Where to buy mouse gourd seeds and how to grow seedlings?
mouse gourd, also called mouse gourd, originated in India and Malaysia. Because this gourd can change from green to orange and red, it is named mouse gourd. Of course, mouse gourd is not only attractive but also delicious; the fruit is smooth, tender, and refreshing when eaten, and it also helps nourish the blood and strengthen the stomach. At present, mouse gourd is mostly grown in courtyards or science and technology parks, so before planting, let us learn about its seeds purchasing and seedling raising matters.
Where are mouse gourd seeds sold?
mouse gourd has extremely strong adaptability. In any area where pumpkins and gourds can be grown, mouse gourd can also be planted, so it is widely distributed in our country. When buying seeds, you can go to local planting merchants or legitimate seed dealers to purchase them. Of course, farmers skilled in using the internet can also place orders online on major e-commerce platforms; just be sure to choose formal channels.
What are the seedling raising methods?
1. Site selection and land preparation
The root system of mouse gourd is very developed, and its requirements for soil are relatively low. However, if you want to improve yield and quality, it is best to plant it in sandy soil, and it should also be convenient for drainage and irrigation. After selecting the land, plow the soil deeply in autumn and winter. The depth must not be less than 20 cm, to mature the soil, increase moisture content, kill pathogens and insect eggs, and then apply sufficient base fertilizer.
2. Germination promotion and sowing
The seed coat of mouse gourd is relatively hard. At least 5 days before planting, carry out germination treatment. First, use warm water to remove the protective film on the seed surface, then wrap the seeds in gauze and place them in a moist environment, maintaining a temperature of 25-30 until they germinate. Only when the germination rate reaches 85% and small buds have grown can they be sown. When sowing, pay attention to the depth; it must not be too deep, keeping it at about 10 cm. At the same time, control the sowing density well, dig the planting holes well, place the seeds flat to promote root establishment, and after sowing cover with fine soil to retain water and fertilizer.
3. Trellising and vine tying
Because mouse gourd is a vining plant, trellising is needed to help it grow. Start trellising when the seedlings grow to about 24 cm. Vine tying means fixing the branches to the climbing frame, and they should be tied 1-2 nodes below the gourd. During the tying process, also remove old leaves and tendrils in time, so that they climb along the fixed position.
4. Daily care
When raising seedlings and transplanting, dig the planting holes larger and deeper, and place decomposed farmyard manure at the bottom so that the root system of mouse gourd can have enough deep space to grow. In addition, to increase the fruit-setting rate of mouse gourd, artificial assisted pollination is indispensable. After the seedlings grow to 2-3 cm in size, apply fertilizer once; household urea or diammonium phosphate is sufficient. After fertilizing, be sure to water thoroughly once so that the fertilizer fully dissolves in the soil.
Overall, mouse gourd is a new type of gourd vegetable. This plant has extremely strong growth ability; a single seed can grow into a vine covered with gourds. If you put more care into the seedling process, you can also grow attractive and delicious mouse gourd in your own courtyard.
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