What conditions are needed to grow fox nuts (Euryale ferox)? A detailed explanation of environmental requirements
Fox nut (Euryale ferox) is an aquatic plant in the genus Euryale of the water lily family, producing round, light red berries and round black seeds. So the environment for growing fox nuts has to be in water, and the specific conditions need detailed explanation. We need to start with its distribution, and also get into the specifics of temperature. So now we can study it together.
1. Environment
It grows in both northern and southern regions, from Heilongjiang to Yunnan and Guangdong. It needs an aquatic environment and is often cultivated in swamps and ponds. The main producing areas are Hunan, southern Anhui, Guangdong, and southern Jiangsu. Direct seeding is very suitable for large deep-water areas. Generally, a water depth of 30 to 90 cm with low water flow works, but the water must not be completely still; it is suitable for planting by lakesides. Places where the water level can be adjusted are the most suitable.
2. Temperature
It prefers a warm environment, and sunny places are also relatively warm. It is not cold-tolerant and fears cold, and is suitable for growing in environments of 20 to 30 degrees. For seedling raising and transplanting, it needs around 25 degrees during the day and around 15 degrees at night. But as the seedlings grow, the daytime temperature should later be kept at 22 degrees, and at night still 15 degrees; one degree lower is also fine.
3. Water depth
The planting water depth should not exceed 1.2 m; at 1.5 m or more it cannot be grown. Generally, it is planted at a water depth of 30 to 90 cm. After clearing the pond, fill with 10 cm of water for sowing; during the seedling stage the water depth is 15 cm, appropriately increased from before. The standard is that the heart leaves must not be submerged. Otherwise growth is affected. Later, increase the water depth as it grows. During periods of extreme high temperatures in summer, deep water should be added to prevent damage. When temperatures are low, heat should also be retained by adding deeper water. But in no case should the heart leaves be covered.
4. Light
It needs sufficient light for the growth and development of the whole plant and for fruiting. It is a sun-loving plant and is not shade-tolerant, so do not plant it by lakesides with tree shade; an unobstructed place is best. Fox nut is not afraid of strong light. It needs a certain amount of light to grow well. Places with several months of cloudy and rainy days a year are not suitable for planting, or yields will be low if planted.
Growing fox nuts requires a sunny, warm environment with fertile soil and a large water area. In this way it can grow well enough. When planting, the growing conditions should be met as much as possible.