Plantain herb grows in full sun or partial shade and nearly any soil, including sandy or rocky soil. Plant seeds directly in the garden in spring or start them indoors a few weeks ahead of time. A week of chilling time in the refrigerator (stratification) helps ensure germination.
How tall does plantain herb grow?
Quick Reference Growing Guide
| Plant Type: | Herbaceous perennial, medicinal herb | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Maturity: | 90-120 days | Poor soil, compacted soil |
| Spacing: | 1 foot | Flowers occasionally attract bees, Syrphid flies |
| Planting Depth: | 1/16 inch | Plantaginaceae |
| Height: | P. major, P. rugelii: 6 inches; P. lanceolata: 2 feet | Plantago |
How long does plantain take to grow?
This plant grows from an underground rhizome reaching 12 to 15 feet tall with huge leaves, which wrap around the trunk. To obtain fruit, this tree needs 10 to 15 months without freezing temperatures to produce flowers and another four to eight months to grow plantains, according to California Rare Fruit Growers.
Are plantains easy to grow?
Growing and Saving the Seed Of Plantain
This weedy, easy-to-grow leafy green can easily be cultivated in a range of garden designs, from landscapes to row crops and pots. Young leaves are edible and make a lovely salad or cooked green. Native to Eurasia, this plant has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
Where is plantain best grown?
Cameroon is leading the plantain production with 4.3 million tons, followed by Ghana (just under 4 million tons), Uganda (3.7 mio tons), Colombia (3.5 mio. tons) and Nigeria (3.1 mio tons). Philippines, Peru, Ivory Coast, Myanmar and Democratic Republic of Congo complete the top 10.
How many times does plantain produce in a year?
Each grown up plant would produce a minimum of three suckers, and if he could harvest one sucker from each and could sell at N100, the farmer would make additional N150,000. The harvest cycles continue for a minimum of four to six years, or more, depending on land rejuvenation system and farm maintenance practices.
What is plantain herb good for?
Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for cough , wounds , inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites. Bruised or crushed leaves have been applied topically to treat insect bites and stings, eczema , and small wounds or cuts.
Which part of plantain do we plant?
Suckers Plantains are vegetatively propagated, most often from suckers (shoots that grow from a bud at the base of the plant) or from corms (underground bulbs known as rhizomes). The use of whole corms is very laborious so it is more common to grow from small pieces of corm.
What month is best to plant plantain?
Planting plantain suckers in the month of June will allow the suckers to grow well because this month is the heart of the rainy season. The maturity time of plantain when planted in June will fall in the lean time which will enable the farmer to sell at a high price.
Where can you grow plantains?
Plantain herb growing requires very little effort, as the plant grows across the country in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Plantain herb grows in full sun or partial shade and nearly any soil, including sandy or rocky soil.
Is plantain annual or perennial?
perennial
Broadleaf plantain is a perennial broadleaf plant that infrequently behaves as an annual or biennial. Members of the plantain family have basal rosettes of leaves and leafless spikes of inconspicuous flowers.
How do you collect plantain seeds?
Harvesting Plantain Seed. Harvest when the tall seed stalks turn brown, late summer to fall, but before the seeds on the stalk look deteriorated. Cut the ripe spikes and allow to dry fully a week to a month. Then pull the seeds from the stalk through your hand and deposit husks and seed in a bucket.
Can you eat plantains raw?
Ripe plantains are sweet like a banana, without the banana flavor. They can be eaten raw but are best when fried. The edges caramelize and become crispy like the edges of pancakes cooked in butter.
What kind of soil does plantain like?
Although broadleaf plantains prefer moist soil, they can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, including dry soils. They thrive well in disturbed and trampled soils prone to traffic and compaction.
How do you make plantains grow faster?
Full sun is ideal, but shade has its benefits too. Plantains grow fastest and produce the most fruit in full sun.
How lucrative is plantain plantation?
Marketing plantains to make millions in profits
Assuming a farmer could harvest 1,500 bunches at the end of one year and could sell each at N1000. The total sale would be N1. 5 million. The farmer could also sell plantain suckers as planting materials to other farmers.
How much does it cost to start a plantain plantation?
Investment Returns
| INVESTMENT PACKAGE | INITIAL INVESTMENT | RETURN ON INVESTMENT (Calculated on your net profit) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 HECTARE PLANTAIN PLANTATION | 2,376,482.00 | 35% |
| 1 ACRE PLANTAIN PLANTATION | 1,092,368.20 | 29% |
How long does it take for plantain to mature for harvest?
Flowering takes 10-15 months of mild temperatures and yet another 4-8 months to fruit.
How many plantain can I plant per plot?
SPACE THE PLANTAIN FARM
The recommended spacing is 3 m between the plantain rows and 2 m within the row (in other words. 3 m x 2 m). An alternative is 2.5 m x 2.5 m. If spaced 3 m x 2 m, 1 hectare should contain 1667 plants, but with a spacing of 2.5 m x 2.5 m, it should contain 1600 plants.
Can you drink plantain leaves?
The leaves can be made into a tea or tincture, and this is said to help with indigestion, heartburn and ulcers when taking internally. Externally, Plantain has been used for insect and snake bites, and as a remedy for rashes and cuts.
What are the side effects of plantain?
Great plantain seems to be safe when taken by mouth by most adults. But it may cause some side effects including diarrhea and low blood pressure. It might be UNSAFE to apply great plantain to the skin. It can cause allergic skin reactions.