How to Grow Kudzu Root? Latest Planting Techniques and Methods Tutorial

Kudzu root, also known as a legume plant, is a common vegetable in southern regions, can be eaten raw or used for making soup. In addition, it is also a traditional Chinese medicine, with effects of promoting fluid production to quench thirst, and raising yang to stop diarrhea. It is a crop with relatively high economic value, and is planted throughout various regions of our country. So how should it be planted? Follow the editor to take a look at the planting techniques.

1. Site Selection and Land Preparation

When planting kudzu root, to obtain high yield, the most important thing is to select good land first. You can use plots that have previously grown sweet potato and soybean for conversion, or choose sandy loam soil with deep soil layers and good drainage. Begin land preparation in early to mid-February of spring. During land preparation, apply 1000-1500 kg of organic fertilizer per mu, paired with 100-200 kg of compound fertilizer, spread evenly on the ground surface, and combine with plowing during land preparation to mix it evenly with the soil, then form ridges.

2. Sowing and Seedling Raising

The sowing time is around Qingming Festival. First soak the seeds in warm water for 24-4/8 hours, take them out and air-dry before sowing; this can increase the seed germination rate. Sowing adopts the hole sowing method, with holes 3-5cm deep, controlling plant and row spacing at 30×40cm, sowing 3-4 seeds per hole, covering flat after sowing, then watering thoroughly once, controlling the temperature at around 30 degrees, and seedlings will emerge after about 10 days. In addition to the sowing method, kudzu root can also be propagated by cuttings. Select robust vine stems, cut off the head and tail, keep the middle part of about 30cm as cuttings, place them in a cool place mixed with wet sand for temporary planting, and the following year they can be planted in holes as cuttings. When the young shoots of the seedling slips grow tender branches, unfold 3 leaves, and reach a length of 5 cm, they can be transplanted.

3. Transplanting and Field Planting

The transplanting time is generally chosen in early March, when the temperature and climate are favorable for survival after transplanting. Choose to transplant on cloudy days. During transplanting, water the seedling plot once to keep the soil moist, and lift the seedlings with soil. During transplanting, generally plant 500-700 plants per mu, with a plant spacing of about 1 m. Place the seedlings on the ridges, dig holes and plant, cover with soil 2-3cm, and compact after covering. After planting, water once with a thin rooting water-fertilizer, and pay attention to inspection, timely replanting or thinning.

4. Field Management

To make kudzu root grow more smoothly, cultivation and weeding are indispensable. When the kudzu vine grows to 1-2 m, timely cultivation and weeding should be carried out, so that its root system can go deeper into the soil, absorb more nutrients, and at the same time avoid weeds competing for nutrients. Kudzu root has strong resistance to the environment, but during planting it will still suffer from pests and diseases, especially in the peak growth season, so in order to make it grow robustly, pest and disease control work should be done, and when necessary, use chemicals or lime powder for control.

5. Harvesting

Kudzu root can be planted and harvested in the same year, or planted in the same year and harvested the next year. Generally, harvesting in November-December has the highest starch content. Harvesting also requires attention to method; do not drain the pond to catch all the fish. Harvest the large tubers and leave a portion of the small ones, so it can be planted once and benefit for a long time.

The above are the planting techniques for kudzu root. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more about kudzu root planting knowledge, please follow us.