How to grow potted loofah for higher yields? Master these methods for more fruit

Abstract Horizontal trellis cultivation: the trellis surface is about 1.5 m above the ground, the bed width is 5-6 m, made into raised beds, 2 rows are planted per bed, the loofah is planted on both sides of the bed furrow, and the plant spacing is 0.4-0.5 m. Tunnel-type semicircular trellis cultivation: the bed width is 4-5 m, the bed direction is preferably north-south, and 1 semicircular trellis is set up on the bed surface of each bed, with the highest point of the trellis about 1.8 m above the ground. Creeping cultivation: the bed width is 5-6 m, 2 rows are planted per bed, planted on both sides of the bed furrow.

1. Horizontal trellis cultivation

1. The trellis surface is about 1.5 m above the ground, the bed width is 5-6 m, made into raised beds, 2 rows are planted per bed, the loofah is planted on both sides of the bed furrow, and the plant spacing is 0.4-0.5 m. Generally, when the loofah is first planted, other short-term crops can be intercropped on the bed. If horizontal trellis cultivation encounters a hurricane.

2. Because the wind-facing area is larger, it is easily blown down by wind. Generally, autumn and winter cultivation should be the principle. For example, if conducting spring and summer cultivation, dense planting is not suitable; slightly sparse planting is preferable, and a small amount of stems and leaves should be moderately thinned, which helps reduce wind resistance.

2. Tunnel-type semicircular trellis cultivation

1. The bed width is 4-5 m, and the bed direction should preferably run north-south. One semicircular trellis is set up on the bed surface of each bed, with the highest point of the trellis about 1.8 m above the ground. The loofah can grow in three dimensions, and within a unit area the trellis area is larger than that of a horizontal trellis. Generally, ventilation and light transmission are good, which is beneficial to loofah development.

2. Two rows are planted per bed, planted on both sides of the bed furrow, with a plant spacing of 0.4-0.5 m. The semicircular trellis is relatively wind-resistant, and in addition to being suitable for autumn and winter cultivation, it is also suitable for spring and summer cultivation.

3. Creeping cultivation

1. The bed width is 5-6 m, 2 rows are planted per bed, planted on both sides of the bed furrow, with a plant spacing of 0.4-0.5 m. It is relatively suitable for cultivating short-fruit varieties of common loofah. At the same time, the fruiting period should be in the dry season. For example, in the rainy season, when the fruit touches the ground, it is prone to rotting, so it is suitable to use melon pads to cushion the fruit.

2. Generally, for long varieties, as well as ridged loofah, if the creeping cultivation method is used, the fruit is easily bent when shaded by leaves, lacking commercial value, and harvesting is also relatively troublesome.

4. Removing tendrils

1. Generally, tendrils play a role in climbing and securing branches and vines during the growth of vining crops. Because the time from emergence to withering and death of loofah tendrils is relatively long, and they consume a very large amount of nutrients, which is not conducive to high yield and high quality, the tendrils are generally removed, and manual tying is used to replace their climbing function.

2. This is beneficial to the plant's photosynthesis, as well as the production and accumulation of nutrients. At the same time, it can prevent and control pests and diseases, making loofah pollination better. In the early stage of loofah plant growth, the method of removing tendrils while tying can be adopted to guide the vines onto the trellis. Generally, after the branches and vines are evenly distributed and fixed on the trellis, the tendrils also need to be removed.

5. Thinning male flowers

1. Generally, male flowers are indeterminate-growing racemes. The total number of male inflorescences per plant is greater than the number of female inflorescences, and the pollination capacity exceeds the needs of female flowers, because the flowering period of male inflorescences is relatively long, about 30-40 days, equivalent to 3-4 times the time of the female flower fruiting period.

2. During this period, a large amount of nutrients is consumed, so excess male inflorescences need to be thinned as early as possible, which can save nutrients and help supply the needs of female flower fruiting. Starting from the appearance of female flower buds, remove about 80% of the male inflorescences on each clump of loofah plants, then retain about 20% for pollination.