When is the best time to fertilize pumpkin?

Pumpkin topdressing time

Pumpkin fertilization should be done at the right time. About 10 days after planting, a diluted lime-based fertilizer can be applied. When flowering, phosphorus and potassium should be used as the main fertilizer. When fertilizing, it should be noted that the fertilizer must be decomposed before use. If it is not decomposed, it will be easy to use it after application, which is not good for the results.

Pumpkin topdressing fertilizer

Pumpkin fertilization should be carried out according to the characteristics of pumpkin fertilizer requirements. The nutrients absorbed are different at different stages of pumpkin growth. In the seedling stage, pumpkin grows slowly and requires less fertilizer. After entering the fruit expansion stage, nitrogen absorption increases sharply. The absorption patterns of potassium and nitrogen in the plant body are basically the same. At the same time, phosphorus absorption also increases. During the entire growth period, pumpkin absorbs more potassium and nitrogen, less calcium, and less magnesium and phosphorus.

Methods of topdressing for high yield of pumpkin

1. Fertilizer should be applied in advance

Before planting, the soil should be deeply plowed to a depth of about 30 cm. During deep plowing, 7,500 kg of organic fertilizer can be used in combination with broadcasting. After fertilization, the ground should be leveled and the planting density should be about 4,000 plants per hectare.

2. Apply melon fertilizer in the middle period

After the pumpkin seedlings emerge, topdressing can be carried out according to the growth of the seedlings. If the seedlings are weak, topdressing fertilizer can be applied with water, and about 4,000 kg of fertilizer can be applied per hectare; after the fruit is formed, fertilizer should be applied to accelerate the fruiting, and 200 kg of organic fertilizer can be applied per hectare. In case of high temperature and drought, 300 kg of compound fertilizer can be applied with water to promote the expansion of pumpkin fruits.

3. Apply topdressing in the late growth period

The results show that in the later stage of pumpkin growth, in order to prolong the plant's growth period, increase yield and prevent premature aging of the seedlings, a small amount of organic fertilizer can be applied to maintain its continuous growth. It is recommended to spray the pumpkin leaves once with 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate to increase the seed setting rate, spray once a week for three consecutive times.