Detailed Explanation of the Cultivation Methods and Technical Key Points of the Snakegourd
The snakegourd, also known as Trichosanthes kirilowii, is a fairly well-known Chinese medicinal herb and a climbing plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. The snakegourd has a very long history of use in China, has a certain effect on the treatment of coronary heart disease, and can also resist bacteria and cancer, making it a Chinese medicinal herb that is very beneficial to human health. It is also a vegetable, and its seeds can be made into roasted seeds for consumption. So since it is so good, how should it be cultivated? Today, the editor brings you the cultivation methods of the snakegourd. Let's take a look together below!
1. Land Selection and Preparation
The snakegourd is suited to growing in places with ample sunlight and fertile soil, and it should be planted in areas with relatively high terrain as much as possible, so that the snakegourd grows in a relatively quiet environment free of pollution. After the Start of Spring, in order to improve the fertility of the soil and increase the nutrients and moisture in the soil, the soil should be leveled before planting. If the root transplanting method is used, the planting density must be well controlled and the planting holes dug properly. Carry out plowing and sun-exposure treatment of the soil, then spray quicklime comprehensively to disinfect the soil, eliminate pathogens and reduce the incidence of disease. Apply sufficient base fertilizer and mix it thoroughly with the soil; the base fertilizer can be decomposed farmyard manure.
2. Seed Selection and Seedling Raising
The snakegourd can be divided into two main uses, and the variety should be chosen according to one's own cultivation direction. Edible varieties have advantages such as high yield and a high seed rate. Medicinal-type gourds mainly have the advantages of large fruit and abundant fruit set. So it is still best to choose the suitable one for planting according to factors such as market demand and the surrounding environment. Then begin raising seedlings: first treat the seeds, pick out the shriveled and rotten seeds, then soak the remaining seeds with agents such as carbendazim, and after two days drain them and sow them to raise seedlings. Keep the seedbed soil moist, control the surrounding environment well, increase the nutrients in the seedbed, and transplant once the seeds germinate and emerge.
3. Trellising and Transplanting
As mentioned earlier, the snakegourd is a climbing plant, so before transplanting we need to set up the trellis, or build a greenhouse, which is beneficial to the vining growth of the snakegourd and increases the hanging capacity of the vines and fruits. The specific trellising work needs to be planned well according to one's own planting quantity and area. After the trellis is set up, begin transplanting. When transplanting, be careful to prevent damage to the axillary buds. Then after transplanting, press the soil slightly to firm it and build up a mound of soil around the seedlings, with the purpose of strengthening root growth. After transplanting, water thoroughly with rooting water to increase the soil's water content and improve the seedling survival rate.
4. Daily Management
Carry out appropriate intertillage and weeding work according to the height of the seedlings, and apply topdressing regularly. Within three months after planting, a compound fertilizer topdressing should be applied once every month. Then for old gourd gardens that have already borne fruit, apply topdressing at least twice, paying attention to water application. Generally, a topdressing should be applied once in June, with the purpose of stabilizing the fruit-setting rate and ensuring the nutrients needed for plant growth. Let plants that are about to mature get onto the trellis in time, and carry out artificial vine guiding appropriately. If there are too many branches and vines, prune them promptly; there must not be more than 3 branches and vines.
The above is a brief introduction to the cultivation methods of the snakegourd. The cultivation methods of the snakegourd are relatively simple, but we need to manage them carefully during the cultivation process. Only by promptly discovering some plant problems and then inspecting and handling them, and paying attention to some detailed issues in cultivation, can we ensure the growth of the snakegourd and ensure the yield. Alright, that's all for today's introduction. Thank you all for reading and supporting us. If you want to learn more wonderful information, please continue to follow us!