Detailed Guide to Malabar Spinach Cultivation: Planting Methods and Management Key Points
Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is an annual twining herbaceous plant of the Basellaceae family. Its place of origin is the tropical regions of Asia. It is cultivated throughout China, and there is also a certain wild area in the south. Malabar spinach has relatively high nutritional value and can prevent constipation, clear heat and cool the body, and so on. Malabar spinach is also one of the main edible vegetables in the south. So how should Malabar spinach be cultivated? Below, the editor brings you the cultivation techniques for Malabar spinach. Let's take a look together!
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
Malabar spinach has relatively strong growth ability and does not have high soil requirements, but when planting we still need to choose soil that is relatively fertile, has sufficient water sources, and has strong permeability. This kind of soil is more conducive to the growth of Malabar spinach and increases yield. After selecting the site, do a good job of land preparation, carry out intertillage and deep plowing, and make beds. Land preparation is first to improve soil permeability, enhance the absorption of base fertilizer, and improve fertility. Second, it is to prevent harmful substances remaining in the soil, such as pathogens and herbicides, from causing certain harm to the growth of Malabar spinach.
2. Seed Soaking and Germination Promotion
There is no fixed rule for seed selection of Malabar spinach; it is only necessary to choose varieties with high yield, no diseases or pests, and strong growth. However, the seed coat of Malabar spinach seeds is relatively hard, and if left to germinate on its own, the germination rate is relatively low. Therefore, before sowing we also need to do a good job of seed soaking and germination promotion. Soak the seeds in warm water at about 55 degrees for half an hour. Then take them out and put them into warm water at 30 degrees to soak for about 5 hours. After soaking, clean the seeds and place them at a temperature of about 28 degrees for germination promotion. When most of them have broken white, they can be sown.
3. Timely Sowing
Sowing Malabar spinach has certain temperature requirements. When the temperature is about 20 degrees, the seed germination rate is relatively high, and open-field sowing can be carried out. There are two sowing methods for Malabar spinach: drilling and broadcasting, and broadcasting is usually used. For broadcasting, first water thoroughly to settle the roots, then wait for the water to gradually infiltrate before sowing into the planting holes. After sowing, cover with fine soil and plastic film. Under normal management, seedlings can emerge in about 4 days. After emergence, do a good job of field management, improve the survival rate of seedlings, promote seedling growth, and prevent dead seedlings and weak seedlings. If such situations occur, do a good job of replanting.
4. Field Management
After Malabar spinach has successfully emerged, do a good job of thinning and checking seedlings and intertillage loosening of the soil, and strengthen water management. When the soil is relatively dry, water promptly, and immediately topdress after the seedlings have recovered. Carry out topdressing together with watering, dilute the fertilizer, promote nutrient absorption, and ensure the soil remains moist. Observe the growth situation and the amount of weeds, remove weeds, and prevent them from affecting the growth of Malabar spinach. Also control the temperature well; the daytime temperature must not be lower than 20 degrees, and at night it can be appropriately lowered to about 15 degrees. After growing larger, train the vines and pinch the tips to promote the growth of stems and leaves and increase yield.
The above is a brief introduction to the cultivation techniques of Malabar spinach. Malabar spinach has relatively high economic value. It is not only edible but also a medicinal material. It can lubricate the intestines and relieve constipation, treat macules, and so on. However, growing Malabar spinach requires certain techniques and management experience to ensure yield. Therefore, everyone must think it through clearly before planting! That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you all for reading and supporting.