When is the best time to plant loofah?

Loofah is loved for its bright green color and crisp texture. It not only exudes a refreshing aroma, but also contains rich nutrients and certain medicinal effects. Luffa can be eaten simply stir-fried or made into soup, and the fibers inside the mature luffa can be made into cleaning tools for washing dishes, making it a versatile vegetable . Let’s learn together when is the best time to plant loofah?

1. The best time to plant loofah

Luffa has strong adaptability and can be grown almost all year round. Typically, spring planting takes place from February to April (when the weather turns warmer), summer planting takes place from May to July (early summer), autumn planting takes place from August to September (when the weather is cooler), and winter planting takes place in greenhouses after November. Due to climate differences in different places, the specific time for planting loofah will vary, but it is generally believed that it is most suitable to plant loofah within the temperature range of 18-28 degrees (when it is below 15 degrees, loofah may have difficulties in growing and germinating).

2. Environmental requirements for loofah growth

1. Temperature

Luffa prefers warmth and is afraid of cold. Its seeds need higher temperatures for germination, seedling growth, and flowering and fruiting. Luffa can grow at a temperature of 15-35 degrees (it stops growing below 12 degrees and grows slowly below 15 degrees), and the optimal growth temperature is 18-28 degrees. Seeds can germinate normally at temperatures above 18-20 degrees, stems and leaves grow rapidly at 20-24 degrees, and flowering and fruiting require a temperature of 24-28 degrees.

2. Humidity

Luffa likes moist soil and is not tolerant to drought and waterlogging. It grows and blooms best under warm and humid conditions throughout the growing period. Prolonged drought conditions can lead to slow growth and reduced fruit quality, while chronically wet or waterlogged soils can cause root problems and disease. Maintain soil moisture at 60-70% during the seedling stage and increase it to 70-80% during the flowering and fruiting stage.

3. Lighting

Luffa is a short-day crop and does not require much light. Providing sufficient short-day light from vine growth to flowering is beneficial to the differentiation of female flowers. During the flowering and fruiting period, a longer light period (at least 8 hours a day) is required to improve the quality of flowering and pollination and the fruit setting rate.

4. Soil

Luffa does not have high requirements for soil, but fertile, deep, loose, well-drained sandy loam or loam is preferred, and the soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.

5. Fertilizer

Luffa requires more nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilizer and less phosphorus fertilizer, and the dosage ratio needs to be reasonably controlled. Luffa prefers frequent application of thin fertilizers and avoids excessive application of concentrated fertilizers. Before vines sprout and flowering, nitrogen fertilizer is the main fertilizer, while during the flowering and fruiting period, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are the main fertilizers.

3. Sowing and transplanting of loofah

Before sowing, air the seeds for 2-3 days, then blanch them in warm water of 53-55 degrees for 15 minutes, then soak them in warm water of 28-32 degrees for 2-4 hours, and finally wrap them with wet gauze to accelerate germination. Sow them after more than 70% of the seeds turn white. When sowing, sow the seeds in the seedbed or nutrient pot, 2-3 seeds per hole, 1-2 cm deep. Keep the soil moist and the temperature between 28 and 30 degrees, and it will germinate after a week. After the seedlings emerge, gradually lower the temperature to 23-25 ​​degrees, and control the fertilizer and water before transplanting to promote strong seedlings. It can be transplanted when it has 3-4 leaves and 1 heart. When transplanting, water the seedlings in advance with soil, and choose a sunny afternoon to plant. The density depends on the variety.

4. Fertilizer and water management of loofah

Water thoroughly after planting, and add water to help the seedlings grow after 5-7 days. Water and fertilize less before flowering. After the first young melon is established, watering and fertilizing begin. The first application is balanced compound fertilizer , and then high-potassium compound fertilizer is applied every 15 days. Keep the soil moist during the peak flowering and fruiting period, watering every 5-7 days until 7-10 days before harvest.

5. Plant management of loofah

Build an "A-frame" when the vines are growing, press down the vines when they are 30-40 cm, guide the vines onto the frame when they are 50 cm, and tie and manage the vines regularly. Cut off the branches at the base, remove the tendrils, improve ventilation and lighting, and reduce diseases. Control excessive growth, remove dense branches and leaves, and improve fruit set rate and fruit quality. Remove side branches from weak seedlings, top and pinch the main vines to promote growth. Reasonably remove male flowers to save nutrients and increase fruit setting rate.

6. Thinning flowers and melons of loofah

Remove excessive flower buds to prevent premature aging and falling flowers and fruits. Select young melons reasonably, leaving 1 for every 4-5 leaves, control the number of melons left and ensure the fruit quality.

The above is an introduction to the planting time and methods of loofah. The last point is that loofah should be harvested when the young melons are fully expanded and hardened and the stems turn yellow and soften to ensure the unit weight and taste.