A detailed guide to golden zucchini growing techniques, covering the whole process from sowing to field management
Golden zucchini is a zucchini whose skin and flesh are golden in color. It is a relatively rare high-quality squash and a mutant variety of zucchini. It is now being grown in many regions as well, so what are the golden zucchini growing techniques?
1. Land selection and preparation
For field preparation, golden zucchini has strong adaptability to the environment. Generally, soil that can be used to grow squash, zucchini and other cucurbits can also be used to grow golden zucchini. Next, the land preparation method is also similar to growing zucchini: deep plowing to raise the low areas, clearing away impurities in the field, and after disinfecting and killing insects, spreading sufficient farmyard manure or organic fertilizer, then opening furrows and preparing to sow.
2. Sowing methods
(1) Sowing time: around February.
(2) Sowing methods: There are two kinds, direct sowing and raising seedlings for transplanting. For direct sowing, generally holes are dug according to a certain density, then three to four seeds are sown in each hole, and finally the seeds are covered with soil. For raising seedlings for transplanting, a seedbed also needs to be prepared, then the seeds are evenly scattered on the seedbed, and finally the seeds are gently patted into the soil, covered with a layer of rice straw, and left to emerge.
3. Field management techniques
(1) Thinning and filling in seedlings: When the golden zucchini seedlings grow to about 10-12cm, thinning, transplanting and filling in gaps can be carried out. Generally, only two seedlings are left in each hole, and the extra seedlings can be pulled out for transplanting or filling gaps. When the seedlings grow to about twenty centimeters, plant them at a density of 1.5 m between rows and 1 m between plants.
(2) Fertilization requirements: About four to five days after planting, fertilization is needed, mainly nitrogen fertilizer applied in holes, or manure and urine water can be used for irrigation. During the seedling growth period, generally two to three growth fertilizer applications are needed. Then, fertilize before flowering and after fruit set, mainly with potassium fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer.
(3) Trellising at the right time: After about a week, set up a support under each golden zucchini seedling, then use rope to guide the seedling onto the support to grow. This can not only reduce disease, but also enhance field ventilation and increase the yield of golden zucchini.
(4) Cultivation and weeding: When the seedlings grow to about thirty centimeters, carry out one cultivation and weeding. When weeding, do it gently and do not damage the roots of the seedlings.
(5) Water requirements: Generally, if there is no rainfall within one to two days after planting, then appropriate watering is needed. Next is later watering, which needs to be determined according to the water needs of the seedlings. Also note that when there is a lot of rain, drainage must be timely to avoid waterlogging in the field and causing disease.
(6) Pest and disease control: Golden zucchini has strong disease resistance and very few pests and diseases. The most common diseases are viral disease and powdery mildew. For viral disease, we can use ningnanmycin aqueous solution for treatment, while powdery mildew is generally controlled with flusilazole. The main pest is aphids, which we can kill with dimethoate or rotenone emulsifiable concentrate, and trichlorfon is also very effective.
Overall, golden zucchini is still very easy to grow. As long as the land is well chosen, the seeds are sown in the ground to germinate and grow into seedlings, and after the seedlings emerge, good work is done in watering and fertilizing, trellising, and pest and disease control.