Methods and techniques of loofah planting

Luffa prefers moist, fertile, loose and well-drained soil environment. The ideal soil pH range should be between 6.0 and 6.8. Before starting planting, basic fertilizer should be applied, and you can choose to mix organic fertilizer with chemical fertilizer. Let’s learn about the methods and techniques of loofah planting .

1. Reasonably arrange the planting time

Loofah is usually planted in spring or autumn. In order to get it to market earlier, double-film covering and early seedling raising can be used in spring planting to reasonably advance the growth cycle of loofah. Autumn planting mostly adopts autumn delayed cultivation technology, and the seedling raising time is usually between the Beginning of Heat and the White Dew.

2. Soil preparation

Luffa grows best in loose, fertile soil. The soil should be deep, rich in organic matter, and have a pH value between 6 and 7. Before turning the soil, it should be turned about 30 cm deep and farmyard manure should be applied, about 5,000 kg per mu, and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium controlled-release fertilizers and organic fertilizers should be applied at the same time.

3. Seed selection

When choosing seeds, you should select plump loofah seeds with a high germination rate. The variety should be suitable for cultivation in the current season, taking into account heat and cold resistance, disease resistance and stress resistance, and give priority to high-quality and high-yield varieties. The germination rate of seeds is crucial, and seeds that are stored for a long time or improperly may affect germination. The vitality of the seeds can be judged by their breathing. Dry the seeds in the sun for three days, 2 to 3 hours a day, then soak them in red ink for 2 to 3 hours. Rinse with clean water and peel them open to check the embryo. If the embryo is red, it means that the seeds still have the ability to germinate.

4. Seed treatment and sowing

To eliminate the germs on the surface of the seeds, scald the seeds with warm water for about 30 minutes and then germinate and sow them. It is best to sow the seeds when they are white to avoid damage to the radicle due to excessive growth. The sowing method can be direct sowing or seedling transplanting. When seedling transplanting, use larger nutrient pots to provide sufficient nutrients.

5. Scaffolding construction

In order to improve ventilation and light transmission, it is recommended to use a trellis to support the loofah so that the fruit can grow vertically and have a straighter shape. The trellis material can be selected according to actual conditions, such as bamboo poles, wooden stakes, etc., connected with small poles in the middle to allow the loofah to climb in an orderly manner.

6. Water and fertilizer management

Loofah needs moist soil, especially during the fruiting period, and cannot lack water. Watering should be combined with fertilization, and the principle of frequent watering with small amounts of water and frequent application of thin fertilizers should be adopted. Phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen fertilizers should be applied reasonably, and a variety of medium and trace elements should be supplemented to promote the good growth of loofah and increase yield.

The above is an introduction to the key points of loofah planting methods . If you want to make a profit from planting loofah, then every step is critical, starting from seed selection.