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Hydropolis » Blog » 5 Species of Exotic Plants, That You Can Grow Vertically
30.03.2023 Autor: Hydropolis

5 Species of Exotic Plants, That You Can Grow Vertically

Hydropolis » Blog » 5 Species of Exotic Plants, That You Can Grow Vertically
Autor: Hydropolis

Do exotic spices, vegetables and flowers to grow from a wall in a city center in Poland sound original?

Plants from Asia and Central America, where the winter is quite mild, simply love warmth. Their cultivation in Polish conditions is a challenge due to maintaining the same high temperature, appropriate humidity, angle of incidence of sunlight and even height above sea level! All these parameters of an appropriate scale are necessary for the proper growth of the plant.

Thanks to vertical cultivation, which can operate all year round, it is possible. Discover selected exotic plant species growing vertically in different parts of the world!

Source: Envato Elements

Fresh herbs in your home 365 days a year

In vertical farming, spices and herbs can grow at any time of the year. Their growth is up to 5 times faster compared to traditional agriculture. Fresh, they are more aromatic than dried ones and their small amount is enough to change the taste of the dish. They add spice, sweetness and distinctive flavor. In Polish homes, we more often use dried ones because of the convenience, longer shelf life and availability.


The following species of herbs are grown vertically:

1.  Thai basil

Thai basil
Source: Canva

An irreplaceable herb that tastes nothing like basil added to spaghetti bolognese. It has an anise-mint aroma. In Asian cuisine, it is an obligatory addition to curry. It is only recently gaining popularity in Poland. On vertical farms, its growth cycle takes about 17 days (from transplanting to harvesting).


2.  “Oriental parsley” – coriander

Coriander
Source: Canva

Coriander is an herb with a highly intense flavor and aroma that has gained popularity in western cuisine only in recent years. Interestingly, coriander was not initially used in western cuisine because of its distinctive smell.

Today, coriander is widely used in both industry and gastronomy, with its seeds, fruits, and leaves all playing an important role. Spices made from the dried leaves and seeds of the plant can vary significantly in taste, despite coming from the same plant.

Vegetables (not) easy to grow

Cultivation of vegetables well-known in Poland, i.e., onions, beetroot, carrots, on a large scale, in traditional agriculture, is already demanding due to the rapidly changing weather conditions.

Floods and droughts affect cultivation areas in Poland more and more often and have negative impact on harvest. As much as PLN 6.5 billion may be worth the crops that we lose on average every year as a result of droughts[1]. The challenge is still very much present. Without the implementation of preventive measures, the costs of droughts may increase even more in the upcoming years.

Vertical farming in controlled environment conditions ensures a reliable harvest at any time of the year. Vertical farming uses up to 95% less water compared to traditional farming!


What exotic vegetable can permanently appear in your kitchen?

3.  Pak choi

Pak Choi
Source: Canva

Pak Choi has no head, which distinguishes it from other cabbages. It is a low-calorie plant (100g Pak choi has 13 calories), rich in exogenous amino acids, i.e., those that we must provide with food, because the body is unable to produce them on its own. The smaller the plant, the better it tastes. Larger “specimens” tend to be more bitter. It can make for an interesting addition to the classic Polish vegetable soup!


4.  Wasabi arugula

Wasabi arugula
Source: Canva

Although not very well-known in Poland, this variety of arugula is gradually gaining popularity. Wasabi arugula is a particularly popular addition to dishes like pesto, salads, cottage cheese, mozzarella, tortellini, and bruschetta. This unique type of arugula boasts a nutty-spicy flavor that combines the peppery taste of arugula with the distinct heat of wasabi

A plant with a wide range of uses

The world’s population has recently surpassed a record 8 billion people, with projections suggesting it will reach 9.7 billion by 2050[2]. With the demand for healthy and sustainable food options increasing, there is a growing need for alternative sources of nutrition that can be produced quickly and efficiently.

Five years ago, a study was conducted to evaluate the growth rate of a particular pseudocereal on a vertical farm. By that time, the system had already yielded a high-quality crop. Can you guess which plant it was?

More than half of the world’s crops are cereals

Cereals play an important role in the sowing structure in Poland and in the world. According to the Grain Market Analysis, they account for about 50% of crop production on a global scale[3]. They are the basic ingredient of food. In Poland, in 2019, 72.4% of crops were crops of cereals[4].


5.  Amaranth

Amaranth
Source: Canva

Amaranth is a pseudocereal that is particularly rich in protein, making it a popular ingredient in health foods. Expanded amaranth is often used as an addition to muesli or baked goods, adding both nutrition and texture to these dishes. Although not as well-known as some other microgreens, amaranth is becoming increasingly popular. It can also be used as a decorative plant, both fresh and dried.

Vertical farming is growing!

Our exotic journey has already begun, starting right here in Poland and gaining momentum by the day. Thanks to the tireless research conducted by our R&D center, we are constantly pushing the boundaries and discovering new, unexplored territories in vertical farming. This includes developing cultivation recipes for a variety of new flowers, medicinal plants, and micro herbs.

Our exotic journey has already begun, starting right here in Poland and gaining momentum by the day. Thanks to the tireless research conducted by our R&D center, we are constantly pushing the boundaries and discovering new, unexplored territories in vertical farming. This includes developing cultivation recipes for a variety of new flowers, medicinal plants, and micro herbs.


[1] Polski Instytut Ekonomiczny, 6,5 mld zł rocznie mogą być warte plony, które tracimy w Polsce w wyniku susz, 2022

[2] World Population Prospects 2022: Summary of Results, https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/sites/www.un.org.development.desa.pd/files/undesa_pd_2022_wpp_key-messages.pdf

[3] CDR Brwinów, Analiza rynku zbóż, 2020[4] Krajowy Ośrodek Wsparcia Rolnictwa, Rynek zbóż w Polsce, 2020

[4] Krajowy Ośrodek Wsparcia Rolnictwa, Rynek zbóż w Polsce, 2020

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