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The Complete Guide to Caring for Bilva Plants
Bilva, also known as Bael, is a fruit-bearing tree that belongs to the Rutaceae family and is native to India.
It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its medicinal properties.
The Bilva plant is a hardy and adaptable tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall, making it an excellent addition to any garden or landscape.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need on how to grow and care for Bilva plants.
Benefits of Bilva Plant
Bilva plant has many benefits in health care since it is rich in antioxidants which help remove toxins from the body.
It also helps boost the immune system and improves digestion as well as being helpful in reducing inflammation.
How To Grow A Bilva Plant
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil that has high organic matter content.
- Propagation: It can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings taken during springtime.
- Sowing Seeds: Soak seeds overnight before sowing them about half an inch deep into moist soil at temperatures ranging from 25°C-30°C (77°F-86°F).
- Care After Sowing: Water regularly but do not overwater since excessive moisture could cause root rot.
Fertilize after one month using organic fertilizers such as cow dung or compost tea.
Caring For A Bilva Plant
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Sunlight:
Maintain full sun for at least six hours each day.
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Water:
Bilva plants require regular watering, but they should not be overwatered.
During summers, water the plant more frequently to keep its soil moist.
However, in winters, reduce the frequency of watering since over-watering can cause root rot.
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Pruning:
To maintain its shape and size, prune the Bilva plant regularly by removing dead or damaged branches.
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Fertilizers:
Apply organic fertilizers like cow dung manure or compost tea to promote healthy growth and fruiting.
- Pests and Diseases
- Caterpillars: These worms feed on the leaves of Bilva plants causing damage; use insecticides to control them.
- Fruit Flies: They lay eggs on ripening fruits which hatch into larvae that feed inside the fruit causing it to rot; use traps with baited liquid attractants as a means of control.
Harvesting The Fruits
Bael trees usually bear fruits after three years from planting time.
The ripe fruits are yellow-green in color and have a hard shell that needs cracking open with a chisel-like tool called “Madan”.
Only consume ripe fruit because unripe ones contain toxic compounds that could cause harm.
In Conclusion
Bilva is an easy-to-grow plant that provides numerous health benefits when consumed.
It requires minimal care once it is established while still producing high-quality fruits annually.
Moreover, this tree has several uses such as shade provision in gardens along with medicinal uses for increasing immunity and reducing inflammation.
Ensure that you propagate and grow the plant in optimal growing conditions to ensure maximum yield, reduced pest infestation, and a healthier tree.
