High-yield management techniques for bitter melon

The ideal temperature for bitter melon seed germination is 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, the optimal temperature range for seedling growth is 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the flowering and fruiting periods are also suitable at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. If the temperature of bitter melon during germination, seedling growth or flowering and fruiting stages exceeds this range, it may result in uneven emergence, poor growth or reduced fruit quality. Let’s learn about the high-yield management techniques of bitter melon.

1. Planting time

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

2. Variety selection

The key to high yield is choosing the right seeds. You should choose seeds with obvious warts on the surface, white skin, and long cone shape. At the same time, the seeds should be heat-resistant, fertilizer-resistant, and high-yielding.

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 degrees Celsius and stir them. After the water temperature drops to room temperature, continue soaking for about 12 hours. Make a small cut on the seeds to facilitate water absorption, then wrap them in a wet cloth and place them in an incubator at about 30 degrees Celsius to germinate. Wash them with clean water once a day and they will germinate in about 4 to 6 days.

4. Planting technology

After the seeds germinate, they can be planted when the seedlings have 3 leaves. Make sure the spacing between plants is kept at about 50 cm. Water it after planting and allow it to gradually adapt to the environment. During the growing period, inter-cultivation 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. When insect pests are found, you can spray the leaves with 1500 times omethoate aqueous solution to quickly eliminate the pests.

6. Water and fertilizer management

Water and fertilizer management are crucial during the growth of bitter melon. Water every 7 to 10 days to avoid standing water. Apply fertilizer in time after germination and apply thin fertilizer frequently during the seedling stage to ensure rapid growth. After harvesting, apply 400-700 kg/mu of decomposed farmyard manure and 3-4 kg of urea.

7. Harvest time

Timely harvesting is the key to increasing yield. Observe the stripes and tumors on the surface of the bitter gourd to determine its maturity. Harvesting too early or too late will affect the yield, so be sure to master the harvesting time.

The above is an introduction to the high-yield management techniques of bitter melon. When planting bitter melon, every step must be done well from the beginning of sowing. You can refer to it for more information.