Loofah Planting Methods and Techniques

Luffa is popular for its strong environmental adaptability and high planting returns, and is widely planted throughout China. However, during the cultivation process, many growers may face problems of low yield and poor quality, which directly affects the economic benefits of cultivation. Let’s learn about the methods and techniques of growing loofah .

1. Planting time

Luffa has strong adaptability and can be grown almost all year round. Planting usually takes place in spring from February to April, in summer from May to July, in autumn from August to September, and in winter in greenhouses after November.

2. Seeding, seedling raising and transplanting

Before sowing, loofah seeds need to be dried in the sun, soaked in warm water, and germinated to increase the germination rate. Keep the soil moist after sowing, remove the covering after seedlings emerge, and ventilate and cool down in time. When transplanting and planting, pay attention to protecting the root system and choose a sunny afternoon to facilitate survival.

3. Fertilizer and water management

After transplanting, water the bottom thoroughly. Apply less water and fertilizer during the seedling stage to prevent excessive growth. During the flowering and fruiting period, increase water and fertilizer management, keep the soil moist, and apply high-potassium compound fertilizer every 15 days or so.

4. Plant arrangement

After the loofah is put on the shelf, tie and organize the vines in time, cut off the ineffective branches and vines, and improve the ventilation and light conditions. Remove excess male flowers in a timely manner to save nutrients and increase the fruit setting rate.

5. Thinning flowers and melons and leaving melons

Thin out the flowers and fruits according to the growth of the plants to avoid premature aging of the plants due to excessive flowering and fruiting.

6. Harvest

The loofah can be harvested when the young loofahs swell and become hard and the stems turn yellow and soft. At this time, the loofahs are large and taste good.

The above is a guide for loofah planting. Different regions can adjust the planting time appropriately according to the local climate. Loofah likes moisture and is not tolerant to waterlogging, so the soil needs to be kept moist throughout the growing period. Maintain soil moisture at 60-70% during the seedling stage and 70-80% during the flowering and fruiting stage.