When is the latest planting time for winter melon?
In the Guangzhou area, winter melon cultivation is divided into two seasons: spring planting and autumn planting, with spring planting being more common, generally sown in January to February. Under the premise of taking cold-protection measures, early sowing is better than late sowing; sowing in early to mid-January can extend the growth period, especially the vegetative growth period, so that winter melon sets fruit when the air humidity is relatively high around the rainy season and the temperature is above 20°C. Autumn-planted winter melon is generally sown around Minor Heat (early to mid-July).
Seedling raising
In early the twelfth lunar month, first soak the seeds in 55°C warm water for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, then carry out germination, rinsing with warm water once a day. When the seeds show white, put them into nutrient pots, sprinkle water on schedule, and keep the nutrient soil at a certain humidity. After 1 month, when the melon seedlings grow heart leaves, move them into the greenhouse.
Field planting
Before field planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer, form ridges at a row spacing of 2 m—2.5 m and a plant spacing of 0.5 m, cover with film after ridging, and after transplanting the seedlings, drench the roots with 500 times—600 times diluted Gaomeishi organic humic acid active liquid fertilizer to promote root development.
Mid-growth management
From field planting to the flowering stage, apply an appropriate amount of well-rotted chicken manure as a top dressing; when the winter melon grows to 0.5 kg—1 kg, water frequently and fertilize heavily to promote fruit development and expansion. After the vines trail and grow long, guide the vines, press the vines, remove side branches and pinch off the growing tips in good time, otherwise the fruit-setting rate will be affected. At flowering, from 6 a.m.—8 a.m., use 2,4—D fruit-setting hormone for artificial pollination, and pay attention to pest and disease control.
Timely harvest
Winter melon is resistant to storage and transport as an old melon and tastes good; about 45 days after fruit setting, when the melon skin is shiny dark green and most leaves of the plant remain green rather than withered and yellow, choose a sunny morning to harvest. However, according to market supply and demand, it may also be harvested and marketed appropriately early.