What are the key points for growing bitter melon? Explained in one article
Most people do not like to eat bitter melon because it is truly bitter, but many people still eat it because of its nutritional value. Although that is the case, every summer bitter melon still sells very well, and large-scale cultivation of bitter melon has appeared in most regions. So when growing bitter melon, what issues do we need to pay attention to? Now follow the editor and read the content below about the key points for growing bitter melon.
1. Planting density
Whether using direct seed sowing or raising seedlings and transplanting, we all need to reasonably control the density of bitter melon planting. When sowing seeds in holes, the row spacing between each hole is about 60 cm and the plant spacing is 40 cm. When raising seedlings and transplanting, the plant spacing is 50 cm and the row spacing is 80 cm. That is to say, 1,600 to 1,700 bitter melon plants can be planted per mu. The planting density should not be too high, otherwise it will cause poor field ventilation and affect the normal growth of bitter melon.
2. Temperature management
The growth of bitter melon has relatively high temperature requirements. If the temperature is too high, it will cause seedling scorching, but if the temperature is too low, the plants will freeze to death. In general, the temperature suitable for bitter melon growth should be kept between 15 and 30 degrees. In fact, the best growth temperature is between 25 and 30 degrees. The minimum temperature should not be lower than 15 degrees. If the temperature is lower than 15 degrees, heat preservation measures should be taken to raise the temperature.
3. Building trellises
After bitter melon is planted, when it grows to about 40 to 50 cm, trellises need to be built. Building trellises for bitter melon not only makes reasonable use of land resources, but also maintains good ventilation, and of course can also avoid the harm of some pests and diseases. Bitter melon trellises are generally built in a chevron shape, and bamboo poles, wooden poles, and so on can be used for the trellis. After the main trellis is built, use ropes to connect the trellis parts, guide the bitter melon vines onto the trellis, and let the bitter melon vines grow along the trellis and ropes. At the same time, in the early stage, the bitter melon vines need to be tied to the trellis to prevent them from falling off.
4. Watering and fertilizing
Bitter melon has a certain degree of drought resistance, but during its growth period it also has a very large demand for water, so we should not be misled. Especially during the full fruit period of bitter melon, the water requirement is the greatest. Also, attention should be paid to balanced moisture, otherwise fruit cracking is very likely to occur and affect the quality of bitter melon. Also, each time you water, you can appropriately apply urea and compound fertilizer as a top dressing, which can promote the growth of branches and leaves, help the plant enter the fruiting stage, and at the same time maintain the vigor of bitter melon seedlings and extend the fruiting period.
5. Pruning and removing branches
Pruning branches and leaves and removing branches from bitter melon is generally done after the trellis is built and after the bitter melon seedlings have grown for a period of time, that is, when the bitter melon seedlings have grown to about 50 cm. The terminal bud of the main vine should be removed to promote the growth of bitter melon side branches. Next, for the part of the main vine below 50 cm, if there are flowers, then we should remove all the flowers to avoid affecting the growth and development of the entire plant. Finally, after bitter melon sets fruit, flowers that are too densely grown as well as small bitter melons should all be appropriately removed.
The editor's introduction to the key points for growing bitter melon ends here. If everyone still has anything unclear, or has other points that need to be brought to the attention of grower friends, you can leave a message below.