Detailed Explanation of Key Points for High-Yield Cultivation Techniques of Pumpkin Shoots

SummarySelection of varieties: Local seedlings that are sturdy and have relatively long fruits should be chosen. Seed treatment: After drying the seeds in the sun for 2 days, soak them in warm water at 50°C; after the water cools, continue soaking for about 10 hours, then place them in a location at room temperature of 30°C for germination. Land selection: Choose a plot with good drainage, fertility, and a relatively low groundwater level. Sowing: Carry out from March to August, apply sufficient base fertilizer, sow 2 seeds per hole, then water thoroughly, and cover with plastic film to promote growth; regularly apply decomposed farmyard manure.

1. Selection of varieties

Before planting, choose local seedlings, relatively sturdy seedlings, and pumpkins with relatively long fruits as seed, such as Niutui melon, Dahongpao melon, pillow melon, flat melon, yellow-petal melon, and so on. Varieties with short shoots are not suitable for planting.

2. Seed treatment

Place the selected pumpkin seeds in sunlight to dry for about 2 days, then soak them in warm water at about 50°C. To prevent scalding the seeds, stir continuously. When the water temperature drops to 30°C, continue soaking for about 15-20 minutes. After the water cools, soak for about 7-12 hours. Finally, place them in a location at 30°C for germination, and they will sprout in about 2 days.

3. Land selection and preparation

Pumpkin shoots should be planted in fertile plots with a relatively low groundwater level and good drainage. After selecting the land, divide it into beds and open furrows. Beds can be divided at a width of 1.5 m, then furrows can be opened with a depth of about 15-20 cm and a width of about 30 cm. Just dig drainage ditches on all four sides.

4. Timely sowing

Generally, pumpkin shoots begin to be sown in March, and sowing can continue in batches until August. First dig the sowing holes, with a row spacing of about 20 cm and a plant spacing of about 10 cm. Sow about 2 seeds per hole, then water thoroughly and cover with a layer of nutrient soil.

5. Reasonable fertilization

1. Before sowing, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied. About 2000-2500 kg of decomposed farmyard manure or about 2500-3000 kg of soil miscellaneous fertilizer can be applied per mu, together with about 20 kg of phosphate fertilizer.

2. After sowing, decomposed farmyard manure can be applied. To increase ground temperature, cover with a layer of plastic film and press the edges firmly with wet soil. After emergence, allow the young seedlings to grow inside the film. To promote rapid growth of the shoots, regularly apply decomposed farmyard manure so as to ensure the nutrients needed by the plants. After each harvest, to promote early sprouting, apply additional quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer.

6. Timely harvesting

1. When the pumpkin shoots grow to about 40 cm and produce 5-6 true leaves, they can begin to be harvested in batches. Keep basically 1-2 true leaves and cut off the tender shoots above. When the axillary buds grow to about 40 cm, they can be harvested again, and repeated harvesting is possible many times.

2. About 5-7 days before each harvest, to increase yield, spray a “920” solution at about 80 mg per kg, which is also beneficial for improving the quality of pumpkin shoots.