How to Grow Plantains? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Techniques
Some friends may think that plantains are just bananas, but in fact there is a difference between the two. The growing conditions for plantains are somewhat stricter than those for bananas, and plantains also have a certain advantage in terms of yield. At present, there is a certain amount of plantain cultivation in the southern regions of our country, so how are plantains grown? Friends who want to grow plantains can take a good look at this article.
1. Land Preparation
There are requirements for choosing land for plantains. The land should be relatively shady, and there must be sufficient moisture. Second, the soil fertility should be good, otherwise the fruiting amount of the plantain will be suppressed. After choosing the land, the next step is tilling. The tilling should be somewhat deep, and there should not be overly large clods of soil. While tilling, some organic fertilizer needs to be applied beneath the soil layer. After the land is tilled, it needs to be leveled into ridge strips, with each ridge about 1-1.2 m wide, and the grooves in between about 30 cm wide. Grass roots should be removed from the land as much as possible, and should not be piled up on the land, so as to avoid leaving behind pathogens.
2. Cultivation and Transplanting
Plantains are mostly transplanted by division, so when selecting seeds, healthy stock must be chosen. Although seeds can also be used for propagation, the time and money consumed are not worth it. Around the end of October, take cold protection measures for the parts to be transplanted the following year, and apply a little fertilizer to speed up their growth. Transplanting generally begins in April. From the roots, find the divided roots originally prepared for transplanting, select the part with buds, and cut it off; generally 3 buds are best. The plantain tree from which roots are taken should be at least 3 years old. The roots to be planted should be placed upright in the soil pit and completely covered with soil, then a certain amount of farmyard manure should be applied on top of the soil. If the weather is relatively cold, dried grass should also be used to cover them for cold protection, and then wait for them to break through the soil on their own.
3. Fertilizer and Water Management
Plantains have relatively high requirements for fertilizer and water. With too little water, there will be less fruit; with too little fertilizer, the fruit will develop poorly. In the early stage, generally water once a month, and fertilize in the same way. Each watering should ensure that the soil is thoroughly wet; it is best to water directly at the roots. If the roots are relatively moist when watering, then it can be postponed, so as to avoid water accumulation. In the early stage, apply more organic fertilizer, so that the plantain trees grow well. Properly supplementing nitrogen fertilizer in the middle stage can effectively ensure the strength of their stems.
4. Points to Note
In winter, pay attention to protecting plantain trees from the cold. Temperatures below 0°C will harm the plantain trees, so some dried grass can be used to make a protective ring around their roots. Plantain trees are not better the denser they are. Some yellowing and withered leaves should be removed in time. Especially when fruiting, some old leaves can be appropriately removed to reduce unnecessary nutrient loss. Although plantain trees like shade, normal sunlight exposure is still necessary. For places with relatively strong sunlight, it is best to have certain sun protection measures.
The plantain tree is a plant with very strong vitality and belongs to a multi-harvest system. Aside from the initial transplanting, which consumes relatively more energy, later management is still relatively easy. In terms of the planting industry, it can be considered a plant with good economic value and relatively easy to get started with. Friends who are interested can follow our website to learn more related information.