Site Selection and Preparation
Site choice: Areas with partial shade or semi-shade are selected, as the palm is sensitive to intense direct sunlight.
Soil: It should be loose, well-drained, and slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Cleaning and conditioning: Weeds and plant debris are removed to prepare the soil, avoiding competition for nutrients and water.
Enrichment: Organic fertilizers or compost are incorporated to improve fertility.
Propagation
By seeds: This is the most common method. Mature seeds are collected from certified mother plants.
Sowing: Seeds are sown in seedbeds or trays with well-aerated substrate rich in organic matter.
Germination: This can take between 4 to 12 weeks depending on temperature and humidity.
Care: Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging and avoid direct sun exposure.
Transplanting
When seedlings have 6 to 8 true leaves, they are transplanted to the final field.
Planting distance: Usually 1.5 to 2 meters between plants to allow development and facilitate harvesting.
Initial watering: Essential for adaptation and rooting.
Maintenance and Growth
Irrigation: Maintain adequate moisture without saturating the soil, especially during dry periods.
Weed control: Manual weeding or appropriate agricultural techniques to avoid competition.
Fertilization: Periodic application of organic or balanced fertilizers to promote healthy growth.
Phytosanitary control: Monitoring for pests and diseases, applying organic or chemical treatments as needed.
Harvesting
Timing: The palm can begin to be harvested between 2 and 3 years after transplanting, when the plant has sufficient development.
Leaf selection: Only mature and quality leaves are harvested to avoid affecting future growth.
Technique: Careful cutting to avoid damaging the stem and to allow regeneration of new leaves.
Frequency: Periodic harvests can be done every few months depending on growth rate.
Crop Renewal
Periodic evaluation: Productivity and plant health are reviewed.
Replacement: Plants that no longer produce well are removed and replaced with new seedlings.
Rotation or fallow: In some cases, the land is left to rest or alternated with other crops to maintain soil health.
