What are the methods and technical points for growing pumpkin seedlings?

Pumpkins are grown in all regions of our country, and they are highly adaptable to the environment. Growing pumpkins is also very simple, but not all pumpkin plantings produce such high yields, and in the process of growing them, the phenomenon of not setting fruit often occurs. Pumpkin yield is actually related to some extent to the cultivation of seedlings. Today we will first learn about pumpkin seedling cultivation techniques.

1. Seed selection

Before sowing pumpkins, we need to select good pumpkin varieties. Generally, based on the local climate, we choose the variety most suitable for local growth, and then screen the seeds. In general, we choose seeds that are plump, free of external damage, free of pests and diseases, not moldy, and of excellent quality. Such seeds have a higher germination rate, and the later fruit-setting rate is also higher.

2. Seedbed preparation

Pumpkins have no particular requirements for the soil in which they grow, but in order to cultivate sturdy pumpkin seedlings, we still need to prepare a seedbed. The pumpkin seedbed can be built indoors or outdoors. Generally, the size of the seedbed is prepared according to the scale of planting, and it is related to the sowing rate of pumpkins. The seedbed should have good permeability and sufficient fertility, which is beneficial for seed germination. For the nutrient soil in the seedbed, we can use a mixture of farmyard compost and loose soil, then spread it out, with a thickness of 40 to 50 cm.

3. Seed treatment

Before sowing, we also need to treat the seeds, which is beneficial for seed germination. Of course, it is also fine not to treat them, except that the speed of emergence will be relatively slower. First, put the seeds in warm water to soak, and stir continuously. Generally, after 12 hours, take them out, drain the water, and then place them in an environment with a temperature of about 28°C to promote germination. Once the seeds sprout white, they can be sown.

4. Scientific sowing

Pumpkin sowing is generally carried out from the end of February to early March each year. Before sowing, it is best to dress the seeds with carbendazim, which can avoid the harm of underground pests to pumpkin seeds. For sowing, we generally use the direct sowing method. Evenly scatter the seeds on the seedbed, and then cover the seeds with a thin layer of nutrient soil. Of course, we can also use the furrow sowing method, but this is a little more troublesome compared with direct sowing.

5. Seedling stage management

After sowing pumpkins, we mainly need to pay attention to the management of the seedbed temperature and humidity. Just after sowing, the temperature in the seedbed is best at about 18 to 25°C, which is beneficial for seed emergence. After more than half of the seeds have sprouted, the seedbed temperature only needs to be about 15 to 20°C. During the seedling cultivation period, keep the seedbed moist. Generally, water once every 7 days, but the amount of watering should not be too large; just ensure that the soil has a certain degree of moisture.

That is all we will introduce about pumpkin seedling cultivation techniques. We believe that after reading the above, you will basically have no problems with pumpkin seedling cultivation. If you want to learn about pumpkin growing techniques, you can follow us.