Growing Environment Conditions and Variety Introduction for Chieh Qua (Hairy Gourd)

Do you know what Beigua is? Beigua is actually a variant of winter melon (wax gourd), very similar in appearance, also called chieh qua or hairy gourd, and has a long history of cultivation across the Lingnan region of China. The nutritional value of chieh qua is quite good, so what varieties of chieh qua are there in everyday life? And what are its growing environment requirements?

Cultivated varieties of chieh qua

1. Spring chieh qua

Suitable varieties for spring chieh qua include spinach luo varieties, black hair varieties and Qixingzai, among others; these varieties are relatively tolerant of slightly lower temperatures, and the first female flower is borne at a low node.

2. Summer chieh qua

Summer chieh qua has a wider adaptability; varieties include Dateng, Zai carp and yellow hair, among others.

3. Autumn chieh qua

Autumn chieh qua uses large, medium and small plastic tunnels and solar greenhouses for raising seedlings in winter, planting in early spring, and harvesting for market in late spring and early summer; this cultivation method is early-spring forcing cultivation.

Growing environment of chieh qua

1. Moisture conditions

Although chieh qua has a well-developed root system, its large leaf area and strong transpiration make its water requirements relatively strict. It needs less water during the seedling stage; if the soil is too moist during this period, it easily induces damping-off disease. After the vines begin to run, its water requirements gradually increase, and during the peak flowering and fruiting stage it needs a large amount of water, so the soil should be kept constantly moist at this time.

2. Temperature management

The growth and development of chieh qua have basically the same climatic requirements as winter melon (wax gourd), and it is suited to relatively high temperatures and strong light. At higher temperatures, the vines and leaves grow rapidly and flowering and fruiting occur earlier; at lower temperatures, the vines and leaves grow slowly and flowering and fruiting are delayed. Its temperature requirements differ across the various growth stages.

3. Light control

Chieh qua is not strict about day length, and most varieties can develop normally under either long-day or short-day conditions. It is strict about light intensity, and at every growth stage it requires good light conditions; when light is poor, especially with frequent cloudy and rainy days, the plants grow weak and spindly, assimilation is low, they are prone to disease infection, and this is unfavorable for insect pollination and fertilization, affecting fruit set and resulting in low yields.

In summary, that is the introduction to chieh qua growing conditions and varieties. Have you all eaten chieh qua? Or are there many people where you are who grow it? Everyone is welcome to share their own understanding of chieh qua.

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