Bitter melon growing environment, what kind of place is best for growing bitter melon

In what environment should bitter melon grow in order to grow better? Today I will introduce it to you:

1 Temperature

Temperature control Bitter melon likes warmth, is relatively heat-resistant, and is not cold-resistant. Seed germination is suitable for 30-35℃. When the temperature is below 20℃, germination is slow, and germination is difficult below 13℃. At about 25℃, seedlings with 4-5 true leaves can be cultivated in about 15 days, and at about 15℃, it takes 20-30 days. At 10-15℃, the bitter melon plant grows slowly, and below 10℃, it grows poorly. When the temperature is below 5℃, the plant is significantly damaged. However, the temperature is slightly lower and the daylight is short, and the node of the first female flower occurs earlier. The flowering and fruiting period is suitable for above 20℃, and about 25℃ is suitable. The higher the temperature within the range of 15-30℃, the more conducive it is to the growth of bitter melon - early fruiting, high yield, and good quality. However, above 30℃ and below 15℃ are not conducive to the growth and fruiting of bitter melon.

2 Lighting

Bitter melon is a short-day plant that likes sunlight but cannot tolerate shade. However, after long-term cultivation and selection, the requirements for the length of light are no longer strict; however, if the light is insufficient during the seedling stage, it will reduce the resistance to low temperatures. This is the reason why bitter melon seedlings in northern Hainan are affected by low temperature and rainy weather in winter and spring, and they grow weak and have poor resistance to adversity, and are often susceptible to frost damage. Strong light is required during the flowering and fruiting period. Adequate light is conducive to photosynthesis and increases the fruit setting rate; otherwise, it is easy to cause flower and fruit drop.

3. Moisture

Suitable soil Bitter melon likes moisture but cannot tolerate waterlogging. During the growth period, it needs 85% relative air humidity and soil relative humidity. In dry weather and insufficient water, plant growth is hindered and fruit quality is reduced. However, it is not suitable for waterlogging, which can easily cause root rot and yellowing and wilting of leaves, which may affect fruiting at the least and cause disease and death of the plant at the worst.

4 Soil nutrients

Bitter melon has a wide adaptability to soils, ranging from sandy loam to light clay soil. Generally, it grows well and has high yields in fertile and loose loam with strong water and fertilizer retention. Bitter melon has high requirements for fertilizers. If there is sufficient organic fertilizer, the plant will grow strong, the stems and leaves will be luxuriant, there will be more flowers and fruits, the melons will be large, and the quality will be good. Especially in the late growth period, if there is insufficient fertilizer and water, the plant will be weak, the flowers and fruits will be few, the fruits will be small, the bitterness will be stronger, and the quality will decline. Bitter melon needs more nitrogen fertilizer, but it cannot be applied too much; otherwise, the stress resistance will be reduced, making the plant susceptible to infection by pathogens and cold damage. In fertile and loose medium loam, adding phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can make the plant grow strong and the melons can last for a long time.