How to Grow Chieh-qua? Detailed Explanation of Planting Methods and Technical Key Points
Chieh-qua, also called hairy gourd, is a variety of winter melon and an annual climbing plant of the Cucurbitaceae family. Chieh-qua originated in southern China and is best suited to growing in places with high temperatures and strong light. It has certain effects of clearing heat and relieving summer heat, reducing swelling and promoting urination. It is a very suitable fruit to eat in summer, and in our daily lives it is very popular whether used for making soup or stir-frying. Today, the editor brings you the planting methods for chieh-qua. Let's take a look below!
1. Planting density
Before planting chieh-qua, we first need to dig a bed about two meters wide in the soil. About two rows of chieh-qua can be planted between the beds, and the distance between each planting hole is generally 45cm. No more than two plants can be planted in each hole, and at most about 3000 plants can be planted per mu. After planting, the plants should be watered immediately, then covered with a layer of plastic film. If the nighttime temperature is too low, a layer of straw can be placed over the plastic film to keep it warm. The planting area for chieh-qua needs to be established in a place that is sheltered from the wind and facing the sun, has sufficient water sources, is free of disease, and has a good drainage and irrigation system.
2. Fertilizer and water management
After chieh-qua is planted, it needs to be watered immediately, and then it does not need watering until the vines begin to extend. Once chieh-qua begins to extend vines, watering and fertilizing need to begin. At least 150 jin of diammonium phosphate should be applied per mu. When the first chieh-qua begins to grow to about 15 cm, it needs to be watered frequently, and the soil moisture should be maintained at all times, because this stage is when chieh-qua needs water the most. After the second chieh-qua grows, topdressing needs to begin, because sufficient nutrients must be provided to supply the growth needs of chieh-qua.
3. Plant adjustment
During the process of growing chieh-qua, the plants should always be kept growing well, and their appearance should be trimmed to some extent. When tendrils appear on chieh-qua, the plants should be trellised and the vines guided. Chieh-qua is generally trellised in a “”-shaped form, which can not only speed up plant growth, but also effectively prevent and control some diseases and insect pests. Before the fruiting period arrives, all side vines growing from the base of the main vine should be removed to prevent them from competing with the main vine for nutrients. In the late fruiting period, all side vines on the lower part of the plant should be removed, while the side vines in the middle and upper part of the plant should be retained, which can effectively increase yield.
4. Timely harvesting
The harvesting time of chieh-qua is also very particular. It must not be too late or too early. Harvesting too late will make chieh-qua overripe, prone to fruit cracking, prone to diseases and insect pests, and may miss the market period. Harvesting too early will cause chieh-qua to be insufficiently mature, affecting quality and reducing commodity value. Chieh-qua generally matures within 1-2 months after the first flower blooms. The specific harvesting time needs to be judged according to various aspects such as the degree of maturity, market demand, and consumers' eating habits. For example, if more people like tender gourds, then harvesting and marketing can begin when chieh-qua is about 1 jin.
The above is a brief introduction to the planting methods of chieh-qua. When growing chieh-qua, attention should be paid to fertilizer and water management. Having a correct fertilizer and water management method can allow chieh-qua to grow and develop better in the later stage. Another thing to pay attention to is diseases and insect pests. Diseases and insect pests are a headache for every crop. Everyone should do a good job in garden management, reduce pathogens, and lower the incidence of disease. This article is for reference only. I hope it can be helpful to everyone.