Wild vegetable sweet-leaf cultivation techniques
Sweet hemp leaves, commonly known as "sweet-leafed jute," are a nutritious wild vegetable with a slightly bitter and cold taste. They possess cooling properties and are known for their ability to clear heat, stop bleeding, and support calcium and trace element intake. These leaves are widely used in cooking—whether stir-fried, boiled in soups, or added to hot pots. Our county has a long tradition of cultivating and consuming this plant, which is highly favored by local consumers.
Sweet hemp leaves thrive in warm and moist conditions, with an optimal growing temperature of 25–28°C. While they are adaptable to various soil types, they grow best in deep, well-drained sandy loam that is rich in organic matter. Here’s a detailed guide on how to cultivate them:
First, prepare the soil thoroughly. Although sweet hemp leaves can grow in many soils, high-yield farming requires fertile, organic loam. Deep plowing should be done, followed by mixing 2,500 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer with 15 kg of superphosphate and 10 kg of potassium chloride as base fertilizer. Create raised beds 30 cm wide, 15 cm high, and 1.5 meters apart. After leveling the surface, it’s ready for sowing.
Second, seedling cultivation is crucial. Sweet hemp is typically grown from seedlings. Sowing can begin after the Spring Equinox and continue until the Autumn Equinox. The recommended seeding rate is 0.1 to 0.2 kg per mu. Seeds can be drilled or broadcast. After sowing, water the seeds with diluted manure or urine, then cover them lightly. When the seedlings have three true leaves and reach about 10 cm in height, they can be transplanted. Maintain a spacing of 20 cm x 20 cm or 20 cm x 25 cm, depending on the variety. Water the transplanted seedlings 1–2 times to ensure survival before setting them out permanently.
Third, field management is essential for healthy growth. Sweet hemp grows slowly, so regular weeding and cultivation are necessary. Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers early, along with some phosphate to promote strong root development. Fertilize every 12–15 days using 8–10 kg of urea mixed with manure. As the plants mature, increase the frequency of watering and fertilizing to support vigorous growth and higher yields. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. After emergence, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging during rainy periods.
Fourth, pest and disease control is critical. Common issues include wilt disease, anthracnose, small cutworms, Spodoptera litura (fall armyworm), and nematodes. For anthracnose, use 77% copper oxychloride at 600 times dilution or 70% carbendazim at 800 times. For fusarium, apply 75% chlorothalonil or 70% thiophanate-methyl at 1,500 times. For cutworms, apply 3% milure at 1.5 kg per mu during land preparation. For Spodoptera litura, spray 50% phoxim at 1,000 times, 5% spinosad at 500 times, or Bt at 800 times. For locusts, use 20% imidacloprid at 2,000 times, 50% parathion at 1,000 times, or 40% dimethoate at 1,000 times.
Finally, harvesting should occur when the plants reach about 30 cm in height. Begin by picking the main stem’s stems and leaves, then move to the tender shoots of lateral branches. Harvest stems and leaves with 3–5 leaves, measuring 15–20 cm in length. The harvesting period usually lasts 2–3 months, yielding approximately 2,500 kg per mu.
By following these steps, farmers can ensure a healthy, productive crop of sweet hemp leaves, which not only provide nutritional value but also contribute to sustainable agriculture.
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