How To Grow Falsa | Grewia Asiatica | Phalsa Berries With Care Tips Complete Guide At Home

How To Grow Falsa | Grewia Asiatica | Phalsa Berries With Care Tips Complete Guide At Home

                                   

PHALSA | GRAWIA ASIATICA

Botanical name - Grewia subinaequalis

Family - Tiliaceae

Origin - India

 

Falsa is a fruit native to India. Its cultivation has been practiced in India since the Vedic period. The plant is a sturdy shrub that bears small, berry-like fruits. The fruits are small, dark red or purplish in colour, and have a tart taste. Fully ripened fruits do not last long. In the summer, its fruits are cooling and appetite-stimulating. Falsa is very popular as a fresh fruit, juice, and sherbet. Juice and squash are also made from the fruits. Falsa fruits are rich in vitamins A and C and minerals. 

 

 

Climate and Soil

 

It is capable of growing and bearing fruit in hot and dry environments. Falsa can also grow well in the humid parts of India's coastal regions. Fertile loamy soil is considered good for the deep roots of the falsa plant. Non-alkaline soil free from hardpan layers is suitable for falsa cultivation. Any type of loamy soil that is free from alkalinity and compaction is suitable. It is also capable of growing well in drought conditions.

                  

Falsa can also thrive well in the humid conditions of India's coastal regions. Loamy soil is considered ideal for the deep roots of the falsa plant. Non-alkaline soil with a loose texture is suitable for falsa cultivation. Any type of loamy soil that is free from alkalinity and hardpan is suitable. It is also well-adapted to withstand drought conditions.  

 How To Grow Falsa Plant At Home Step By Step Guide | Grewia Asiatica Caring Tips

Improved Varieties

 

Due to the lack of established varieties of Falsa, two categories are generally observed:

(A) Sharbat-type - sweet variety

(B) Sour or bitter variety.  

 

                                                     

Propagation

 Generally, falsa is propagated by seeds. Fresh seeds are extracted from ripe fruits during the summer and sown. For this, well-sized and colored fruits should be selected in June. After the monsoon begins, the seeds should be sown in well-prepared nursery beds in July-August. Falsa seeds do not retain their viability for long. Seedlings grown from seeds become ready for transplanting in 7 to 8 months. Falsa can also be propagated by cuttings. For this, 15 cm long cuttings should be taken from one-year-old branches in January, treated with a growth regulator, and planted in a nursery. New growth begins in approximately 15-20 days.  

 

Planting

 

Healthy plants are transplanted into the garden at a distance of 3x3 meters during February-March, but planting can also be done in July-August. Irrigate immediately after planting. The planting pits should be 50 cubic centimetres in size.

 

 

Manures and Fertilizers

 

Regular application of manure and fertilizers has a positive effect on the growth and yield of Falsa plants. For fully grown plants, after pruning, apply 15 kg of farmyard manure, 275 grams of urea, and 250 grams of superphosphate per tree. Irrigate the plants after applying the fertilizers.     

 

Irrigation

 

This is a drought-tolerant plant and therefore generally does not require irrigation. However, irrigating at 15-day intervals during flowering and fruiting significantly improves yield. 

 

 

Training and Pruning

 

Falsa is a bushy, deciduous plant. If the plants are not pruned regularly, they take on a tree-like form, which negatively affects yield. Pruning should be done from the end of December to January at a height of 60-90 cm from the ground.    

 

How To Grow Falsa | Grewia Asiatica | Phalsa Berries With Care Tips Complete Guide At Home

Maturity and Harvesting

Phalsa bushes start bearing fruit in the second year. Bushes yield a good commercial crop in the third year after planting.  The fruits start ripening by the end of May, and their harvesting continues throughout June.  Ripe berries are carefully picked on alternate days. The fruit is packed in small baskets or 2 kg packs.

Yield

Falsa fruits begin to ripen in April-May. Ripe fruits turn from red to purple. These fruits should be sent to the market quickly as they have a very short shelf life. Each tree yields 4-5 kilograms of fruit. 

Pests and Diseases

No specific pests or diseases are commonly observed in phalsa plants. However, to protect the fruits from birds, spray with methiocarb (Mizoral) at a concentration of 0.05%. This will deter birds from damaging the fruits.