When is the best time to plant Houttuynia cordata?

Houttuynia cordata , also known as Houttuynia cordata, is a common wild vegetable with both medicinal and edible properties. It is especially popular in the southwest of China, such as Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan, and has broad prospects for its cultivation. So when is the best time to plant Houttuynia cordata? Let’s learn more about it below.

When is the best time to plant Houttuynia cordata?

Houttuynia cordata can be planted all year round, but the best time to plant it is generally in February and March in spring, when the climate gradually warms up and the spring climate is relatively humid, which is conducive to the growth and rooting of Houttuynia cordata.

How to plant Houttuynia cordata?

1. Select the seed stem

Houttuynia cordata is propagated asexually, and usually thick seed stems without disease spots are selected. Each section should have more than two axillary buds to ensure the survival rate.

2. Land preparation and fertilization

Choose fertile and loose sandy loam or soil rich in organic matter that is easily drained and irrigated, sheltered from the wind and facing the sun for cultivation. After deep plowing and loosening the soil, make ridges with a width of 1.5-1.6 meters and a height of 30 centimeters. Apply 3000-4000 kg of farmyard manure per mu as base fertilizer.

3. Planting method

Dig trenches with a row spacing of 20-25 cm, and then plant the rhizomes of Houttuynia cordata on both sides of the trench in an alternating pattern with a plant spacing of 5-8 cm. After planting, cover with a thin layer of soil and water to keep it moist.

4. Field management

Pay attention to keeping the soil moist. In hot and dry weather during the seedling stage, the frequency of watering needs to be increased. In addition, timely weeding and fertilization can promote the growth of Houttuynia cordata. When the plant reaches its peak growth period, you can apply nitrogen and potassium fertilizers to meet the plant's nutritional needs.

5. Pest and disease control

Common diseases of Houttuynia cordata include stem rot, white rot, leaf spot, etc., and the main insect pests are red spider mites and white grubs. Appropriate fungicides and insecticides should be used for spraying prevention and control in the early stage of the disease, such as carbendazim, mancozeb, triadimefon, cypermethrin, etc.

6. Harvest at the right time

Houttuynia cordata has different uses and the harvest time is also different. If Houttuynia cordata is used as a medicinal material , its harvesting time is generally between September and October; if Houttuynia cordata is used for food, its harvesting time is generally between March and May.

In general, it is best to plant Houttuynia cordata in February or March in spring. When planting, it is best to consider climate conditions, soil conditions and appropriate field management measures to ensure the healthy growth and yield of the plants.