Hydroponic Arrowhead Tubers: Growing Sagittaria in Flooded Beds
Hydroponic arrowhead tubers come from Sagittaria latifolia, broad leaved arrowhead, grown in a flooded bed or tub of nutrient water. NC State Extension describes it as a clump forming aquatic perennial with edible corms. The USDA PLANTS Database lists it as native to the lower 48 states and Canada.
The short answer
Plant corms or root stock in a tub or flooded bed in 12 inches of water or less. Give full sun to partial shade and still or slow moving water. Aerate any solution and lift the corms when the season ends.
Can arrowhead tubers grow in a hydroponic system?
NC State Extension says broad leaved arrowhead grows in marshes, swamps, bogs and farm ponds. It prefers shallow water up to 12 inches deep or wet conditions, and it usually grows in stagnant or slow moving water. That habit suits a flooded bed or deep tub more than a narrow channel, and the plant grows 1 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide. See how other root zones compare in hydroponic in different mediums.
Which hydroponic setup suits arrowhead tubers?
A wide tub or flooded bed with shallow water suits it. NC State lists a preference for sandy, loamy soil with an acidic to neutral pH, so a coarse mineral medium in the tub is closer to its habit than bare water. The University of Illinois Extension notes that nutrient solutions must be aerated to get enough oxygen. Its homemade system uses an air pump, tubing and an air stone. The University of Minnesota Extension adds that an airstone joined to an outside pump releases air as tiny bubbles. Routine checks in caring for your hydroponic system apply to tubs too.
How do you harvest arrowhead tubers grown in water?
NC State says the plant can be propagated by seed, root stock or corm transplanting. It also lists the corms as edible, so lift the plants after the season and sort them. Save some for the next planting and record the dates in growing schedule for your hydroponics. NC State also notes that the plant self seeds and can take over aquatic areas, so deadhead spent flowers to stop seeding.
Arrowhead in a flooded bed
| Need | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Water depth | 12 inches or less | NC State depth limit |
| Water flow | Still or slow moving | Natural habit |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade | NC State preference |
| Medium | Sandy, loamy, acidic to neutral | NC State soil notes |
| Air | Air pump and air stone | Solution must carry oxygen |
Sources: NC State Extension, USDA PLANTS Database, University of Illinois Extension, University of Minnesota Extension.
How to: step by step
- Fill a wide tub with a coarse sandy medium.
- Set corms or root stock into the medium.
- Flood the tub so the water stays 12 inches deep or less.
- Run an air pump and air stone if you use a nutrient solution.
- Deadhead spent flowers to stop self seeding.
- Lift the corms at the end of the season.
Troubleshooting
Few corms: low light. Move the tub to full sun or partial shade.
Aphids and spider mites: NC State lists both, so check the leaves often.
Plants spread into every corner: the plant self seeds. Remove spent flowers. More room setup ideas are in hydro setup environment.
Kind Seed Co shares these notes for growers who enjoy native water plants.
Sources
- Sagittaria latifolia (broad leaved arrowhead), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Sagittaria latifolia (broadleaf arrowhead) plant profile, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database
- Small scale hydroponics, University of Minnesota Extension
- Hydroponics handouts, University of Illinois Extension
FAQ
Is arrowhead native to the US?
Yes. The USDA PLANTS Database lists Sagittaria latifolia as native to the lower 48 states and Canada. NC State Extension lists it as native to the central and eastern United States.
How deep should the water be over the tubers?
NC State Extension says not to plant it in water deeper than 12 inches. It prefers shallow water or wet conditions.
When are arrowhead tubers ready?
Lift them at the end of the growing season. NC State notes that the flowers bloom from July to September, so the corms come after that.
Can you grow arrowhead in a pond tub?
Yes. NC State suggests it for ponds, lake edges and water gardens. A tub with shallow still water copies that habit.
How do you start new arrowhead plants?
NC State says it can be propagated by seed, root stock or corm transplanting. Corms are the simplest start for a tub.
