A Detailed Guide to Zucchini Planting Time and Methods
Zucchini originated in North America and was introduced to our country in the 19th century. Because it is rich in vitamin C and glucose substances, and has the effects of moistening the lungs and relieving cough, and clearing heat and promoting diuresis, it is loved by the people of our country, and is now grown everywhere across the country. So when can zucchini be planted? And what should be noted when planting? Below, Qinnong Network brings you the planting time and methods for zucchini.
Planting Time
Zucchini is a vegetable that is relatively cold-tolerant and not heat-tolerant, so it can be sown in spring or autumn. The suitable growth temperature is 20-25°C, so spring sowing is in early May, and autumn sowing is in early September. Sowing too early or too late leads to more serious pest and disease occurrence, which is not conducive to germination and seedling emergence.
Planting Methods
1. Seed Treatment
Before sowing, the seeds need to be treated. First put the seeds into warm water at 50-60 degrees to soak. To prevent damage caused by water that is too hot, they must be stirred constantly during soaking. When the water temperature drops to about 30 degrees, remove the seeds and wash them clean, then continue soaking for 5-6 hours. After the seeds have fully absorbed water, remove them, air-dry them, wrap them in a wet towel, and place them in a greenhouse environment at about 25 degrees to promote germination. Once they sprout, they can be sown.
2. Sowing and Raising Seedlings
When sowing, first prepare a seedbed by mixing organic fertilizer with loose soil, then add an appropriate amount of calcium phosphate and plant ash; in this way a high-quality culture soil is made. When sowing, water the soil thoroughly so that it absorbs water and becomes moist, then place the seeds on top at a certain spacing between plants and rows. Remember to put the sprouted end facing down, then cover with a thin layer of soil.
3. Field Management
When the seedlings grow to 2-3 cm, they can be transplanted. After transplanting, maintain a high-temperature and high-humidity environment to promote recovery of the seedlings. The daytime temperature should be 25-30 degrees, and at night 15-20 degrees. When the first fruit begins to swell, water and topdress in time, generally applying 30-40 jin of compound fertilizer per mu. When the second fruit swells, topdress again, this time applying 40-50 jin of urea per mu. After that, fertilize once a month and water once a month.
4. Assisted Pollination
To increase zucchini yield, bees or manual assisted pollination can be used. Manual pollination is generally best from August to October. When pollinating, first check whether the male flower has already produced pollen. Gently wipe the male flower's stamen with your hand; if there is yellow powder, pollination can begin. Then pick the male flower, remove the petals, keep the stamen, and gently rub the stamen against the stigma of the female flower. Alternatively, use a cotton swab to dip the powder and apply it to the stigma of the female flower. Remember that pollination must be uniform, and it must not be done on cloudy or rainy days or in the afternoon, otherwise deformed fruit is likely to form.
The above is the zucchini planting time and methods brought to you by Qinnong Network. When planting, also pay attention to pest and disease protection measures, and prevent reduced yield or total crop failure caused by pests and diseases. For more agricultural knowledge, please stay tuned to Qinnong Network.