How to Grow Ginseng Fruit? Latest Planting Techniques and Method Tutorial

Ginseng fruit (Solanum muricatum, pepino melon) originated in New Zealand. When grown in greenhouses, it can be planted in all four seasons; for large-scale open-field planting, the season is from March to August. Fruit harvesting begins 3 months after planting. A single fruit weighs about 250 grams, with the largest fruit reaching about 500 grams. Young fruit is fresh green, and when ripe it turns golden yellow with purple markings. It is sweet and tasty when eaten fresh, and crisp and fragrant when cooked. “Ginseng fruit” is rich in calcium and vitamin C, molybdenum, cobalt, selenium and more than a dozen trace elements needed by the human body, and can help prevent and treat high blood pressure, obesity, coronary heart disease and cancer. “Ginseng fruit” was once called the “fire of life” and the “king of anti-cancer foods” by the medical community.

Plantation Site Construction

Generally, choose a plot with ample sunlight, sandy and relatively fertile soil, and convenient irrigation and drainage. In mountainous areas, terraced fields in mountain valleys have fewer pathogens and are also very good for planting. For single-row planting, the bed width is 60 cm; for double-row planting, 100 cm; plant spacing is 40 cm. Dig and loosen the holes finely, and plant about 1500 plants per mu (about 667 sq m). Before applying base fertilizer, it is best to scatter some pesticide for disease and pest prevention in the holes.

Seedling Raising Techniques for Ginseng Fruit

There are 2 ways to propagate and raise seedlings of ginseng fruit: one is seed propagation, that is, sexual reproduction; the other is cutting propagation, that is, asexual reproduction.

1. Seed propagation and seedling raising

① Land preparation and fertilization: Before sowing, carry out land preparation, make beds, apply sufficient base fertilizer, and disinfect, keep the soil moist, and spread a layer of fine sand on the surface of the bed.

② Seed selection: Good color, uniform size, plump grains, dry and free of mold are required.

③ Seed treatment: Warm water soaking, seed dressing with chemicals, etc. can be carried out to achieve the goals of early emergence, uniform emergence and strong seedlings. Wrap the soaked seeds in a gauze bag, provide suitable temperature, moisture and air, and carry out germination.

④ Sowing method: There are broadcasting, drilling and dibbling. Because the seeds of ginseng fruit are small, the broadcasting method is often used. Sowing should be uniform, generally with a seed spacing of 5×7 or 7×7 (cm).

⑤ Management after sowing: Spread another layer of fine sand on the bed surface to cover the seeds. If the temperature is below 12°C, plastic film should be covered to maintain soil temperature and soil moisture. If the seedling bed is dry, spray fine water to facilitate germination, and never use large water spray irrigation. After the seedlings emerge, the plastic film needs to be removed. To avoid exposure to the scorching sun, a shade net can be set up. During the seedling period, generally every 10 days or so, spray once with low-concentration nitrogen fertilizer, and at the same time strengthen field management, prevent and control diseases and pests, and ensure robust growth of the seedlings.

2. Cutting propagation and seedling raising

Cutting propagation and seedling raising is a simple method commonly used for ginseng fruit. That is, take ginseng fruit stems and branches, cut them into cuttings (cutting slips), and insert them into the soil, allowing them to take root and sprout under suitable environmental conditions and grow independently into robust plants.

① Selection of cutting stems and branches: Choose fresh and tender stems and branches from high-yielding plants with good genetic traits, free of disease and damage, so as to facilitate the growth of new roots and new shoots. The length of the cuttings is preferably 10-14 cm. After cutting, insert the cuttings into the soil promptly; otherwise, place them in a dark place or cover them with a wet cloth to prevent dehydration.

② Selection of cutting time: Although ginseng fruit can be cut in all four seasons, the survival rate is higher for spring planting and autumn cutting. For cutting within a day, it is advisable to do it after 4 p.m. to improve the survival rate. The suitable temperature for cutting can be within the range of 15-30°C.

③ Cutting method: Before cutting, to improve the survival rate, the cuttings can be soaked in growth hormone. When cutting, insert the cuttings straight into the soil, then cover with soil and press firmly, so that the cuttings are exposed about 4-6 cm above the ground, with a row spacing of about 10-15 cm and a plant spacing of about 6 cm. After cutting, water promptly; the amount of watering can be determined according to specific circumstances.

④ Management after cutting: When cutting from late spring to summer and autumn, to prevent exposure to the scorching sun, shading should be provided, and fine water should be sprayed. After the seedlings grow new roots, the shading tools can be removed. If cutting in winter or when the temperature is relatively low, to prevent freeze damage, it is advisable to carry out the cutting in a solar greenhouse or plastic greenhouse, and cover with plastic film and straw curtains using a small arched shed. After the seedlings take root, decomposed human manure and urine water can be applied as topdressing to promote the growth of new roots and new shoots. Under suitable external environmental conditions, about 20-30 days after cutting, field planting or seedling transplanting can be carried out.