How to propagate water spinach by cuttings?

Water spinach is a perennial plant that can be harvested multiple times through a single planting. It has a crisp taste and is suitable for a variety of cooking methods. Therefore, it is very popular in the market, especially the water spinach that was put on the market early, which has more significant economic benefits. In northern regions, seedling planting usually begins in April or May. So how to propagate water spinach by cuttings?

How to propagate water spinach by cuttings?

Choose healthy, disease- and insect-free water spinach plants as mother plants. Cut strong, semi-lignified branches from the mother plant as cuttings. Cut the branches into small segments about 10-15 cm in length, retaining 2-3 nodes in each segment. Remove the leaves at the bottom of the branches and leave 2-3 leaves at the top to reduce water evaporation.

The lower ends of the cuttings can be treated with a rooting hormone to promote rooting. Dip the treated cuttings in a suitable medium to help them settle.

To prepare the soil for cuttings, the soil must be loose and well-drained. It can be sandy loam or a special cutting medium. Insert the cuttings into the prepared medium to a depth of about 5 cm, making sure at least one node is buried in the soil. Keep appropriate spacing between cuttings to ensure good ventilation and light.

Water thoroughly immediately after cuttings to keep the medium moist. Direct sunlight should be avoided in the early stage of cuttings. You can use a shade net or do cuttings in a cool place. Keep the medium moist, but avoid getting too wet to cause rot.

About 2-3 weeks after cuttings, the cuttings begin to take root. After rooting, gradually reduce shading, increase light, and promote growth. When the cuttings grow new leaves and have a well-developed root system, they can be transplanted into the field or potted .

After transplanting, continue to observe the growth of the plants and water and fertilize them in time. Pay attention to the prevention and control of diseases and pests and keep the fields clean.

How to propagate water spinach

Water spinach is divided into two categories: xerophytic and aquatic. In the north, it is mainly cultivated in the form of xerophytes, while in the south, it is mainly cultivated in the form of aquatics. Water spinach is easy to root and can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or vine pressing. Dry-living water spinach is mostly propagated by seeds, while aquatic water spinach tends to be propagated by cuttings. There is no absolute advantage or disadvantage in choosing any planting method , it mainly depends on the local climatic conditions.

How to plant water spinach

The choice of planting method should be based on the regional climate. The climate in the north is dry, the humidity is low, and the temperature is low in spring, so the survival rate of water spinach propagated by seeds is higher. In addition, using arch sheds or greenhouses to grow seedlings can avoid the impact of low temperatures and advance the time to market.

The southern region is more suitable for cutting propagation due to its mild climate and high humidity. The survival rate of cuttings is high and the uniformity is good. Compared with seed propagation, cutting planting eliminates the tedious steps of seed disinfection, seed soaking, germination, etc., and is more suitable for the climatic conditions in the southern region.

Key points of water spinach planting technology

Whether it is seed propagation or cutting propagation, field management technology is the key to improving the yield and quality of water spinach.

Water and fertilizer management: Water spinach has a long growth cycle and requires sufficient base fertilizer, mainly decomposed farmyard manure or biological fertilizer , combined with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, especially nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer should be added promptly after each harvest, either by furrow application or foliar spraying.

Irrigation: Irrigate at the right time according to soil moisture to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

Harvesting time: The first harvest is when the main stem grows to about 30 cm, and then harvest every 20 days or so, keeping the height between 25 and 30 cm.

Post-harvest management: Add water and fertilizer about 5 days after harvest, mainly nitrogen fertilizer, and avoid watering and fertilizing immediately after harvest.

In addition, attention should be paid to pest and disease control and weed removal to ensure the healthy growth of water spinach and avoid nutritional competition. Through these meticulous field management measures, the yield and quality of water spinach can be effectively improved.