What is Bathua? Hardy leafy vegetable with medicinal value
Image Source: Hugo.arg, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bathua is an easy-growing leafy vegetable that is filled with nutrients and is also said to have many medicinal properties. They are low-maintenance plants and do not require much care. These plants grow like a weed in most places.
Quick Details of Bathua
| Other Common Names | Melde, lamb’s quarters, goosefoot, wild spinach, fat-hen |
| Type | Outdoor annual plant |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Flowering | Spring |
| Light | Bright direct sunlight |
| Water | Regular watering |
| Temperature | Cold to warm conditions |
| Soil | Any kind of soil |
| Fertilizer | Not required |
| Habitat | Europe, East Asia |
| Toxicity | Nil |
| Common Diseases | Leaf miner |
| Scientific name | Chenopodium album |
Bathua Seeds Buying Instructions
- Buy Bathua seeds from reliable store.
- Buy heathy seeds and always check the expiry date of the seeds.
Bathua in other languages
- In English – Lamb’s quarters
- In Kannada – Chakravarti
- In Tamil – Chakravarthi keerai
- In Bengali – Betho shaak
- In Assemese – Bathuwa shaak
- In Gujarati – Bathavo
- In Malayalam – Parippuchira
- In Marathi – Chakvat
- In Manipuri – Monsaobi
- In Punjabi – Lunak
- In Oriya – Bathua sag
Overview of Bathua
They are fast-growing annual plants that belong to the family Amaranthaceae. These plants are often grown for their leaves which are consumed as a vegetable. In some regions, they grow like weeds and can be invasive. The plants can grow up to a height of 2 -4 meters. The leaves are dark green in color, diamond-shaped, broad with serrate margins. The leaves have a waxy appearance on the top and a whitish layer at the bottom. The plant’s flower during spring with small flowers arranged in a cyme. These plants are also said to have medicinal properties and are used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating many ailments.
They are rich in Vitamin B, C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and protein.
Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons
Usage and Advantage of Bathua
- The leaf is consumed as a vegetable.
- They are also used as an animal feed.
- The plant is also used in traditional medicine.
- The seeds are also consumed and used in cooking breads and other food.
General Care for Bathua
Soil:
They can thrive in any kind of soil with any level of moisture and organic matter content. They thrive best when the soil is slightly acidic.
Water:
Water the plants regularly in the case of regions with warmer climatic conditions, in cold conditions water when the soil starts to get dry.
Sunlight:
They prefer bright direct sunlight or partial shade.
Temperature:
These plants are not very temperature specific. They can thrive in both warm and cold conditions in any kind of humidity.
Special Care:
They do not require much care. Make sure to provide optimum conditions for their growth.
Fertilization:
These plants do not require much feeding. The plants can even grow in poorly fertile soil. However, adding an all-purpose, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer can improve the growth of the plant.
Pests and other problems for Bathua
When grown in proper conditions, the plants are not prone to many diseases or pests. The only pest seen in Bathua plants is leaf miners. In case of any pest attack, spray neem oil or remove the pests out manually.
How to grow Bathua Seeds
Propagation Bathua takes place through seeds. These plants are hardy and can grow in any condition. The seeds can be sown or broadcasted on the ground directly. Make sure to provide them with an ample amount of sunlight and water. The seeds should germinate within a few days.
Read More about Health Benefits of Bathua?
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