Detailed Explanation of the Latest High-Yield Cultivation Techniques for Black Bitter Melon
Black bitter melon is a new type of bitter melon variety introduced to the mainland from Taiwan, China in recent years. It is a bitter melon that is dark green in color, but because it is close to black, it is called black bitter melon. Its original name is Cuifei bitter melon. Black bitter melon has a long production period, and its quality is also very good. It is rich in nutrients, among which the vitamin content is the highest. So how is the cultivation method of black bitter melon different from that of bitter melon? How should it be planted? Then let's learn about it together.
1. Soil and fertilizer work
Because black bitter melon was introduced from Taiwan, China, and the climate in China's Taiwan region is relatively warm throughout the year, black bitter melon is most suitable for cultivation in a relatively warm climate. However, black bitter melon has strong stress resistance and the growth characteristic of tolerating fertilizer but not barren soil, so the planting site should be selected as clay loam or sandy loam with sufficient soil fertility. It is not suitable to plant it in a field where the previous crop was melons or fruits. Break up the soil finely, level the land and make beds, spread sufficient base fertilizer, and turn it into the bed soil and mix evenly.
2. Seedbed seedling raising
The planting time of black bitter melon is generally February each year, or October to November is also acceptable. But when sowing, a seedbed needs to be built. After the seedbed is prepared, water it thoroughly, then evenly scatter the seeds on the seedbed, gently press the seeds into the soil with a rake, and finally cover with a layer of straw and plastic film, or directly build a greenhouse for greenhouse seedling raising, both are acceptable.
3. Transplanting and planting
When the black bitter melon seedlings grow to about six to ten cm, they can be transplanted into the field. The suitable planting time is generally April each year, which means the seedling raising time is generally about one and a half months. For planting, generally about 1,600 plants are planted per mu on average, which means the row spacing is about 1.2 m, and the plant spacing is about 50 cm. If it is a late-maturing variety, then generally about 550 plants are planted per mu, and the maximum must not exceed 600 plants.
4. Field management
After planting, do not water immediately. Generally, wait until three days later before watering, and only when there is no rainfall, but exclude times when the temperature is high. The growth period of black bitter melon is relatively long, and together with the harvest time it is about more than three months, so we need to regulate the field moisture well. We need to water reasonably according to the water requirements of black bitter melon at different growth stages, and at the same time drain waterlogging in a timely manner. Because black bitter melon tolerates fertilizer, its fertilizer requirement is relatively large. We should scientifically carry out topdressing to ensure the yield and quality of black bitter melon. When the black bitter melon seedlings grow to 30 cm high, supports need to be built, and the seedlings should be guided onto them to climb and grow. Also, when the seedlings grow to about 60 cm, we should carry out pruning and removal of side branches to promote the growth of lateral branches and increase the yield of black bitter melon.
At present, the planting area of black bitter melon in China is still not very large, and black bitter melon is not very common on the market. It still belongs to a relatively rare vegetable variety. The reason the editor shares the cultivation method of black bitter melon with everyone is to hope to help more friends who want to grow black bitter melon. If you still have other questions, you can leave a message for the editor.