Bitter melon planting method and time

As a common vegetable , bitter melon not only has high nutritional value, but also has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying and reducing fire. Therefore, eating bitter melon in moderation in daily life is of great benefit to health. As more and more farmers begin to grow bitter melon, correct planting techniques become particularly important in order to obtain high-quality and high-yield bitter melon. Let’s learn about the planting methods and time of bitter melon .

1. Sowing time

Autumn planting of bitter melon is usually scheduled from July to August each year, while winter planting is from November to December. The climatic conditions during these two periods, such as temperature and humidity, are more suitable for the germination and growth of bitter melon seeds .

2. Variety selection

Selecting the right seeds is the key to achieving high yields. You should choose seeds with obvious warty surface features, white skin, and long conical shape. These seeds are usually heat-resistant, fertilizer-resistant, and have high yields.

3. Seed treatment

The shell of bitter melon seeds is hard and needs to be germinated to increase the germination rate. First, soak the seeds in hot water at about 55°C and stir constantly. After the water temperature drops to room temperature, continue soaking for 12 hours. After that, the seeds are lightly scratched to facilitate water absorption, and then wrapped in a wet cloth and placed in an environment of about 30°C to germinate. Wash with clean water once a day and the seeds will germinate in about 4 to 6 days.

4. Planting method

After the seeds germinate, they can be transplanted when the seedlings have about 3 leaves. Pay attention to planning the plant spacing reasonably, keeping a distance of about 50 cm. After planting, water thoroughly to allow the plants to gradually adapt to the new environment. After about two weeks, the roots will adapt to the soil and regular care can be carried out afterwards. During the growth period, regular tillage and weeding are required, and attention should be paid to protecting the root system.

5. Pest and disease control

Newly planted bitter melon is susceptible to insect pests, especially aphids. Once pests are found, pesticides should be used immediately, such as spraying the leaves with a 1500-fold diluted omethoate aqueous solution to quickly eliminate the pests.

6. Water and fertilizer management

During the growth of bitter melon, appropriate supply of water and fertilizer is crucial. Generally water the plant once every 7 to 10 days to avoid waterlogging that may cause difficulty in breathing for the roots. Apply fertilizer in time after germination, and apply thin fertilizer frequently during the seedling stage to promote rapid growth. After harvesting, apply 400 to 700 kg of decomposed farmyard manure and 3 to 4 kg of urea per mu.

7. Harvest time

To ensure high yield, bitter melon should be harvested in time. The surface stripes and tumors of ripe bitter melon will be obviously raised, which is a sign of maturity. Harvesting too early or too late will affect the yield, so the harvesting time must be accurately mastered.

The above is an introduction to the time and methods of bitter melon planting. As long as you master the methods, it is possible to achieve high quality and high yield.