How to Save Seeds from Winter Melon? Key Techniques and Methods Explained
How do you save seeds from winter melon? How should you grow winter melon for seed saving? For winter melon seed saving, you can refer to the following growing methods: Plot selection. Winter melon is a cross-pollinated crop that relies on insect or wind pollination. To keep the variety pure, the seed production field should be at least 1000 m away from other winter melon fields. Manual selection. Raising seedlings and sowing...
How do you save seeds from winter melon? How should you grow winter melon for seed saving?
For winter melon seed saving, you can refer to the following growing methods:
Plot selection
Winter melon is a cross-pollinated crop that relies on insect or wind pollination. To keep the variety pure, the seed production field should be at least 1000 m away from other winter melon fields.
Manual selection
Before raising seedlings and sowing, seed selection is needed. Choose plump, large, uniformly shaped seeds to avoid weak seedlings. During the seedling stage, control pests and diseases, and select vigorous seedlings that match the variety's characteristics for transplanting. During the vegetative growth period, choose vigorous plants free of pests and diseases, with few branches, short internodes, and many female flowers as seed plants. At fruit maturity, choose fruits with good shape, fruit color matching the variety's characteristics, high yield, good quality, and no pests or diseases as seed melons.
Fertilizer and water management
The management of the seed field should be more meticulous than that of a general production field. Water and fertilizer should be supplied adequately, with increased application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, to promote vigorous plant growth, ensure normal fruit development, and produce plump seeds. During the rainy season, pay attention to drainage to prevent waterlogging from inducing diseases.
The planting density of the seed field should be slightly lower to facilitate ventilation and light penetration and ensure fruit maturity.
Harvesting
Seed melons should be fully mature, generally harvested about 10 days later than melons for fresh consumption, to ensure the seeds are plump. After harvesting, place the seed melons indoors to after-ripen for about 7 days so the seeds become fully plump. Cut open the after-ripened seed melons with a knife, wash the seeds, dry them, and store them.
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