Detailed Guide to Kalimeris Planting Methods, Timing and Precautions

Kalimeris (Kalimeris indica, commonly known as Indian aster or kalimeris) is a relatively popular wild vegetable on the market today, and in many places it is called malantou or red-stemmed vegetable. Kalimeris has a wide distribution range, basically all over the country, with Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai being the main areas. It has the characteristics of being easy to plant, easy to manage and high-yielding, but there are several points we need to pay attention to during the planting process. Let's take a look below at what they are.

1. Timing

If you want to eat fresh, authentic kalimeris, then the planting time is very necessary to know. Generally, the sowing time for kalimeris is between August and October each year, and kalimeris planted during this period can usually be harvested and eaten around March to April of the following year. Of course, some places also plant it between February and May each year, because the light and temperature during this period are also very suitable for planting kalimeris, so everyone can take note of this.

2. Seed selection

Kalimeris planting is generally divided into two types: direct seed sowing and rhizome propagation. For kalimeris seeds, we should choose plump ones free from pests and diseases, and before sowing, the seeds need to be soaked in warm water for a day and a night before sowing. If rhizome propagation is used, we need to dig out the rhizomes of the kalimeris, trying not to damage the root system, otherwise it will affect the survival rate of the kalimeris.

3. Soil

This wild vegetable, kalimeris, has relatively strong resistance, but if the soil at the planting site has sufficient fertility, is relatively soft in texture, and has good air permeability and water retention, then the yield and quality of the kalimeris will be even better. Secondly, another point we need to note is that when preparing the land, it is best to make some soil improvements, adding an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer or other fertilizers to the soil to improve the soil quality. Finally, according to the terrain and topography of the planting site, make flat beds or raised beds.

4. Water

If sowing with seeds, after sowing and covering with soil, we should water and cover with a layer of plastic film to keep warm and retain moisture. After the seeds germinate, promptly remove the plastic film, and then water reasonably according to the soil moisture. During the growth process of kalimeris, we also need to water frequently, which can increase its growth rate. If using rhizome propagation, we need to water after planting, which can improve the survival rate of the kalimeris.

5. Fertilizing

After the kalimeris has survived planting, in order to promote its growth, we need to take topdressing measures, so when topdressing we must note that we cannot casually use any type or amount of fertilizer. Generally, we carry out topdressing two or three times, each time mainly with urea and combined with the use of potassium fertilizer. The amount of urea used per mu is about 20 jin, and the amount of potassium fertilizer is about 5 jin. The amount of fertilizer applied should not be too much, so as to avoid burning the seedlings.

When planting kalimeris, we actually also need to pay attention to the prevention and control of pests and diseases. For example, for leaf spot disease, we can use plant ash for prevention and control. Secondly, we also need to pay attention to the harvest time. Normally, we harvest every year in April to May and from October to November, as the kalimeris is at its freshest at these times.