How to grow devils claw?

Have you ever heard of the mystical plant known as devil’s claw? It’s a tantalizing addition to any garden, with its unique shape and impressive height. But how do you grow this spiny creature? Fear not! With these tips and tricks you’ll be growing devil’s claw like a pro in no time!

Overview

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details of growing devil’s claw, let’s understand some important terms associated with it.

Understanding Devil’s Claw

Devil’s Claw is also scientifically called as Harpagophytum procumbens from Pedaliaceae family of flowering plants. Native to southern regions of Africa particularly Kalahari Desert which includes Namibia Botswana and South African regions. The unusual feature about this plant is that it grows fruit which looks similar to claws (hence named “devil” refering on how sharp they look)and specially used in folk medicine for treating joint pains.

Benefits Of Growing Devil’s Claw

What benefit do one get by planting a “claw”? Plenty! Few listed below are benefits:

  1. Aesthetic property due its size, shape and majesticness
  2. Medicinal properties found in roots
  3. Minimal Maintenance required once established

Now that we know why we should grow our own harpagophytum, let us jump straight onto learning how to cultivate this bad-boy botanical specimen!

Climate & Soil Conditions

No matter if you’re new or experienced at gardening – climate plays an essential role in every gardener’s life so make sure you take down notes while reading what follows.

Climatic conditions suitable for growth

Harpagophytum prefers hot dry climates hence mostly found in desert areas.It strives well when grown under temperate climate zones ,thus adding beauty your garden depending upon climatic conditions .The ideal temperature range needed for the growth of harpagophytum is 60-90 degrees F.

Soil Requirements

In order to maintain good healthy growth, soil conditions must be taken into consideration.

  1. When growing in containers or pots, well-draining sandy soils with little sand and a neutral PH level should be used
  2. Preferably mix organic matter like compost and vermiculite for fortified nutrients
  3. Clayey soils are not ideal as it holds too much water which could lead to root rot

Note that devil’s claw tends to grow roots that are sturdy enough to penetrate hard soil so there is no need to panic if the soil seems tough – here “rooting for the underdog’ applies perfectly!

Planting Of Devil’s Claw

Now since we have covered up all climate and soil requirements let us know more about planting.

Seeds selection

One can buy harpagophytum packets from online stores /plant suppliers or even use harvested seeds but beware not all seeds available are authentic and genuine so make sure you plant quality ones only thus ensuring correct germination rates.

Germinating Process Steps:

Germinating process of Harpagaohytum plays an important role ,thus care should be taken right at this step which begins with following steps;

Step Description
1 Sow seed during January & February months
2 Place them on pre-moisturized potting soil (seed tray)
3 Cover layer of 5mm thickness over them uniformly
4 Place transparent polythene cover over tray

Remember, patience plays key role while germinating as these plants take minimum span of two weeks maximum upto four depending upon climatic conditions .

Transplantation Of Seedlings

Once they start showing signs of major growth then transplant them onto chosen pots or containers after 7/8 weeks of germination. The pots should be at least 20inches deep as the roots grow elongated when getting enough space, and is filled with well draining potting soil.

Spacing Guidelines

While planting make sure you give enough space between each plant so that sunlight can easily reach out to all leaves all sides this is vital for growth and to avoid overcrowded situation. This helps in better harvesting given equal access to sunlight especially if placed outside in garden area which could also sustain companion or helpful crops around it!

Care And Maintenance

Harpagophytum may look scary but don’t worry, it does not require much attention once established.

Watering & Fertilization

  1. One must ensure medium levels of watering during growing stage – it’s important not to overwater
  2. Add a decent amount fertilizer every four months

Pruning

While pruning they tend either tend have variety of branches each carrying few useful leaves hence one need cut off those trimmed broken stems giving ample air circulation ,also use sharp cleaned pruners while doing this job.

Harvesting Process

Harvesting them needs special care once grown into mature plants like its siblings helping farmers/everyone who intends taking part in harvesting from their small gardens thus we’ve put together some basic steps;

1.Make sure the weather no longer has frost (now listen carefully) before digging up roots !
2.Dig circularly making small holes using spade
3.Once found gently dig out complete root
4.Thoroughly dry them for 15-25 days depending upon climatic conditions
5.Shed drying period one could steam dry preserving nutritional value

So there you go! Now that you have these tips on how best to grow devil’s claw, why not try your hand at your very own harpagophytum? You’re bound to create something truly unique in your garden, as well as have the added bonus of being able to use it for various medicinal purposes – just remember to compile all what you’ve learned today and cultivate those devilish claws!

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