Pumpkin is known as a longevity food; what are the key points of its cultivation techniques?
Pumpkin has a soft and glutinous texture and tastes sweet, making it suitable for men and women of all ages. As a longevity food, pumpkin is rich in nutritional value, and it is not very difficult to grow because it does not have high requirements for the environment and climate. So what are the “longevity food” key points of pumpkin cultivation techniques?
1. Choose a suitable variety
Pumpkin varieties are classified by maturity period: early-maturing varieties, mid-maturing varieties, late-maturing varieties; by fruit size: large pumpkins, small pumpkins; by fruit shape: round pumpkins, long pumpkins; by use: edible varieties, ornamental varieties, grafted varieties.
2. Determine the sowing period
The suitable sowing period for pumpkin in different regions should be determined according to local climate conditions, seedling-raising facility conditions, cultivation methods, planting time, and market demand.
3. Determine the sowing rate
The sowing rate of pumpkin should be determined according to conditions such as seed germination rate, seed purity, and planting density. In addition, 10%-20% extra seedlings should be added to provide spare plants for replanting. Generally, if the seed germination rate is high and purity is good, the sowing rate is 4.5-13.5 kg per hectare (0.3-0.9 kg per mu).
4. Raising seedlings
The seedling age of pumpkin is generally 20-25 days with 2-3 true leaves; protected cultivation: seedling age about 30 days, at which time the seedlings have 3-4 true leaves. The standard for strong seedlings: seedling age 25-35 days, plant height about 10 cm, stem diameter 0.4-0.5 cm, with 3-4 true leaves.
5. Planting methods
Cultivation techniques: pumpkin can be directly sown or transplanted as seedlings. When the ground temperature is stably above 12°C-13°C, begin direct sowing in the open field, so that the young shoots emerge after the frost ends.
6. Land preparation and fertilization
Pumpkin does not have strict soil requirements, and sandy loam and loam are most suitable. If pumpkins are grown as trailing cultivation (except zucchini), the row spacing is 2-3 m and the plant spacing is 0.5-0.7 m; if grown on trellises, the row spacing is 1.5-2 m and the plant spacing is 0.7-1.0 m. For zucchini cultivation, the row spacing is 1.2-1.5 m and the plant spacing is 0.7-0.9 m. Before sowing pumpkin, deep plowing should be carried out, and barnyard manure should be applied as base fertilizer, generally 2500-4000 kg of base fertilizer per mu.
7. Irrigation and topdressing
After pumpkin planting, if the soil moisture is good, generally no irrigation is needed. During this stage, cultivation should be carried out multiple times, and at the same time, the ground temperature should be raised to promote root development and help produce strong vines. After the vines spread, open a furrow 15-20 cm from the roots and apply fertilizer; 500-1000 kg of decomposed manure, or 15-20 kg of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer, can be applied per mu. After fertilization, irrigation is needed to prevent the quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer from burning the roots. Topdressing should be done in small amounts and frequently, and after fertilizing, attention should be paid to preventing root burn and fertilizer damage.
8. Disease control of pumpkin
The main ones are powdery mildew and viral disease. The occurrence of these diseases directly affects the growth and development of pumpkin, causing a shortened growth period, reduced yield, and lower quality. Aphids are the main transmitters of viral disease, so to control viral disease, aphids must first be controlled, and then control measures should be carried out.