High-yield cultivation technology of loofah

Luffa is not only edible as a vegetable , but also has medicinal value. It is a crop with high planting returns and is widely planted in the north and south regions of mainland China. However, in the process of growing loofah, many people will encounter the problem of low yield, which affects the planting benefits. Let’s learn about the high-yield cultivation techniques of loofah.

1. Selection of planting plots

Luffa likes fertile soil. In order to achieve high yield, you should choose a plot with sufficient sunlight, fertile soil, deep soil layer, high organic matter content, convenient drainage and irrigation, and neutral soil pH for planting.

2. Planting time

Loofah can be planted in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Spring is generally from February to April, summer is from May to July, autumn is from August to September, and winter is around November. Due to the climate differences between the north and the south, the planting time in the south is slightly earlier and in the north is slightly later. For example, if you want to plant loofah in spring, it can be done around February in the south, but you have to wait until around Qingming Festival in the north.

The planting methods of loofah are slightly different in different seasons. It is usually planted in a greenhouse in early spring and winter (the temperature in the greenhouse reaches 15 degrees), and open field planting is mostly used in summer and autumn. When raising seedlings in summer, short-day treatment can be carried out first.

3. Seedling cultivation method

Before raising seedlings, air the seeds for 2-3 days, then soak them in warm water at 30-50 degrees for 6-12 hours. After taking them out, disinfect them with 0.1% potassium permanganate or other drugs for half an hour, then wash them and germinate them. After the seeds turn white, they can be sown and raised in the arch greenhouse seedbed.

Seedlings will emerge 3-5 days after sowing. The temperature of the seedbed should be kept at 20-30 degrees and the soil should be kept moist. After the seedlings grow out, pay attention to ventilation and hardening to enhance their resistance to stress. Spray the seedlings with potassium dihydrogen phosphate one week before transplanting to improve their robustness and root development.

4. Planting method

When the loofah seedlings grow 2-3 true leaves, they can be planted with soil in sunny weather. Apply sufficient base fertilizer 7-10 days before planting, and then prepare the land and plow it. Apply 2,500 kg of decomposed farmyard manure, 100 kg of cake fertilizer and 50 kg of compound fertilizer per mu.

Planting density is adjusted according to season and variety. The spacing between rows and plants can be appropriately relaxed in spring and summer, and dense planting can be achieved in autumn. The planting density of early-maturing varieties in greenhouses should not be too high. For early-maturing and extra-early-maturing varieties, it is important to pay attention to timely pruning of side vines.

5. Build a trellis to guide vines

Luffa is a climbing crop, so the trellis should be set up in time after transplanting. After the seedlings grow vines, guide the vines onto racks or hang them. Thin out the side vines with fewer fruits at the base. When pruning, promptly remove side branches that are too vigorous or too dense to avoid affecting fruit setting and fruit swelling.

6. Water and fertilizer management

Luffa likes fertilizer, is heat-resistant and moisture-resistant. During the seedling stage, watering and fertilization should be done frequently. No or little water and fertilizer should be applied from seedling growth to fruit setting. During the fruit setting period, heavy water and fertilizer should be applied to keep the soil moist and nutrient-rich. Apply top dressing once every 7 days with diluted human manure or 1% compound fertilizer. After the fruit setting period, spray potassium dihydrogen phosphate once every 7 days to meet the water and fertilizer needs and prevent premature aging.

In general, as long as the above steps are done well during the loofah planting process, there will be no problem in achieving yield. In addition, timely harvesting, growth control, and disease and pest control are also important.