What are the key points for growing snake gourd? A detailed guide
Snake gourd is grown on a very large scale in China. Besides being edible, it also has extremely high ornamental and medicinal value, and eating it brings considerable benefits to the human body. So what should you pay attention to when growing snake gourd? Let's find out together.
1. Temperature
Snake gourd originates from India and Malaysia. It likes a warm environment, tolerates heat but not cold. The suitable temperature for growth is between 30-35°C. Below 5°C or above 40°C, its growth will be inhibited. The suitable temperature for seed germination is 30°C. The suitable temperature for plant growth is 20-35°C. Above 35°C it can still flower and fruit normally, but below 20°C growth will be slow, and below 15°C growth will stop. Therefore, special attention must be paid during planting to whether the local temperature conditions meet its growth needs, otherwise planting will fail.
2. Water
Snake gourd likes a moist environment, but its root system is well developed and its drought tolerance is also relatively strong. However, during the growing period it needs a large amount of water. If water is insufficient, it will affect its fruit-setting rate, and the swelling of the snake gourd will also be hindered, leading to poor development of the snake gourd. In the most serious cases, the plants will show premature aging. Therefore, water management must be done well during management so that the snake gourd can absorb sufficient water. If there is drought and a lack of water, water it in time, especially in summer when temperatures are high. At this time, watering work must be done well. Generally, water once a week to keep soil moisture suitable for the growth needs of snake gourd.
3. Light
Snake gourd likes light, especially during the fruiting period when it requires relatively strong light. If there are many cloudy and rainy days during the flowering period, low temperatures will cause serious flower and fruit drop, leading to a sharp decline in yield, and in severe cases a total crop failure. Therefore, when planting, be sure to choose a sunny place. During management, set up trellises and guide the vines to ensure good field ventilation and light penetration, providing good light conditions to improve yield and quality.
4. Soil
Snake gourd likes fertilizer and tolerates fertilizer, and is also relatively tolerant of average conditions. It has wide adaptability to soil, and can be cultivated in various soils, but when planted in poor soil, the gourds are small and the yield is low. Therefore, to obtain high yield and high quality, plant it in fertile land, or apply base fertilizer before planting while preparing the land, to improve soil structure and meet its growth needs.
The above is an introduction to the key points for growing snake gourd. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.