Key Technical Points and Management Methods for Growing Luffa in Open Fields

SummarySowing and seedling raising: First, soak and germinate the seeds, then select well-germinated seeds for proper sowing, and control the temperature well. Transplanting and fertilizing: When the seedlings grow to 4 true leaves and 1 heart leaf, they can be reasonably densely planted on a sunny day in April. Sufficient base fertilizer is needed, then deep plow and plant the seedlings. Later management: After transplanting, cover with a small arch shed. After the seedlings recover, spray chemicals to prevent the seedlings from growing excessively. In the later stage, supports also need to be set up. Timely harvesting: 10-14 days after flowering, when the fruit has fully grown and is relatively crisp and tender, it can be harvested.

I. Sowing and Seedling Raising

1. Before sowing luffa, treat the seeds with water at 55-60°C for about 15 minutes, then soak them in water at 25°C for about 4 hours. After rinsing off the mucus on the seed coat surface, wrap the seeds in gauze and place them in an incubator for germination.

2. Select well-germinated seeds and sow about 1-2 seeds per pot, or about 500 grams per mu. Before emergence, be sure to keep the temperature at about 28-33°C. After emergence, properly ventilate and lower the temperature to prevent the seedlings from growing excessively; the temperature is best controlled at 23-25°C.

II. Transplanting and Fertilizing

1. When the seedlings grow to 4 true leaves and 1 heart leaf, transplanting can be carried out on a sunny day in mid-April. Before transplanting, be sure to apply sufficient base fertilizer. Generally, about 5,000 kg of high-quality farmyard manure, about 80-120 kg of superphosphate, and about 25-30 kg of urea can be used per mu.

2. Then carry out deep plowing of about 20 cm. After leveling with a rake, build beds. About 2,800 seedlings can be planted per mu.

III. Later Management

1. After transplanting, cover with a small arch shed and ventilate as little as possible, thereby increasing the temperature inside the small arch shed, which helps promote recovery of the seedlings. After the seedlings recover, spray 0.012% ethephon or 0.2% daminozide to prevent the seedlings from growing excessively, thereby promoting the appearance of more female flowers. At the same time, be sure to water thoroughly in one go, then shift to seedling hardening.

2. When the seedlings grow to about 30 cm, supports can be set up, and the vines can be tied and guided upward in a “zigzag” shape. Generally, the main vine is mainly used for bearing fruit, and side vines can be removed.

3. When the vines are growing at the same time, heavy watering and fertilizing are needed. Generally, water once every 2-3 days and fertilize once every 5-6 days. For each topdressing per mu, about 500 kg of human excrement and urine or about 20-25 kg of ammonium nitrate can be used.

IV. Timely Harvesting

About 10-14 days after flowering, when the fruit has fully grown and is relatively crisp and tender, it can be harvested. Generally, pick in the morning. Use scissors to cut from the fruit stalk. After packaging and sorting, it can be sold on the market.