How to grow black bitter melon for high yields? A full breakdown of cultivation techniques
Black bitter melon is a new type of bitter melon variety introduced to the mainland from Taiwan, China in recent years. It is a bitter melon that is dark green in color, but because it is close to black, it is called black bitter melon. Its original name is Cuifei bitter melon. Black bitter melon has a very long production period, and its quality is also very good. It is rich in nutrients, among which the vitamin content is the highest. So, is the planting method of black bitter melon different from that of bitter melon? How should it be planted? Let's learn about it together.
1. Soil and fertilizer work
Because black bitter melon was introduced from Taiwan, China, and the climate throughout the year in Taiwan, China is relatively warm, black bitter melon is most suitable for growing in a relatively warm climate. However, black bitter melon has strong stress resistance and the growth characteristic of tolerating fertilizer but not barren soil, so the planting site should be selected as clay loam or sandy loam with sufficient soil fertility. It is not suitable to plant it in fields where the previous crop was melons or fruits. Work the soil finely, level it and make beds, spread sufficient base fertilizer, and turn it into the bed soil and mix evenly.
2. Seedbed seedling raising
The planting time for black bitter melon is generally February each year, or October to November is also acceptable. However, when sowing, a seedbed needs to be built. After the seedbed is prepared, water it thoroughly, then evenly scatter the seeds on the seedbed, gently press the seeds into the soil with a rake, and finally cover with a layer of straw and plastic film, or directly build a greenhouse for warm-season seedling raising, all of which are acceptable.
3. Transplanting and field planting
When the black bitter melon seedlings grow to about 6 to 10 cm, they can be transplanted into the field. The suitable time for planting is generally April each year, which means the seedling raising period is generally about one and a half months. Field planting is generally done at an average of about 1,600 plants per mu, which means the row spacing is about 1.2 m and the plant spacing is about 50 cm. If it is a late-maturing variety, then field planting is generally done at about 550 plants per mu, and at most no more than 600 plants.
4. Field management
After field planting, do not water immediately. Generally wait until three days later before watering, and only when there is no rainfall, but exclude times when the temperature is high. The growth period of black bitter melon is relatively long, and together with the harvest time it is about more than three months, so we must regulate the moisture in the field well. We need to water reasonably according to the water requirements of black bitter melon at different growth stages, and at the same time drain waterlogging in a timely manner. Because black bitter melon tolerates fertilizer, its fertilizer requirement is relatively large. We must carry out scientific topdressing to ensure the yield and quality of black bitter melon. When the black bitter melon seedlings grow to 30 cm tall, supports need to be built, and the seedlings should be guided to climb directly upward for growth. Also, when the seedlings grow to about 60 cm, we need to carry out pruning and removal of side shoots to promote the growth of side branches and increase the yield of black bitter melon.
At present, the planting area of black bitter melon in our country is still not very extensive, and black bitter melon is not very common on the market. It is still a relatively rare vegetable variety. The reason the editor shared the planting method of black bitter melon with everyone is to hope to help more friends who want to grow black bitter melon. If everyone still has other questions, you can leave a message for the editor.