When is the best time to plant lotus root?

Lotus root is a root vegetable that mainly grows in water. There are two main qualities of lotus root on the market: pink lotus root and crisp lotus root. Pink lotus root is suitable for stewing soup, while crisp lotus root is suitable for stir-frying. However, lotus root is not suitable for planting at all times and in all regional environments. Let’s learn together when is the best time to plant lotus root?

The best time to plant lotus roots is usually in spring, but the exact time varies depending on the region and climate conditions. The following are recommended planting times based on different regions:

1. Spring

Spring is the main planting season for lotus roots, and the suitable planting time is from March to May. During this period, the temperature gradually warms up and stabilizes at around 15-20 degrees Celsius, and the soil temperature also reaches above 15 degrees Celsius. These conditions are conducive to the germination and growth of lotus roots. In addition, the daylight hours in spring are longer, which can meet the light-loving growth needs of lotus roots.

2. Differences between the North and South

For southern regions, due to the warmer climate, lotus root can be planted earlier, usually from February to March. In the northern regions, since the temperature rises later in spring, the planting time is generally from April to May.

3. Soil and water conditions

When planting lotus roots, you should choose a plot with fertile soil and good drainage, and ensure that there is sufficient water supply in the planting area. Lotus root has a high demand for water, especially during its growth period, it needs to maintain an appropriate water level.

4. Preparation before planting

Before planting, proper preparation should be done, including selecting healthy lotus root seeds without diseases and pests, processing the lotus root seeds to promote germination, preparing suitable soil and base fertilizer, etc. When planting, the top buds of the lotus seeds should face the center of the planting area to facilitate sunlight and promote germination.

5. Geographical distribution

In China, lotus roots are widely grown throughout the country, but are most famous in the southern regions, such as Jiangsu, Hunan, Hubei and other places. These regions have rich water resources and suitable climatic conditions, forming unique lotus root producing areas.

6. Climate conditions

Lotus root has strong adaptability, but is more suitable for growing in warm and humid climates. The most suitable growth temperature is 20-30℃, and the minimum temperature should not be lower than 15℃. The climate in the south is warm, suitable for planting in February and March; the climate in the north is cold, suitable for planting in April and May.

In short, the best time to plant lotus root is mainly concentrated in spring. The southern regions can be planted earlier, while the northern regions need to wait until the temperature is suitable before planting.