When is the best time to plant loofah? How to plant?

When it comes to seasonal vegetables in summer, many friends will mention loofah. Of course, loofah is not only available in summer. Different varieties grow and go on the market in different seasons. Loofah is cultivated in many places in my country. Let’s learn together when is the best time to plant loofah? How to plant?

1. Planting time

South China (such as Guangdong Province): Due to the warm climate and early spring, the suitable planting time is generally from mid-March to early April.

Fujian Province: The climatic conditions are similar to those of Guangdong Province, and the best planting time is from mid-April to early May.

Jiangsu Province: The climate is relatively mild, and the suitable planting time is a little later. It is recommended to plant from mid-May to early June.

Other areas: Generally speaking, the time for planting loofah can be chosen when the average daily temperature reaches around 25 degrees, which is usually in spring or summer.

2. Planting Method

1. Seed treatment

First, choose plump loofah seeds for planting. Soak the loofah seeds in 60℃ hot water for 10 to 15 minutes, and then continue soaking in 30℃ warm water for 2 to 5 hours to promote seed germination.

2. Planting

You can choose to sow directly or transplant after raising seedlings. When direct seeding, scatter the seeds into the soil, planting three or four seeds in each hole. After sowing, cover the soil and water thoroughly.

3. Field management

After the loofah seedlings emerge, pay attention to watering and fertilizing at the right time. During the growing period, keep the soil moist, especially during the fruiting period, when the amount of watering needs to be increased, but avoid prolonged waterlogging.

4. Fertilization

Loofah requires adequate fertilizer to ensure growth and yield. The base fertilizer can be well-decomposed organic fertilizer . In the early stages of flowering and fruiting, 60 to 80 kilograms of triple compound fertilizer can be applied per mu of land, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer can be sprayed.

5. Notes

(1) Luffa likes heat and should not be planted in early spring or late autumn when the temperature is low, so as not to affect seed germination and plant growth.

(2) Although loofah is heat-resistant, it is not water-resistant. Therefore, when planting, you should choose well-drained soil and adopt appropriate planting methods, such as planting in beds.

(3) During the growth period, pay attention to promptly remove tendrils, most male flowers and underdeveloped melons to promote better growth and fruiting of the plants.

The above is a brief introduction to the planting time and methods of loofah. As long as you master it, you can effectively promote the growth of loofah and increase its yield.