Harvesting Arrow Plant: Timing and Techniques for a Successful Yield

Arrow plants, also known as sagittaria, are versatile aquatic plants prized for their arrow-shaped leaves and pretty white flowers. They make beautiful additions to ponds and aquariums when harvested at the right time using the proper techniques. Knowing when to harvest and how to do it correctly ensures you’ll get the most out of your arrow plant crop.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about harvesting arrow plants, including:

• Ideal timing for harvesting arrow plants
• Hand harvesting vs mechanical harvesting techniques
• Step-by-step instructions for harvesting
• Proper handling and storage after harvest
• Uses for harvested arrow plants
• Frequently asked questions

When’s the Best Time to Harvest Arrow Plants?

Timing is crucial when harvesting arrow plants. Harvest too early, and you’ll get a low yield. Harvest too late, and the plants will be tough and fibrous.

The optimal time to harvest arrow plants is in late summer or early fall when the plant goes dormant. This is usually around August or September. At this stage, the plant has stored up enough energy in its roots and stems to survive the winter. The leaves start yellowing and dying back as the plant prepares for dormancy.

Harvesting during the active growing season of early spring through midsummer is not recommended. The plant needs its leaves during this time to absorb sunlight and nutrients that fuel growth. Taking the leaves too early interrupts this process and stresses the plant.

Pay close attention to the color of the leaves. Once they start turning yellow, get ready to harvest your arrow plants.

Hand Harvesting vs Mechanical Harvesting

You have two main options when it comes to harvesting techniques: hand harvesting or mechanical harvesting. Let’s compare the pros and cons of each.

Hand Harvesting

This traditional, low-tech method involves manually digging up arrow plants using a spade or garden fork. It works well for small-scale harvesting, especially in home aquariums or backyard ponds.

Here are the steps for hand harvesting arrow plants

1. Cut down the flower stalks and remove any remaining leaves from the plants.

2. Loosen the soil around the base of each plant with your spade or fork.

3. Gently lift the plants out of the ground, keeping the roots and rhizomes intact.

4. Rinse off excess dirt under running water.

5. Trim away any damaged or diseased sections of the roots or stems.

Pros:

• Allows careful, selective harvesting so you only dig up mature plants ready for harvest.
• Less risk of accidentally damaging plants compared to mechanical harvesters.
• Lower start-up costs than mechanical harvesting equipment.

Cons:

• Very labor intensive and time consuming.
• Not practical for large-scale commercial arrow plant farms.
• Can be hard on your back!

Mechanical Harvesting

As the name suggests, this technique relies on machines to dig up arrow plants quickly and efficiently. It’s the method of choice for large commercial arrow plant operations.

Here are the steps for mechanical harvesting:

1. Cut down flower stalks and remove leaves with a mower or brush cutter.

2. Use a mechanical harvester pulled by a tractor to lift the entire plant out of the ground. The harvester digs under the roots and loosens the plants.

3. Feed the harvested plants through a cleaning machine to wash off dirt and debris.

4. Transport plants to the processing facility.

5. Workers trim away any remaining roots or leaves by hand.

Pros:

• Much faster harvest time compared to hand digging.
• Requires far less labor.
• Makes large-scale commercial harvesting possible.

Cons:

• Harvester machines are expensive.
• Not as selective in harvesting only mature plants.
• More potential to damage plants during harvesting.

If you’re only growing a few arrow plants, hand harvesting will probably be your best option. For large arrow plant farms, mechanical harvesting is the way to go.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Harvesting Arrow Plants

Now that you know about timing and harvesting methods, let’s go through the step-by-step process for a successful arrow plant harvest.

Pre-Harvest

1. Clear away any weeds, algae, or debris around the base of the plants to make harvesting easier.

2. Sharpen your spade, garden fork, or pruning shears. Blunt tools make harvesting much more difficult and can damage plants.

3. Have a wheelbarrow, garden cart, or trailer ready to transport harvested plants from the pond or field.

4. Set up a shaded area for holding harvested plants if you don’t plan to process them immediately. Keep them moist.

Harvesting

Follow the steps outlined above for hand or mechanical harvesting. Here are a few extra tips:

• Try to harvest in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to avoid heat stress on plants.

• Gently loosen the complete root system and lift slowly to keep it intact. Damaged roots don’t store well.

• Smaller plants may come out of the ground easier if you loosen the soil with a water jet before digging.

Post-Harvest

1. Hose off plants to remove mud and debris. Place in clean wheelbarrow or trailer.

2. Transport plants right away to a cool, shaded holding area. Keep roots moist.

3. Process the arrow plants as soon as possible after digging them up.

4. Never leave plants sitting direct sun or allow roots to dry out. This will quickly degrade quality.

Proper post-harvest handling is just as important as the harvest itself when it comes to quality. Rush arrow plants to cool storage, process them fast, and never let them dry out.

Proper Handling and Storage of Harvested Arrow Plants

After all your hard work harvesting, you’ll want to store your arrow plants properly to preserve freshness. Here are some tips:

• Keep roots moist at all times by covering with damp newspaper, cloth, or plastic wrap. Don’t let them dry out.

• Store harvested plants in a refrigerator or cool cellar around 45-50°F. Higher temperatures hasten deterioration.

• For longer term storage up to several months, stand whole plants upright in shallow ponds or water troughs. Keep water levels high enough to cover roots.

• Prepare only as many arrow plants as you will use within a day or two. Quality and taste diminish in storage.

• Always wash and sanitize any storage containers before placing arrow plants inside.

• Avoid storing bruised, damaged, or diseased arrow plants as they will rot quickly and may spread disease.

With proper post-harvest cooling and moisture retention, arrow plants can store for 1-2 weeks with minimal loss of quality. But for the best results, start processing them into cuttings or food items as soon as possible.

Using Your Harvested Arrow Plants

Once harvested and processed, arrow plants can be utilized in many different ways:

• Pond or aquarium greenery – The cut stems with leaves attached provide shelter and improve water quality.

• Paludariums – Use arrow plant cuttings to create natural looking riparium planters.

• Food products – Arrow plant tubers and shoots are edible. Use like potatoes. Leaves add color to salads.

• Aquatic animal feed – Many fish and birds relish arrow plant parts. Chop the leaves finely to prevent choking.

• Compost and fertilizer – Remaining plant waste parts can be composted or worked into the soil as a nutrient booster.

• Decor and art – Preserve attractive arrow plant leaves or flowers for pressed or dried floral displays.

• Medicinal – Some traditional medicinal uses include wound healing, detoxifying, and soothing digestive issues. But research is limited on efficacy and safety.

Don’t let any part of your harvested arrow plants go to waste! With so many uses, both ornamental and practical, a thriving arrow plant harvest can keep giving all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harvesting Arrow Plants

If you’re new to growing and harvesting arrow plants, chances are you still have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common queries.

How long do arrow plants take to reach maturity and become ready for harvest?

Arrow plants are fast growing aquatics. They can reach maturity and become suitable for harvest in as little as 8-10 months when conditions are ideal.

Is it okay to harvest a few leaves from my arrow plants during the summer?

It’s best not to harvest any leaves during the active growing season. Doing so diverts energy from root and rhizome production. Only harvest leaves once the plant enters dormancy in the fall.

Can I cut back my arrow plants after harvesting instead of uprooting them?

You can cut arrow plants back to about 2-3 inches above the root crown. But this can weaken plants over time. Better to harvest the entire plant and let the roots regenerate new growth each season.

**What’s the shelf life of harvested arrow plant tubers if I want to save