1. Planting Time
Water spinach thrives in environments with ample sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity. The seeds require temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius (°C) to germinate.
2. Sowing Method
- Environmental Requirements: Water spinach is not very demanding in terms of soil but prefers sticky, nutrient-rich soils and enjoys high temperature and humidity. It can withstand high temperatures of 35-40°C.
- The optimal growth temperature is 25-30°C. It does not tolerate frost, as its stems and leaves will wither and die, nor does it tolerate cold, with growth stopping at temperatures below 10°C; it prefers high air humidity.
- In dry environments, the plant becomes fibrous, with thick and tough stems, reducing its palatability.
- Water spinach seeds have a thick and hard outer layer, which can significantly slow down germination if sown directly, affecting the planting cycle. Additionally, prolonged rainy or cloudy weather may lead to seed rot. Therefore, before sowing, seeds should be soaked in warm water at 50-60°C for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scalding. Then, soak the seeds in clean water for a day before placing them in a greenhouse environment to promote sprouting. Rinse daily until the seeds begin to show widespread signs of sprouting, at which point they can be sown.
- Seeds can be broadcast or sown in rows, using approximately 2 kilograms of seed per mu (a Chinese unit of area, 1 mu = 666.7 square meters). After sowing, cover with a layer of fine soil and water to maintain soil moisture.
3. Fertilizing
Water spinach has a high demand for nutrients and water. Apart from applying sufficient base fertilizer at planting, it requires watering and fertilizing when it reaches 5cm in height to promote rapid growth. Frequent watering is necessary to keep the soil moist. After harvesting, timely fertilization is important for regrowth, with a focus on nitrogen fertilizers. Although water spinach can tolerate some degree of dense planting, overly dense conditions can prevent proper light exposure and may lead to rot.
4. Harvesting
Harvesting can begin around 45 days after sowing. The timing of harvest can depend on the size of the plant, for example, harvesting when the plant reaches about 30cm in height. However, this is suitable for continuous harvesting. For a one-time harvest, it's best to do so when the water spinach plants are about 25cm tall. If harvesting multiple times, leave about 10cm of the plant stem each time to allow for continued growth.