Lotus seed is a common aquatic plant and an important Chinese medicinal material. Lotus seeds have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, nourishing the heart and soothing the nerves, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, etc., and are widely used in food, health care products and traditional Chinese medicine preparations. Here are some suggestions for lotus seed planting:
Choose the right planting location: Lotus seeds prefer to grow in a sunny environment with clear water. Lakes, ponds, rivers and other bodies of water can be selected for planting. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the soil at the planting site is fertile and well drained.
Prepare lotus seeds: Lotus seeds are the ripe fruits of lotus seeds that can be purchased at local flower markets or online. Choosing seeds with an intact appearance and free of pests and diseases can increase the success rate of planting.
Treatment before sowing: Lotus seeds need to be treated before sowing to improve germination rate. First, the lotus seeds are soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. Then, the seeds are removed and the seed coat is gently cut with a blade to expose the germ. Finally, the seeds are placed in moist sand and placed in a warm place for germination.
Sowing: Sowing lotus seeds in spring or autumn. Sprinkle the germinated lotus seed seeds evenly in the water at the planting site, and keep a certain distance between each seed so that the lotus seed seedlings can grow fully. In general, 50-100 grams of lotus seeds can be sown per square meter.
Management and maintenance: Proper management and maintenance of lotus seeds are required after planting to ensure the growth and development of lotus seeds. First of all, it is necessary to keep the water clean, change the water regularly or carry out water treatment. Secondly, it is necessary to pay attention to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases, and biological pesticides or organic fertilizers can be used for control. In addition, weeds and duckweed should be removed in time to keep the water clear.
Harvesting and processing: Lotus seeds generally begin to bear fruit 2-3 years after planting, and can be harvested once a year. When the lotus seed fruit turns yellow, it can be picked. Handle with care when picking to avoid damaging the fruit. After harvesting, the lotus seeds can be processed, such as drying, grinding, etc., for easy preservation and use.
Precautions: The following points need to be paid attention to in the process of lotus seed planting. First of all, it is necessary to avoid over-fertilization and over-watering, which can lead to water pollution and the occurrence of pests and diseases. Secondly, care should be taken to prevent the water from flowing too fast or too slowly, so as not to affect the growth and development of lotus seeds. In addition, care should be taken to prevent the water level from being too high or too low to avoid adverse effects on the lotus seeds.
In conclusion, lotus seeds are a plant suitable for aquatic environments, and the cultivation process is relatively simple. By choosing the right planting site, preparing high-quality seeds, and carrying out proper handling and management, a good harvest of lotus seed fruits can be obtained. Lotus seeds can be used not only for ornamental purposes, but also as medicinal herbs and ingredients, and have a wide range of uses and values.