Cultivation technology of loofah in open field

The nutritional value of loofah is very rich, and many people like to eat it. So here is the planting technology of open-air loofah:

1. Variety selection and self-propagation

There are two types of loofah: ordinary loofah and ribbed loofah. After purchasing seeds in the first year, there is no need to plant them on a large scale. First, self-propagate for one year and save the seeds, then plant them in the second year. After 4 to 5 years of cycle, buy seeds again for self-propagation and change the seeds. The loofah planted by self-propagation and seed saving method has a suitable size and good taste.

2. Site Selection

Luffa is not very demanding on the soil. In order to obtain high yield and high quality, it is advisable to choose land with deep soil, good water and fertilizer retention, convenient irrigation, and where the previous crop was non-melon crops.

3. Land preparation and sowing

Combine autumn tillage and winter irrigation with sufficient base fertilizer, and apply 2000-3000 kg of organic fertilizer per 667 square meters. Prepare the land around March 20, and bring in 10 kg of diammonium phosphate and urea fertilizer per 667 square meters. Make sure to make deep furrows and high ridges, with a distance of 2 meters between the furrow center and a width of 1.2 meters on the ridge surface. Cover the seeds with film and soak them for 3-4 hours before sowing or germinate them for 24 hours after soaking before sowing. The hole distance is 55-60 cm, and 3-4 seeds are placed in each hole, with 1.5 cm of soil covering.

4. Fertilizer and water management

The water should not be too much in the seedling stage of loofah, otherwise it will be detrimental to the root growth. It needs more water during the vine and flowering period. After the second picking of the melon, irrigate once, and then pour a small amount of water in the ditch every day. In the early flowering period, apply urea and diammonium phosphate 15 kg each, and apply urea 2 to 3 times depending on the growth, and foliar fertilizer 2 to 3 times.

5. Build a scaffold to guide vines

When the vine is 30-40 cm long, build a frame in time, 2 meters high, and guide the vine upward when female flowers appear, and make the vines evenly distributed. The main and side vines of loofah can bear fruit, but because loofah has strong branching, if too many vines are left, the vegetative growth will be too vigorous and it will not be easy to bear fruit. The side vines below 50 cm of the main vine should be removed, and 1-2 fruit should be pinched on the side vines above 50 cm. During the peak fruiting period, remove the dense old leaves and excessive male flowers to facilitate ventilation and light transmission and reduce nutrient consumption. When the young melon is found to be bent, it should be hung up. Use a small packaging rope to tie the melon stem at one end and a small stone at the other end to straighten the melon.

6. Harvest at the right time

If the tender melon is harvested too early, the yield will be low; if it is harvested too late, the flesh will become fibrous and the quality will decline. Generally, it takes about 12 days from the opening of the female flower to the harvest. The harvesting standard is: the fruit is soft, the fruit color is green, and the skin hairs are reduced. The sponge gourd has a strong continuous fruiting ability and the fruit grows fast during the peak fruiting period. It should be harvested every 1 to 2 days. Cut it off at the fruit stalk with scissors in the morning.