How Does Water Spinach Propagate? A Comprehensive Explanation of the Common Methods
Water spinach is a vegetable we are relatively familiar with. Because its stem is hollow, it is named water spinach, and it is grown in most parts of China. It is rich in nutrients and has a relatively high vitamin content, and it also has the effects of cooling the blood and detoxifying, so it is relatively popular among consumers on the market. So do you know by what means it reproduces? Let's find out together.
1. Propagation methods
Water spinach has strong vitality. It can be propagated both by seed and asexually. In daily life, the more commonly used method is seed propagation, but asexual propagation is also relatively widely used. Because the climate in some areas is unsuitable for water spinach to flower and set fruit, normal seed saving becomes impossible, and at that time only asexual propagation can be used.
2. Seed propagation
Seed propagation of water spinach has two methods: direct sowing and raising seedlings for transplanting. Both can be sown when spring warms up. Generally, in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, sowing begins in April. At sowing time, because the temperature is relatively low and the climate is also rainy, in order to avoid the phenomenon of seed rot, the method of soaking seeds to promote germination is generally carried out before sowing, or the methods of plastic film mulching or greenhouse cultivation are used.
Before sowing, finely prepare the soil, then apply sufficient base fertilizer before sowing. For direct sowing, the seed rate per mu is about 10 kg, while the seed rate for raising seedlings for transplanting is 1-2 times that, about 15-20 kg per mu. After sowing, cover with loose soil or ash soil to prevent the seeds from germinating and taking root. For the direct sowing method, thin the seedlings in time when the young seedlings grow to 3-5 cm, and later final planting is also required, while for the seedling-raising and transplanting method, it is only necessary to take large seedlings for transplanting when the young seedlings grow to more than 15 cm.
3. Asexual propagation
Water spinach easily develops adventitious roots, so asexual propagation easily survives. In some areas, the reserved root stocks are generally planted directly in the field one year in advance, and when the young seedlings grow to a certain extent, the vines are pressed so as to sprout new roots and promote new seedlings. It can also be raised in a greenhouse environment, and when the young seedlings grow to 10-15 cm, they are cuttings inserted into soil that is sheltered from the wind, facing the sun, warm and fertile.
The above is an introduction to how water spinach propagates. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.