How to Grow Euryale Ferox (Gorgon Nut)? Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Key Techniques
Gorgon nut is the mature seed kernel of Euryale ferox (gorgon plant), named for its fruit which resembles a “chicken's head”. It is a natural, pollution-free green food, and is widely cultivated in southern China. So how do you grow gorgon nut?
Gorgon nut is highly adaptable, growing in ponds, marshes, lakes, reservoirs and low-lying paddy fields. Gorgon nut must grow within the frost-free period. It prefers warmth and moisture, abundant sunlight, tolerates heavy fertilization, and is not tolerant of frost or drought. Seeds begin to germinate above 15°C. 20°C to 30°C is most suitable for vegetative growth and for flowering and fruiting. Below 15°C, growth basically stops. The fruit and seeds cannot fully mature. Soil that is slightly acidic to neutral is suitable. The entire growth and development process of gorgon nut requires water, but it has certain requirements for water level. Generally, during the seedling stage it is 10 cm to 20 cm, and afterward, as the plant grows, the water depth gradually increases to 70 cm to 90 cm, and should not exceed 120 cm at the deepest. When adjusting the water level, it must not rise or fall sharply.
During growth and development, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are required in equal importance. Especially during the flowering and fruiting stage, relatively more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are needed. Gorgon nut can be cultivated by direct seeding, or by raising seedlings and transplanting. Generally, because direct seeding cultivation is more extensive, both the seedling emergence rate and the yield are relatively low. While the seedling-raising and transplanting method is relatively more troublesome, the yield is higher. Therefore, in production, the seedling-raising and transplanting method is usually adopted for cultivation.
Gorgon nut is widely cultivated in China's Huai River basin, Yangtze River basin and areas south of the Yangtze River basin, and is one of the important ways for various regions to adjust their agricultural structure and increase farmers' income.