How to grow lotus root?

Lotus root , as a perennial aquatic vegetable , not only has significant economic value, but its rich nutritional value and diverse uses also make it a favorite ingredient. Lotus root can be eaten raw or cooked, has a long supply period and is highly adaptable. Let’s learn how to grow lotus roots.

1. Planting time

The lotus root planting time in the south and the north is different. The suitable time for planting is February in the south and April to May in the north. Usually, planting can begin when the spring temperature is stable above 15℃, that is, from March to April.

2. Planting method

Before planting, you need to dig a planting hole with specifications of 33 cm wide, 130 cm long and 20 cm deep. Choose healthy lotus roots and plant them in the soil at a slight angle, making sure the stem is facing upwards and slightly exposed above the ground. Plant two main lotus roots in each hole, and make sure the direction of the lotus root heads is opposite to that of the adjacent row to avoid being aligned. Cover the soil with a thickness of about 5 cm and leave a space of 80-100 cm around the ridge to prevent the lotus whips from extending into the ridge.

3. Intertillage and weeding

20 days after planting and before the lotus leaves fill the field, carry out inter-row cultivation and weeding, being careful not to damage the underground stems. After the lotus leaves have closed the rows, people and animals should be prevented from entering the fields to prevent damage to the lotus leaves.

4. Topdressing strategy

Top dressing should be applied early, frequently and steadily. For lotus fields with fertile soil and sufficient base fertilizer, topdressing fertilizer can be applied once during the lotus root formation period. In general, top dressing needs to be applied in batches. Apply plant fertilizer 30-40 days after planting, 1000 kg of decomposed manure or 10 kg of urea per mu. When the upright leaves in the field are fully grown, apply lotus root fertilizer heavily, applying 15 kg of urea per mu. Drain the field water one day before topdressing and restore the field water level to the original level one day after fertilization.

5. Water layer management

In the early growth stage, maintain a shallow water layer of 3-5 cm, not more than 10 cm. In the middle stage, as the plant grows 1-2 erect leaves, the water layer gradually deepens to 20-30 cm. In the later stage, when the rear leaves appear, lower the water level to 10-15 cm, and then gradually deepen it to 50-70 cm depending on the growth of the erect leaves. In the late stage of lotus root formation, the water layer is restored to a shallow water layer of 3-5 cm.

In general, lotus root cultivation has a higher yield per mu. The average yield per mu of shallow water lotus root cultivation can reach 2,500-4,000 kilograms, and the yield per mu of pond lotus root cultivation in hilly areas can reach 9,000-11,000 kilograms. Through careful planting management and appropriate water and fertilizer conditions, lotus root cultivation can achieve high yields.