Which month is the best to sow loofah?

Loofahs are usually planted in summer, and they begin to grow when the temperature is stably above 20℃. Luffa has strong adaptability to soil and can grow in a variety of soil types, especially those with deep, well-drained, fertile and moderate texture of sandy loam, yellow soil or red soil. Luffa grows best in neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Let’s take a look at the best month to sow loofah.

Which month is the best to sow loofah?

The cultivation of loofah is divided into three categories according to the season: spring, summer and autumn. The sowing of spring loofah is usually carried out between February and April. In the south, due to the warmer climate, planting can start in February, while in the north it is mostly in April. The planting period of summer loofah is from April to July, and that of autumn loofah is from July to September. Temperature is a key factor in determining the planting time of loofah . Loofah prefers a warm environment. The suitable temperature for growth is 20-30℃, the optimum temperature for seed germination is 28-30℃, and the germination speed is fastest at 30-35℃.

In China, except for tropical areas such as Hainan, the outdoor temperature in other areas is usually difficult to meet the requirements for the germination of loofah seeds . Even in a greenhouse, it is difficult to reach a temperature of 28°C in early spring. Therefore, raising seedlings and then transplanting is a common planting strategy. When transplanting, the minimum outdoor daytime temperature should reach 20℃, and use mulch to maintain the night temperature. For summer loofah and autumn loofah, since the temperature is relatively high during planting, you can directly sow them or continue to use the seedling transplanting method. Regardless of the method used, soaking, disinfecting and germinating the seeds before sowing are essential steps.

Tips for growing and managing loofah

Sowing and seedling raising: After germination treatment, loofah seeds can be directly sown in the nursery bed or cultivated in containers for seedling stage, and then transplanted to the field. The choice of seedling raising method, such as hydroponics or soaking, should be determined according to personal conditions and preferences to ensure the survival rate and growth of loofah. After transplanting, be sure to maintain appropriate soil moisture to prevent the seedlings from being damaged by drought.

Planting Spacing and Depth: Loofah grows quickly, so make sure there is enough space between plants and the appropriate depth when planting. A planting spacing of 72 cm by 50 cm is recommended to promote the healthy growth of loofah.

Nutrition supply: Luffa has a large demand for nutrition, so fertilizer should be applied in time during the growing season. Initial fertilization should be carried out in the early stage of loofah growth. It is recommended to use compost or nitrogen fertilizer 1.5 kg/mu and phosphorus fertilizer 1 kg/mu. During the flowering period of loofah, carry out the second fertilization, using 0.5 kg/mu of potassium nitrate fertilizer and 1.5 kg/mu of potassium fertilizer to promote fruit development.

The above is an introduction to the planting and management techniques of loofah. There are many aspects to pay attention to in loofah planting. In addition to the planting time , the planting site, pest and disease control, field management, etc. are also key.