How to grow Trichosanthes kirilowii well? A detailed guide to the latest cultivation techniques

Many people are not familiar with Trichosanthes kirilowii (Mongolian snakegourd). It is in fact a Chinese medicinal herb and also a fruit that can be eaten directly, but it should not be eaten in large amounts, since after all every medicine has some toxicity. Secondly, its medicinal effects are mainly used to treat gastrointestinal discomfort, itchy and painful throat, as well as symptoms related to blood pressure and blood lipids. Nowadays we rarely see Trichosanthes kirilowii, but because some people have become wealthy by growing it, many others want a share of the pie. So Qinongwang brings you the cultivation methods for Trichosanthes kirilowii, hoping they will be useful to you.

1. Choose good seeds

Although Trichosanthes kirilowii is not common, that does not mean no one grows it. After many years of cultivation, many varieties have formed in response to different weather and soil conditions, such as southern Trichosanthes kirilowii, Ren Trichosanthes kirilowii, Japanese Trichosanthes kirilowii and Sichuan-Guizhou Trichosanthes kirilowii. Among them, Ren Trichosanthes kirilowii has the best quality and yield, so for general planting it is recommended to choose Ren Trichosanthes kirilowii. Of course, there are special situations, and we need to choose according to the planting site and weather changes. It is best to carry out mixed planting of two to three varieties, which can improve quality and yield to a certain extent.

2. Land selection and preparation

Trichosanthes kirilowii has relatively poor waterlogging resistance, so we should try not to choose plots with standing water or many hollows in the soil. It is best to use sandy soil that is relatively loose, rich in nutrients and with sufficient sunlight, as such land is more suitable for the growth of Trichosanthes kirilowii. When preparing the land, it needs to be deeply ploughed and the soil broken up finely. The most important thing is to level it; places with hollows that may cause water accumulation must be filled flat. Finally, spread about five thousand jin of organic fertilizer per mu evenly over the prepared land, then deeply plough the land again so the fertilizer can be fully utilized, and finally level it again, and dig trenches at intervals of about one point five to two meters, which is beneficial for later management.

3. Reasonable sowing

The sowing time of Trichosanthes kirilowii is related to the sowing method. If direct seeding with seeds is used, sowing is generally carried out around September in autumn, planted at a spacing of one point five to two meters per plant. If root division sowing is used, sowing is carried out in March and October each year, planted at a spacing of thirty cm per plant. So how to sow can be chosen according to personal habits, as well as the growth speed and survival rate of Trichosanthes kirilowii.

4. Fertilizer and water management

During the entire growth process of Trichosanthes kirilowii, under normal circumstances fertilization and watering are needed twice a year, and each watering and fertilization is combined with intertillage and weeding. Each time, weeding is done first, then fertilization, and finally watering, which can ensure normal and rapid growth of Trichosanthes kirilowii during this period. The first fertilization mainly uses urea, and the second fertilization mainly uses boron fertilizer. Finally, during the rainy season we must promptly drain the standing water from the field, otherwise it will cause the plants to develop disease or even die.

5. Field management

Field management is also a relatively important part of the growth period of Trichosanthes kirilowii, including intertillage and weeding, trellising, pruning branches and leaves, artificial pollination and pest and disease control. Trellising is generally needed when the seedlings grow to about thirty cm. We mainly use a chevron-shaped trellis, which makes it convenient for the plants to grow along the trellis and naturally form the shape of a gourd shed. Pruning branches and leaves is done after Trichosanthes kirilowii begins to bear fruit, which can enhance ventilation and light penetration in the field, and secondly can also reduce nutrient consumption so that more nutrients can be used by Trichosanthes kirilowii. The natural fruit-setting rate of Trichosanthes kirilowii is very low, so artificial assisted pollination is needed to increase the fruit-setting rate. We can pollinate by means of bee colonies or pollen collection. Finally, the main pests and diseases of Trichosanthes kirilowii are anthracnose and melon fruit fly, which we can control with chlorothalonil and trichlorfon respectively.