Where are the main production areas of winter melon? An overview of the latest production area distribution

Winter melon is native to southern China and India, and is mainly distributed in parts of tropical and subtropical Asia, and is also found in eastern Australia and Madagascar. It is an annual herbaceous plant and a common vegetable. Below, let us take a look at what the production area distribution of winter melon is!

Production area distribution of winter melon

Winter melon is native to southern China and India. It is cultivated throughout northern and southern China. It likes warmth and tolerates heat, has high yield, and stores and transports well. It is one of the important vegetable varieties in summer and autumn, and plays an important role in regulating the off-season for vegetables. It is suitable for local sales, northward transport, and export. It is cultivated in all parts of China, and the fruit is harvested when it matures in late summer and early autumn.

Growing environment of winter melon

1. Temperature: Winter melon is a warmth-loving, heat-tolerant vegetable. It grows and develops well at relatively high temperatures. The suitable temperature for seed germination is about 30°C, and germination is slow below 20°C. Seedlings can endure slightly lower temperatures. Growth is slow at about 15°C, and with a slightly longer period below 10°C or at about 10°C, weak light, and high humidity, it is prone to freezing damage. It grows well at 20-25°C. At high temperatures above 25°C, it grows rapidly but is relatively frail and susceptible to disease. Vine and leaf growth and flowering and fruiting are all suitable at about 25°C.

2. Sunlight: Winter melon is a short-day plant, but most varieties are not strict about sunlight requirements. During the seedling stage, slightly lower temperatures and short-day conditions can promote development, and the nodes at which female and male flowers appear are earlier.

3. Water: Winter melon has a well-developed root system and a strong ability to absorb soil moisture, but its vines and leaves are lush, its transpiration area is large, and its fruit is large, so it consumes a lot of water and is therefore not very drought-tolerant. As winter melon grows and develops, its water requirements gradually increase. Up to the flowering and fruiting stage, the vines and leaves grow rapidly, especially after fruit set, when the fruit develops continuously and requires the most water. It also needs relatively high air humidity. Conditions such as higher temperature and greater humidity are favorable for fruit set, while dry air, low temperature, or excessive rain result in poor fruit set. In the later stage of fruit development, especially before harvest, too much water is not suitable; otherwise, it will reduce quality and make it less storable.

4. Soil: Soil nutrients are very important for the growth and development of winter melon. According to research, for every 5000 kg of winter melon produced, about 15-18 kg of nitrogen, 12-13 kg of phosphorus, and 12-15 kg of potassium are required. The amount absorbed is small during the seedling stage and not much during the vine-extending stage, while during the flowering and fruiting stage, especially the early and middle stages of fruit development, the amount absorbed is large, and in the later stage the amount absorbed decreases again. Winter melon has a relatively long growth period and a strong root absorption capacity, so it can make good use of soil nutrients.

How to choose winter melon

1. The outer skin of winter melon: The outer skin of winter melon is very thin, so it easily leaves scratches. When choosing, mainly look to see whether there are deep marks, and choose one with a smooth surface and no dents or bumps.

2. The color of winter melon: Most winter melons are dark green, so choosing dark green ones is fine.

3. The size of winter melon: Winter melons are generally very large and are sold cut into slices. When choosing, just pick about 1 slice according to your family's meal size.

4. The firmness of winter melon: For cut slices of winter melon, you can gently touch them with your finger. If it feels very soft, then it is probably a bit old, so choose one that is a little firmer.

5. The weight of winter melon: When choosing, you can compare two slices. Whichever piece is heavier and slightly firmer is a good one.