Certainly! Here’s an article on sowing time, variety, and yield of arum:
Sowing Time, Variety, and Yield of Arum
Arum (Amorphophallus spp.) is a tuberous perennial plant that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. It is often grown for its striking, large-scale foliage and unique, cone-like inflorescence. In addition, it is also a valuable food crop which can be used to make various dishes such as stews, curries, and fries. If you are interested in growing arum, the following information on sowing time, variety selection, and yield may be helpful.
Sowing Time
Arum can be propagated by seed or by bulbils which are small bulbs that develop on the parent plant. If you plan to grow arum from seed, you should sow them in spring or early summer when the soil temperature is around 20-24°C. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and covered with a thin layer of compost. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes 3-4 weeks.
If you plan to grow arum from bulbils, you should harvest them from the parent plant when they are mature in autumn. The bulbils should be planted immediately in well-drained soil and covered with a thin layer of compost. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Bulbils usually take 1-2 years to reach maturity and produce a crop.
Variety
There are several varieties of arum which differ in size, color, and flavor. The most common variety is Amorphophallus konjac which is widely grown in China, Japan, and Korea. This variety produces large, green leaves and a large, white flower spike. The tubers are round and grayish-white and are used to make konjac flour which is a dietary fiber used in many food products.
Another variety is Amorphophallus paeoniifolius which is widely grown in India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. This variety produces large, dark green leaves and a large, purplish-black flower spike. The tubers are round and reddish-brown and are used to make various dishes such as stews, curries, and fries.
Yield
The yield of arum depends on various factors such as variety, soil type, climate, and cultural practices. Under optimal conditions, a mature arum plant can produce several large tubers weighing up to 1-2 kg each. The yield can also be increased by using organic fertilizers and improving soil fertility. In addition, proper irrigation and weed control can also improve yield and quality.
In conclusion, arum is a valuable and versatile plant that can be grown for its ornamental value as well as for its edible tubers. By selecting the right variety, sowing at the right time, and using proper cultural practices, you can successfully grow arum and enjoy a bountiful harvest of this unique and delicious crop.