Planting Utazi: See How To Plant Utazi
Utazi (Gongronema latifolium) like Uziza, okazi is a climbing or vine plant,
The plant is grown for its leaves.
The leaves are used in the preparation of various soups, stew and salad.
Description of Utazi Plant
Utazi plant is a perennial and trailing plant,
Like uziza and okazi the stem is thin, green in colour and the length can be about 6 m (19 ft) long.
The leaves are green in colour and have a broad heart shape compared to uziza leaves that have a narrow heart shape.
Planting Season for Utazi
Utazi can be grown all year round with irrigation
But the best time to grow it is during the rainy season.
This is between March through October.
Planting Utazi
Step 1: Choose a Location
Choose a good location for the plant it does not require much space
But ensure there is provision for it to climb either grow it close to an existing tree or make provision for a stalk or pole.
Well drained soil
Good loamy soil
Good exposure to sunlight.
Step 2: Land Clearing and Preparation
Clear the portion selected for planting
Till the soil to soften it,
add manure or compost to the soil and mix
Step 3: Means of Propagation (Seed Selection)
Uziza is propagated by seeds and stem cuttings.
More success in cultivation has been recorded using matured stem cutting compared to using seeds over the years.
The seed loses its viability quickly.
Get stem cutting from a matured uziza plant,
Cut the stem about 15 cm (6 in) long.
Step 4: Planting
Till a small portion of the ground raising the soil a little.
Pour water and allow the soil settle
Check the cut stem to note the position of the nodes lie it down (place horizontally).
Make sure that the nodes are facing upwards.
Cover the soil lightly.
A spacing of 70 cm (28 in) or 90 cm (35 in) between each plant.
Step 5: Water
Water the plant immediately after planting
Water everyday until it sprouts.
After about 3 – 4 weeks water at least three times a week.
Maturity and Harvest
Uziza is ready for harvest after about 6 months
The leaves can be harvested for home use as soon as the plant has grown leaves enough for about 1 – 2 months.
But for commercial or large harvest 6 month
To harvest carefully cut the stem with a knife
Do not uproot the plant as it will reproduce again
Except it’s no longer needed.
Pruning And Stacking
Prune the plant from time to time is important to help it produce better.
With a rope or twine attach the plant to a stack (stick or bamboo).
Pest and Diseases
Pests
- Aphids
- Caterpillar
- White flies
- Leaf miners
- Slugs
Diseases
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
- Powdery mildred
- Leaf Spot
- Root Rot
- Leaf blight
Pest and Disease Control
- Avoid over watering
- Use disease resistant plants
- Weed regularly
- Avoid dense planting
- Destroy affected plants
Hope this article was helpful?
