Is Bracken Fern Poisonous? Detailed Explanation of Cultivation Techniques

Bracken fern is a common vegetable on mountain land, also known as fist vegetable; it can be made into cold dishes and also pickles, and its taste is very good, so it is very popular among people. However, it is rumored that eating bracken fern causes poisoning, so many people no longer dare to eat it. So is bracken fern poisonous? What are the cultivation techniques?

I. Is bracken fern poisonous?

1. Bracken fern has slight toxicity, because bracken fern contains a substance called “ptaquiloside"; eating it can cause cancer in humans, increasing the occurrence of stomach cancer and esophageal cancer, so it is not suitable to eat. However, eating a small amount is not a big problem.

2. Bracken fern has slight toxicity; eating too much can cause diarrhea, indigestion and other uncomfortable symptoms. Therefore, before eating, it is best to soak it in water for 2 hours or soak it in plant ash for a period of time to reduce its toxicity. Usually, it is recommended to eat about 30g each time, and do not eat too much, so as to avoid causing discomfort.

II. What are the cultivation techniques for bracken fern?

1. Land selection and preparation: What kind of land is suitable for planting?

Bracken fern is suitable for growing in an acidic environment with loose, fertile soil and relatively flat terrain. Therefore, when selecting land, try to choose acidic loam or sandy loam for planting. After selecting the land, deep plow the soil, then make ridges and dig furrows for later management.

2. Propagation and seedling raising: How to propagate?

(1) Propagation methods: Bracken fern can use two methods, sexual propagation and asexual propagation. Sexual propagation is sowing seeds to raise seedlings, then transplanting. Asexual propagation is transplanting the new seedlings that grow into the soil at a spacing of 60cm between plants and 70cm between rows. In daily life, asexual propagation is mostly used.

(2) Planting time: It can be done in all four seasons, but it is best to plant in March to April and September.

3. Field management techniques: How to manage?

(1) Water requirements: Bracken fern likes to grow in a moist environment, so water more in summer and less in winter. Generally, in dry weather, water once every two or three days.

(2) Fertilizer requirements: During the growth period of bracken fern, apply some base fertilizer at the right time. Before harvest, apply more base fertilizer to promote plant growth.

(3) Cultivation and weeding: During the growth period of bracken fern, remove weeds in the field in time and loosen the soil shallowly to improve soil aeration.

(4) Do a good job of insulation measures in winter: Before winter arrives, cover bracken fern with a layer of rice straw to provide insulation and let the seedlings grow healthily.

4. Timely harvest: When is the best time to harvest?

Bracken fern is harvested in batches. Generally, the first harvest is when the bracken fern seedlings grow to 20-40cm, and only the fresh and tender part is harvested. After ten days, harvest once more. Generally, harvesting three or four times a year is enough.

The above is a detailed introduction to whether bracken fern is poisonous and its cultivation techniques. I hope it is helpful to everyone.