Loofah planting method and planting time

Luffa is not only a versatile vegetable that can be stir-fried or cooked into soup to become a delicacy on the table, but the mature luffa sponge can also be used to make cleaning tools , such as cleaning balls for washing dishes. In addition, loofah also has medicinal value and is a Chinese medicinal material . Let’s learn about the planting method and time of loofah .

1. Suitable planting time for loofah

1. Spring Planting

Loofah is usually planted after the Qingming Festival in spring. In the southern regions with a warm climate, planting can begin around the beginning of spring.

2. Summer planting

Summer loofah planting is generally carried out from May to June, and it is expected to be harvested and put on the market from July to October. The temperature is high in summer, so you should choose loofah varieties with good heat resistance, such as flower loofah.

3. Autumn planting

Planting loofah in autumn can start immediately after the previous season's loofah is harvested. Suitable varieties include green-skinned loofah and ridged loofah.

4. Winter Planting

Winter loofah planting usually starts in November. Due to the low temperature, it is usually planted in a greenhouse. The light and temperature need to be strictly controlled to promote the growth of loofah.

2. Key points of loofah planting technology

1. Variety selection

Choose the appropriate loofah variety according to local climate and soil conditions. In greenhouses , it is suitable to choose snake-shaped loofahs that are resistant to low temperatures and little light; in the northern region, you can choose varieties with strong growth ability, such as stick loofah; in the south, choose varieties with good heat resistance, such as flower loofah.

2. Seed soaking and germination

Before sowing, air the seeds for 2 to 3 days, then disinfect them with trisodium phosphate solution for about 15 minutes. Then put the seeds in warm water at about 70°C, and soak them for 5 hours after the water temperature drops to 25°C. Place the sterilized seeds in a 30℃ environment to germinate, rinse with water every day until the seeds show white buds, and then they can be sown.

3. Sowing method

Loofah is usually sown directly, placing 3 seeds in each sowing hole, with a sowing depth of about 2 cm. After sowing, cover with soil, water, and mulch with hay to keep the soil moist.

4. Field management

Seedlings will emerge about 5 days after sowing. The temperature needs to be lowered appropriately and water should be applied regularly according to the soil moisture conditions. In the later stages of growth, it is necessary to prevent and control diseases and insect pests in a timely manner to ensure the healthy growth of the plants.

The above is an introduction to the planting methods of loofah. Friends who want to plant loofah can choose a suitable planting time according to local climatic conditions. For example, the temperature in some areas is too low in winter, which is not suitable for open field cultivation.