Bitter melon sowing time and method

Bitter melon prefers warm environment and humid climatic conditions, and is best planted in spring or summer when the temperature is consistently above 20°C. However, the specific planting time may vary depending on the climatic characteristics of different regions. Let’s learn about the time and method of sowing bitter melon.

1. Sowing time

The sowing time of autumn bitter melon is usually from July to August every year, while the sowing time of winter bitter melon is from November to December every year. The temperature and humidity during these two periods are very suitable for the germination and growth of bitter melon seeds .

2. Seedling stage

After planting, the seedlings need some time to resume growth, this stage is called the seedling recovery period. 3 to 4 days after planting, water is needed to replenish the insufficient water absorption caused by root damage, promote the close integration of the roots and the soil, and help the plants resume growth. The water for acclimatization should be gently and thoroughly poured to avoid flooding. No top dressing is generally done at this stage.

3. Vine growing period

This period marks the transition period of bitter melon from stem and leaf growth to fruit growth. In terms of management, it is necessary to control water, promote root growth, and achieve the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. During the seedling stage, if the weather is particularly dry, water should be applied in time to prevent the flowers from topping due to excessive water control. Before the root melon is established, there is no need to water it unless it is extremely dry. The correct approach is to irrigate the plant with sufficient water once the root melon is established, and apply 20 kg of 15-15-15 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer per mu. When applying fertilizer, the furrow application method should be adopted to improve the utilization rate of fertilizer , and short, overcrowded, old, and diseased branches and leaves should be removed in time to facilitate ventilation and light transmission.

4. Scaffolding

When the bitter melon plants start to climb, it is recommended to build a herringbone support. In the early stages of growth, pay attention to artificial vine tying to help the plant grow attached to the support.

5. Artificial assisted pollination

Artificial pollination was carried out between 7 and 9 a.m. every day when the female and male flowers were open. Pick the male flowers, remove the petals, and gently apply the pollen to the stigma of the pistil. During pollination, the young melons can be pulled downward to prevent them from growing crooked. When there are insufficient male flowers, male flowers that open on the same day can be used for pollination to increase the fruit setting rate.

6. Fruiting period

After the fruit is formed, bitter melon enters a period of vigorous growth and requires a large amount of water. To ensure the soil is moist, water it once every 7 to 10 days, and apply fertilizer every other time. During the peak period of melon bearing, apply 10 to 15 kg of urea and 10 to 15 kg of phosphate fertilizer per mu. In the later stage of fruit setting, reduce the frequency of watering and fertilizing, and spray fertilizer on the leaves.

7. Foliar fertilization

In the later stage of bitter melon growth, the root absorption capacity weakens. Nutrients can be supplemented by spraying fertilizer on the leaves to extend the fruit picking period. You can spray a mixture of 0.2% urea and 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate 2 to 3 times to enhance photosynthesis, promote the transfer of photosynthetic products to the melon, and prevent premature aging. If cracked melons or flowers without fruits appear, spray potassium dihydrogen phosphate plus boron fertilizer. Bitter melon has a long growing period, and sufficient water and fertilizer supply must be ensured to achieve more melons.

The above is an introduction to the sowing time and method of bitter melon. As a common vegetable , bitter melon is grown by many farmers, but if you want to achieve high yields, mastering the planting techniques is the key.