When to start bitter melon seedlings and how many plants per mu? A full breakdown of growing techniques

Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear and cool gourd, originated in the East Indies and is widely cultivated from the tropics to temperate regions around the world. It is commonly grown throughout both northern and southern China.So when are bitter melon seedlings generally started? How many plants are grown per mu? What are the techniques?

When are bitter melon seedlings generally started?

In northern regions, generally speaking, sowing bitter melon in late March to early April is more suitable. Bitter melon seeds should be new seeds from the current year; the seeds should be plump and preferably dark yellow in color, and any seeds that are not plump should be removed promptly. Because bitter melon seed coats are relatively thick and hard in texture, germination is slow. To make bitter melon germinate as quickly as possible, the seeds should be soaked before sowing. When soaking, first pour 55°C-60°C warm water into a bucket, then put the seeds into the bucket and stir continuously in the same direction. After about 10-15 minutes, when the water temperature drops to around 40°C, stop stirring. This can basically scald the bacteria on the seeds to death, which helps the seeds germinate. Continue soaking for 6-8 hours, then remove the seeds, drain off excess water, and they are ready for sowing.

How many bitter melon plants are grown per mu?

Bitter melon seedlings are transplanted to the field when they have 5 leaves and 1 heart leaf, with April 25 being the suitable planting period. Dig holes in the prepared beds, two rows per bed, with a row spacing of 1.2 m and a hole spacing of 50 cm. Apply about 20 g of compound fertilizer per hole, and plant 1600-1700 plants per mu.

What are the bitter melon seedling techniques?

1. Warm water seed soaking

Bitter melon seed coats are thick and hard, so it is best to soak the seeds in 55—66°C warm water. After the seeds are put into the water, stir constantly. When the water temperature naturally drops to around 30°C, soak for another 24 hours.

2. Germination acceleration

Wrap the seeds in gauze that has been scalded with 100°C boiling water, and place them at 35°C to accelerate germination. After two days, lower the temperature to 25—30°C. Germination begins after 4 days, and when more than 70% of the seeds have germinated, they can be sown.

3. Selection and preparation of bed soil

The bed soil should have complete nutrients, a loose texture, strong water and fertilizer retention capacity, good air permeability, moderate soil pH, and no pathogens or insect eggs. The general ratio is 6 parts fertile field soil and 4 parts decomposed pen manure, mixed evenly and sifted. For each sq m, add 3 kg of calcium superphosphate, 10 kg of plant ash, and 5 kg of compound fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer or dilute manure should not be used.

4. Bed soil disinfection

Bed soil disinfection is an important step in reducing pests and diseases in bitter melon seedlings and ensuring healthy seedling growth. Generally, for each cubic meter of soil, add 100 g of 50% carbendazim and 50 g of 50% dichlorvos.

5. Sowing

The frost period in the Dali area of Yunnan Province is relatively short. To advance the bitter melon market time, sowing can be done in Midu in January to February. When sowing, choose a sunny morning, sow in spots at a row and plant spacing of 7—8 cm, cover with soil, and cover with film.