How to grow gorgon nut (Euryale ferox) well? A detailed guide to the latest planting methods
Gorgon nut (Euryale ferox) is a large aquatic herbaceous plant belonging to the water lily family. Gorgon nut is grown throughout both northern and southern parts of our country, in swamps, ponds, marshes, and paddy fields, and the most important thing is that it must be close to a water source. It is highly effective for andrological and gynecological diseases, with effects such as tonifying the kidneys and securing essence, and removing dampness and stopping leukorrhea. So how should gorgon nut be planted for better results? Let us take a look together below.
1. Seed soaking and germination
Before planting, we need to treat the gorgon nut seeds. Usually we soak the seeds from early April to mid-to-late April each year. Rinse the gorgon nut seeds clean with clear water, then put them into a basin filled with water to soak. The water depth in the basin only needs to cover the seeds. They must be soaked for at least one week to about ten days, and during the soaking process the water must be changed at least three to four times. The water temperature must be at least around 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, as only this can speed up the germination rate of the gorgon nut seeds.
2. Sowing and raising seedlings
On the third day after soaking the seeds, we can first prepare the seedbed for sowing. Gorgon nut is an aquatic plant, so we need to dig the seedbed to a depth of about 20 cm, then add about 10 cm of water. After the water has cleared, gently place the seeds into the seedbed. What needs attention in this process is that we must always keep the water level in the seedbed at at least around 10 to 15 cm; the specific amount needs to be increased or decreased according to the growth of the gorgon nut seedlings.
3. Scientific temporary planting
Temporary planting is actually what we commonly call transplanting, but this transplanting is essentially different, mainly because the seedlings are cultivated in a different place. After the gorgon nut has grown for one month, the gorgon nut seedlings will have about three or four leaves, and at this time we can prepare to transplant. First we need to prepare the transplanting site properly and lower the water level of the planting site to about 10 cm, then pull up the gorgon nut seedlings with their roots, wash off the soil, and gently insert the seedlings into the prepared ground. After the temporarily planted seedlings grow new leaves, gradually raise the water level in the field, but each time the water depth must not submerge the heart leaves.
4. Reasonable final planting
When the gorgon nut seedlings after temporary planting have grown to a certain extent, we can carry out final planting. Usually final planting is done at a spacing of about 30 to 35 cm. It is best to plant an average of 150 gorgon nut plants per mu. At the time of final planting, the weeds in the field need to be cleared out, so that the nutrients can be fully utilized by the gorgon nut, thereby speeding up its growth.
5. Field management
We need to observe whether there are missing seedlings in the field, and if there are missing seedlings, replant them in time. At the same time, if some gorgon nut seedlings are found to be growing poorly or have pests and diseases, they must be pulled out in time, and after disinfection new seedlings should be replanted in time. Secondly, after final planting the water depth in the field is about 35 cm, and after the gorgon nut has survived, the water level should be raised in time, preferably to around 60 to 70 cm. The deepest water level at the planting site must not exceed 1.5 m, otherwise it will affect the normal growth of the gorgon nut. Usually, during the entire growth process of gorgon nut, the number of fertilizer applications is about three to four times, mainly applied reasonably according to the specific growth conditions of the gorgon nut. Generally, organic decomposed fertilizer and compound fertilizer are used, combined with potassium fertilizer and urea, as this can improve the yield and quality of the gorgon nut. When the summer temperature is relatively high, we need to add an appropriate amount of cool water to the planting site to maintain the water temperature of the planting site. Finally, the most common diseases of gorgon nut are leaf spot disease and leaf gall disease, which can be controlled with carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl 800-1000 times solution respectively.
6. Timely harvesting
The gorgon nut is relatively smooth all over, but there are a small number of thorns on the underside of the leaves, so care must be taken when harvesting, otherwise the hands will be hurt. It can be harvested about nine to eleven times a year, usually starting in August each year, and generally it can be harvested once every five or six days. What should be noted is that when harvesting, we should harvest the gorgon nuts that have plump fruit, are relatively smooth, and are purple-red in color and relatively soft. These are the mature ones. If they do not meet the requirements, leave them to be harvested next time.