Editing Kudzu (section)

==Propagation==
{{More citations needed|section|date=May 2020}}

Kudzu spreads by [[vegetative reproduction]] via [[stolon]]s (runners) that [[root]] at the [[node (botany)|nodes]] to form new plants and by [[rhizome]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=North Carolina Cooperative Extension |title=Pueraria montana var. lobata |url=https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pueraria-montana-var-lobata/ |access-date=2022-05-03 |website=Gardener Plant Toolbox}}</ref>  Kudzu also spreads by [[seed]]s, which are contained in pods and mature in the autumn, although this is rare.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kudzu – New York Invasive Species Information |url=http://nyis.info/invasive_species/kudzu/ |access-date=2022-02-28 |language=en-US}}</ref> One or two viable seeds are produced per cluster of pods. The hard-coated seeds can remain viable for several years, and can successfully germinate only when soil is persistently soggy for 5–7 days, with temperatures above 20&nbsp;°C (68&nbsp;°F).<ref>https://cefs.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021_03_19_Kudzu.pdf?x77888 Weed Focus: Kudzu NCSU</ref>
[[File:Flowering kudzu.jpg|thumb|''[[Pueraria montana]]'' flowers]]

Once germinated, saplings must be kept in a well-drained medium that retains high moisture. During this stage of growth, kudzu must receive as much [[sunlight]] as possible.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SPECIES: Pueraria montana var. lobata |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/vine/puemonl/all.html |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=www.fs.usda.gov}}</ref> Kudzu saplings are sensitive to mechanical disturbance and are damaged by chemical fertilizers. They do not tolerate long periods of shade or high water tables. Kudzu is able to withstand environments ranging from sunny to shady upon reaching its mature stage; however, forest edges with greater light availability are optimal.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Forseth |first1=Irwin N. |last2=Innis |first2=Anne F. |date=2004 |title=Kudzu ( Pueraria montana ): History, Physiology, and Ecology Combine to Make a Major Ecosystem Threat |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07352680490505150 |journal=Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences |language=en |volume=23 |issue=5 |pages=401–413 |doi=10.1080/07352680490505150 |bibcode=2004CRvPS..23..401F |issn=0735-2689}}</ref>