What conditions are needed for growing pomelo?

SummaryChoose deep, well-drained sandy loam soil for planting. The average annual temperature is best kept between 18-20°C, soil moisture should be maintained at about 60-80% of field capacity, the oxygen content in the soil should be above 6%, the organic matter content in the main root distribution layer should reach 5%, and the pH value is best controlled between 6-6.5.

Pomelo does not have very high requirements for soil; as long as the soil layer is deep and has good drainage, it is fine. To promote better growth and development of pomelo, it is best to choose sandy loam soil.

Generally, fruit trees are planted after the autumn shoots mature from September to November or before the spring shoots sprout from February to March. The planting density is best controlled at a spacing of 3m×4m between plants and rows, with 55-60 plants per mu being suitable.

Conditions for growing pomelo

1. Temperature

Pomelo can be grown in areas where the average annual temperature is between 16.6-21.3°C, the average temperature in January is 5.4-13.2°C, the annual accumulated temperature of ≥10°C is 5300-7500°C, and the absolute low temperature is above minus 11.1°C. However, the best temperature for growing pomelo is an average annual temperature between 18-20°C, an average January temperature between 7-9°C, an annual accumulated temperature of ≥10°C between 6000-7500°C, and an absolute low temperature above minus 5°C.

2. Soil

It is best to choose soil with good permeability, loose texture and depth for planting. The porosity in the soil is best above 10%, the oxygen content in the soil should be controlled above 6%, the organic matter content in the main root distribution layer of the fruit tree should be 5%, and the pH value in the soil is optimal at 6-6.5.

If there is too much water in the soil, soil compaction will cause insufficient oxygen content in the soil and produce large amounts of hydrogen sulfide, nitrous acid, ferrous oxide, etc., which harm the root system, cause root rot, and affect fruit tree growth.

3. Moisture

When growing pomelo trees, the air humidity is best controlled at about 75%. During the growth stage of pomelo trees, soil moisture is best maintained at about 60%-80% of field capacity. If the moisture is lower than 40-50% of field capacity, the leaves will curl. If there is too much soil moisture, it will cause insufficient oxygen in the soil and affect root growth and development.

Planning a pomelo orchard

1. Site selection and planning

Pomelo seedlings are very susceptible to freezing damage. When planting pomelo trees, choose a sunny, wind-sheltered place. A slope or courtyard with mountains or houses to the north and no obstacles to the south is the best location for growing pomelo.

If conditions permit, livestock facilities can be built on high ground in the orchard to develop breeding, using poultry and livestock manure to fertilize the orchard and improve fruit quality.

2. Planting density

If planting on sloping land, the row spacing and plant spacing are best controlled at 3×4m. If planting on flat land or in a courtyard, the row spacing and plant spacing are best at 4×4m. Reasonable planting density can promote better growth and development of pomelo trees.

3. Digging holes

Whether on mountain slope fields or flat courtyard land, generally a hole width of 1.2m and a depth of 1m is sufficient.

4. Applying base fertilizer

Fill the holes with soil and miscellaneous fertilizer. In the middle layer of each hole, apply 3-4 jin of rapeseed meal, or 2-3 jin of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer, or 3-4 jin of organic compound fertilizer, or 5-6 jin of chicken manure, and then cover with soil on top.