Detailed Guide to Growing Chayote (Foshou Melon)
Chayote is also called hezhang melon, harvest melon, peng melon, tuer melon, qianjin melon and so on. It originated in Mexico and can be used both as a vegetable and as a fruit, and it is very popular among people. So, let me introduce to you the growing methods for chayote.
1. Choosing and preparing the land
Chayote does not have particularly strong resistance, and it is better suited to being grown in relatively warm areas, so it also has certain requirements for soil selection. It is best to choose sandy land with relatively sufficient light, good soil permeability, moderate drainage and water-holding capacity, and sufficient soil fertility, or neutral soil with relatively weak clay content is also acceptable. When preparing the land, we first need to spread farmyard manure evenly over the land, and then plow deeply, so that the nutrients can go deep into the land and increase soil fertility. When preparing the land, make the clods as fine as possible and the land as level as possible. Next, a small ditch needs to be made in the field about every 1.5 meters to facilitate drainage and irrigation.
2. Sowing and raising seedlings
Because chayote has a relatively long growth cycle and the seed seedling period is also relatively long, before sowing we need to first soak the seeds in warm water overnight, then take them out and stir them evenly in a chemical agent, take them out and rinse them with water, drain off the water, and then they can be sown. There are two sowing methods. The first is hole sowing: sow in holes in the field at a row spacing of 40 to 50 cm and a plant spacing of 30 to 40 cm, then cover the seeds with soil. The second is to first cultivate the chayote seedlings on a seedbed, and then transplant them at the appropriate time, usually around May. The transplanting spacing is the same as for hole sowing. At the same time, whether using hole sowing or transplanting, we need to wet the soil first, and then plant.
3. Field management
Proper field management of chayote also determines its yield and quality. During the entire growth period of chayote, at least three fertilizations are generally needed. Many crops need fertilization right after planting, but chayote cannot be fertilized during this period; just watering is enough, otherwise the chayote seedlings will wither. When the plants enter the rapid growth period, the first topdressing is needed, mainly with urea. The second fertilization is during the peak flowering period of chayote. At this time, we need to spray a certain dose of foliar fertilizer and apply some decomposed farmyard manure to promote flowering and preserve fruit. Finally, after the fruit has set successfully, in order to promote the growth and ripening of chayote, we can spray an appropriate amount of boron fertilizer on it.
4. Branch and leaf management
When chayote grows to 40 cm long, we need to set up a trellis for it. Although it can be allowed to crawl and grow directly on the ground, setting up a trellis can not only improve the yield and quality of chayote but also avoid many pests and diseases. Next, during its growth process, we need to prune part of the branches and leaves, which can reduce nutrient consumption and also increase the success rate of fruit setting.
The above is the growing methods for chayote compiled by the editor. I hope it can help you!