.

3. Water Level Control

The water level in the pond should not be too deep or too shallow; generally, it can be controlled at 10-15cm.

6. Harvesting

Lotus root generally grows relatively deep, and people do not know how it grows. Therefore, when digging, one must follow its terminal leaf and slowly dig toward the direction of its original leaf. In this way, the lotus root dug out can be the most intact.

The above six points are the planting methods for thick and sturdy lotus root. Is it not as difficult as you imagined? Try it right away!