Watercress, botanically known as Nasturtium officinale, is known for its super delicious, provocatively spicy taste and pleasant crunch. These leaves are believed to be one of the oldest known leafy vegetables consumed by humans for centuries. It belongs to the genus “Nasturtium”. However, it is related to the common flowering plant nasturtium, which has the genus “Tropaeolum”. Nevertheless, it will not be wrong to call the hyacinth an early spring bird because its cultivation prefers cool weather.
Cultivation Practices of Watercress
When you start watercress cultivation, choose the equipment made according to the respective agriculture, which is most important. However, for watercress cultivation, you should be aware and careful about the equipment involved in farming. However, you can choose the Mahindra tractor models and any other. And you can check all the tractor price online. So let’s look at the process of watercress farming with complete specifications.
Watercress is a perennial plant, but you can grow it as an annual. It thrives wild in clear streams flowing through limestone formations in various parts of the United States. The watercress plant thrives well in cool water and sunlight.
Traditionally, watercress cultivation was almost exclusively field-level production in flooded beds. However, with the latest techniques, hydroponic farming has emerged as a modern greenhouse production method. Mainly, the cultivation of hyacinth can be of the following two types:
Large scale Cultivation
An area in which a stream flows is the primary requirement to come into production for large-scale hyacinth farming. First, you must dig the channels from end to end of the stream, either vertically or parallel to the water flow. If possible, channels should be oriented north and south, connected in a “zig-zag” manner on a steep slope to allow water to flow. More complex systems include wooden or concrete dikes, sidewalks, and beds.
Garden Scale Cultivation
You can create similar conditions in the case of a garden planting by tunnelling 6-inch channels, lining with 4-6 polyethylene and filling 2 inches of compost soil. However, most growers avoid hyacinth cultivation due to its aquatic nature.
Climatic Requirement
- Before planting, it would be better to choose a sunny location.
- Treat the soil with 4-6 inches of compost organic matter to a depth of 6-8 inches.
- The seeds are minute, so they must be broadcast lightly on the prepared site. Seeding rates vary but average about 1 pound per 6,300 sq ft.
- You must release the water into the beds as the shoots develop, but not enough to cover them.
- The seeds range from 2 to 3 inches large enough to transplant.
- Farmers can generally plant the seedlings and cuttings about 6 inches apart each way.
- Keeping the region moist but not cover with water is the main thing to be followed.
- This plant germinates best in cool conditions but not so cold.
- You should keep the planting area moist but not covered with water.
- Seedlings will begin to appear in about five to eight days.
Along with the process of watercress farming, you should also consider the equipment that will help to boost the yield. Cultivators, Tillers and tractors are crucial factors in watercress farming. You can choose the mini tractor for your orchard because it is budget-friendly.
Few Tips for Storage and Handling
- You will need to pre-cool the produce after harvesting. You can achieve this by hydro-cooling or vacuum cooling.
- You must store it at 32 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity.
- It is recommended to bunch and pack in alternating layers with flake ice.
- Top watercress stored well at 32 degrees Fahrenheit in wax cartons with ice for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Similar storage life is possible by using perforated polyethylene crate liners and package icing to reduce sagging. However, the bare clumps of hyacinth are very delicate, even at 32°F, and can only be kept for 3 or 4 days.
- On average, a weight loss of about 15% will result in only a few scarring, and a 40% weight loss will result in moderate withering.
For further information about watercress cultivation in India, stay tuned with us.
