Bitter melon planting technology and management methods

Bitter melon is not only a nutritious and high-yielding crop, but also has extremely high edible value of "relieve heat and reduce internal heat". Therefore, it is deeply loved by the public and vegetable farmers are also happy to grow it. In our country, both in the south and the north, bitter melon is widely grown. Bitter melon fruit has a sweet and bitter taste and is mainly eaten as a vegetable , but can also be candied. In addition, the ripe pulp and aril are also edible. Let’s learn about bitter melon planting techniques and management methods below.

1. Planting Preparation

Various varieties of bitter melon can be sown from mid-February to mid-July. Because the shell of bitter melon seeds is thick, before sowing, the seeds can be soaked in warm water at 50-60℃ for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, and then soaked in ordinary water for 12 hours. After being fished out, they are allowed to germinate in an environment of 30-35℃. After 2-3 days when they turn white, they can be sown. The seedling period is about 20-30 days. When sowing in spring, you can build a small arch shed to maintain the temperature; when sowing in summer, you can sow directly, but transplanting seedlings is easier to manage.

2. Planting at the right time

When the seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, choose a sunny afternoon to plant them. Usually the bed width is 2 meters, with double rows planted, a plant spacing of 30-35 cm, and 2 plants planted in each hole. The growing period of bitter gourd sown in summer is shorter, so the density can be increased appropriately. Since bitter melon seedlings are fragile, they should not be planted closely. After planting, it is necessary to water the plants to help them resume growth quickly. Bitter melon should not be planted continuously, but can be intercropped with leafy vegetables.

3. Field Management

Pruning and vine guiding: Bitter melon mainly relies on the main vine to bear fruit, and the side vines need to be removed in time. Under good fertilizer and water conditions, several side vines can be retained in the later stage. Alternatively, when the main vine grows to 1 meter, pinch off the top and keep the vines on both sides to bear fruit. When the bitter melon vines are growing tendrils, it is necessary to build a herringbone frame or arched shed in time, and guide the vines in time on sunny afternoons. At the same time, appropriately cut off the old, yellow and diseased leaves at the base of the plant to facilitate ventilation.

Reasonable fertilization: Bitter melon is tolerant to fertilizer but not to barrenness, so sufficient base fertilizer is needed. Generally, 1200-1500 kg of decomposed farmyard manure and 25-30 kg of superphosphate are applied per mu. Top dressing is required three times during the entire growing period: the first application of fertilizer is when male flowers begin to appear on the plant; the second application of fertilizer is when the plant begins to bear fruit; and the third application of fertilizer is applied after the first harvest, when the plant enters the peak fruit-bearing period. Apply 25 kg of compound fertilizer per mu each time.

Timely irrigation and drainage: During the period of vigorous growth of bitter melon, attention should be paid to watering in the hot and dry season, and attention should be paid to drainage in the rainy season to avoid water accumulation and root burn.

4. Pest and disease control

Bitter melon is susceptible to diseases and pests such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, damping-off, aphids, and cabbage loopers. In the early stage of the disease, you can use 600 times of 70% thiophanate-methyl, 800 times of 50% thiophanate-methyl, 800 times of anthracnose, 500 times of 50% carbendazim, 600 times of mancozeb and other drugs for spraying prevention and control. For insect pests, you can use 2000 times of 1.8% amycin, 3000 times of 2.5% cypermethrin, 1500 times of bromocyanate, 800 times of trichlorfon, 70% imidacloprid, 1000 times of 40% dicofol, 1000 times of 2.5% cypermethrin, 3500 times of cypermethrin and other drugs for spraying or root irrigation. Generally, the medicine is taken every 7-10 days, and used 2-3 times in a row. The drugs need to be used alternately to prevent drug resistance. But it should be noted that it is prohibited to use drugs within 15 days before bitter melon harvesting.

5. Harvesting strategy

Although both young and ripe bitter melons are edible, if you grow bitter melon for sale, it is recommended to harvest it about 12-15 days after flowering. Harvesting too late will cause the bitter melon to turn red and crack. The judgment criteria are: white-skinned bitter melon can be harvested when its color changes from white-green to bright white; green-skinned bitter melon can be harvested when its color changes from light green to bright light green.

The above is an introduction to the key points of bitter melon planting and management techniques. Bitter melon is a vegetable with high demand and good planting prospects. Friends who want to plant it can choose suitable varieties according to local environment and consumer demand.