Lotus root, a water plant native to India, was introduced to China and has a cultivation history of over 3,000 years. It is rich in starch, protein, and minerals, offering cooling and detoxifying properties, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and helps with blood-building and止血. There are numerous ways to enjoy lotus root, including raw, cooked, stir-fried, pickled, and made into noodles, making it a beloved vegetable among people.
How do you grow lotus roots that are large and sweet? In fact, growing lotus roots isn't difficult; just master some basic cultivation techniques, and you can easily reap the rewards. Next, we'll introduce the cultivation methods and skills for growing lotus roots.
One, site selection and land preparation
Lotus root paddies should be chosen in locations with ample sunlight, stable water levels, fertile soil, and easy drainage. Ideally, low-lying, swampy fields or ponds are preferred, avoiding high ground or sandy soils. Lotus roots have shallow root systems and are not drought-resistant, so the water level in the paddies should be moderate, neither too high nor too low. The pH level of the paddy soil should be between 6.5 and 7.5; both overly acidic and alkaline conditions are detrimental to the growth of lotus roots.
Before planting, the paddy fields must be deeply cultivated and meticulously prepared, removing weeds and stones, leveling the field surface, and enhancing soil aeration and water retention. Meanwhile, ample base fertilizer should be applied, typically 2,000 to 3,000 kilograms of composted organic fertilizer per mu, or 5,000 kilograms of green manure, which is then turned deeply into the soil. Some compound fertilizer or potassium fertilizer can also be appropriately used to boost soil fertility and lotus root formation. Additionally, to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases, the paddy fields should be disinfected with quicklime or other disinfectants, with an application rate of approximately 40 to 50 kilograms per mu, evenly spread and then smoothed over.
Two: Seed Selection and Planting
Lotus seeds mainly consist of lotus seeds and lotus tuber seeds. Lotus seeds are the fruits of lotus flowers, usually harvested in autumn and can be stored for over a year after being dried or oven-dried. Lotus tuber seeds are the underground stems of lotus tubers, typically dug up in winter or spring, and can be stored for several months after being cleaned, dried, or preserved. Both lotus seeds and lotus tuber seeds can be used to cultivate lotus tubers, but lotus seeds have a lower germination rate and slower growth rate, requiring early sowing a month in advance and it's difficult to produce lotus tubers of commercial value in the same year. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use lotus tuber seeds for cultivation, which is both time and labor-saving, with higher yields and quality.
When selecting lotus root seeds, pay attention to the following points:
Select high-quality lotus root varieties with strong disease resistance, high yields, and good quality, such as white lotus, red lotus, pink lotus root, and lotus root.
Select lotus root seeds with intact stems, smooth skin, full maturity, thick nodes, plump buds, and consistent direction of daughter roots. Avoid using seeds with broken stems, mold, rot, worm damage, thin nodes, small buds, or disordered daughter roots.
Select lotus root seeds that are of moderate size and shape, typically with a diameter of 6-8 centimeters, a length of 20-30 centimeters, and a weight of 300-500 grams. Seeds with 3-4 nodes are ideal; those that are too large or too small are not conducive to growth and tuber formation.
Choose the proper storage method for lotus root seeds, typically drying or storing them, avoiding water immersion or mud burial to prevent rot or sprouting.
Lotus root planting usually occurs in spring, when the average daily temperature stabilizes above 15℃ and the soil temperature in paddy fields rises above 12℃. Planting too early is detrimental to germination due to low soil temperatures, which can cause the lotus seeds to rot; planting too late can result in longer stem buds, making them more susceptible to damage. The best planting period is generally from late April to early May.
There are various methods for growing lotus root, which can be categorized based on the water depth in paddy fields and the shape of the root seeds, including slanting insertion, straight insertion, horizontal placement, and bundling methods. Among them, slanting insertion is a commonly used technique suitable for shallow-water lotus root cultivation. The operation method is as follows:
At a specific plant spacing, dig a trench 10-15 cm deep with your hands, insert the head of the lotus seedlings diagonally into the soil, at a depth of 8-12 cm and an angle of 20-25°. Position the head of the lotus seedlings facing each other, ensuring that all planting points around the odd head face towards the field. A three-way arrangement is typically preferred.
To promote germination, slightly tilt the joints of the lotus root seeds to an angle of 20-30 degrees, allowing them to emerge above the water's surface to utilize sunlight for increased soil temperature. The water level should be maintained at 3-5 centimeters to prevent submerging the seeds, as this could hinder respiration and germination.
After planting, cover the head of the lotus seedlings with soil promptly to facilitate root growth. Additionally, insert bamboo sticks or reeds at the seedling's location for easy field management and harvest.
Field Management
Lotus root field management primarily includes aspects such as water management, fertilization management, weed control, adjustment management, and pest and disease prevention.
Water Management: Water chestnut water management should be based on different growth stages and paddy field water levels, adhering to the principle of timely and appropriate application to maintain the growth and tuber formation. Generally, it is divided into four stages: the emergence stage, flowering stage, tuber formation stage, and harvest stage. The water management methods for each stage are as follows:
The Sprouting Period: The sprouting period refers to the stage from the germination of lotus root to its emergence above water, typically between mid-May and mid-June. During this phase, it is crucial to maintain the water level in the paddy field at 3-5 centimeters, ensuring that the lotus root seeds are not submerged, which promotes their respiration and germination. Additionally, attention should be given to the water temperature in the paddy field, keeping it between 18-25°C to facilitate the growth and branching of the lotus root seeds.
Budding Season: The blooming season refers to the stage when lotus roots emerge from the water and begin to flower, typically from late June to early July. During this period, the water level in the rice paddies should gradually be raised to 10-15 centimeters to promote the growth and expansion of the stems, leaves, and flowers of the lotus roots. At the same time, attention should be given to the water quality of the rice paddies, ensuring it remains clean and well-ventilated, free from impurities or pollution, to facilitate the photosynthesis and flowering of the lotus roots.
Harvesting Season: The harvest season refers to the stage when lotus roots bloom and develop into full-sized roots, typically from late August to early October. During this phase, it is crucial to maintain the water level in the paddies at 15-20 centimeters to promote the growth and expansion of the root bulbs. Additionally, attention should be given to the water temperature in the paddies, which should be kept between 15-20°C to ensure the right sugar content and sweetness of the lotus roots.
Harvesting Period: The harvesting period refers to the stage from the formation of lotus roots to their collection, typically between late October and early November. During this phase, the water level in the paddy fields should be gradually reduced to expose the rootstocks above the water, facilitating harvest. Simultaneously, attention must be given to the water quality in the paddy fields, ensuring it remains clean and well-ventilated, free from impurities or contamination, to maintain the quality and storage of the lotus roots.
Fertilizer Management: The fertilization of lotus root should be based on different growth stages and soil fertility, following the principle of timely and appropriate application. Organic fertilizers should be the main choice, complemented by some compound fertilizers or potassium fertilizers. Generally, it is divided into three applications: base fertilizer, topdressing, and jointing fertilizer. The base fertilizer is applied before planting, using 2,000 to 3,000 kilograms of composted organic fertilizer per mu, or 5,000 kilograms of green manure, and deeply turned into the soil. Topdressing is applied after the lotus root emerges, using 50 to 100 kilograms of compound fertilizer per mu, or 25 to 50 kilograms of urea, applied in two installments, once 10 days after emergence and once 10 days before flowering, around the paddy field or near the lotus root seedlings. The jointing fertilizer is applied when the lotus root starts to joint, using 50 to 100 kilograms of potassium fertilizer per mu, or 100 to 200 kilograms of wood ash, applied in two installments, once in the early stage of jointing and once in the middle stage, in the middle of the paddy field or below the lotus root seedlings, to promote the enlargement and sweetness of the lotus root.
Weed Management: Timely weed control is essential for lotus root cultivation to prevent competition and spread. Typically, weed control begins after the lotus roots emerge, with one session per month, totaling three sessions. There are two methods of weed control: manual and chemical. Manual weed removal involves pulling out weeds by hand or with tools, ensuring not to damage the stems, leaves, or roots of the lotus roots. Chemical weed control involves spraying the weeds, but care must be taken not to spray the stems and leaves of the lotus roots to avoid chemical damage. After weed removal, it is important to promptly clear the field of weeds to prevent accumulation or sedimentation, which can affect water quality and the growth of the lotus roots.
