The best time and method to plant loofah

Luffa generally prefers a warm environment, and its seeds need an air temperature of at least 20°C to germinate, while 25-30°C is the optimal temperature range for its growth. It is best not to let the temperature drop below 12°C at night. In terms of light, loofah does not have a particularly high demand for light, but an appropriate amount of sunlight is necessary to ensure smooth photosynthesis, thereby promoting the healthy growth of the plant and the development of flowers and fruits. Learn below the best time and method to plant loofah .

1. Planting time

In the north, the best sowing period for loofah is usually from mid-April to early May, when the temperature rises, which is conducive to seed germination and growth. If planted in a greenhouse, the sowing time can be advanced to late February to early March, and the crops can be transplanted in late April to early May, so that harvesting can begin in late May to early June, and the harvest period can extend until the end of September. Due to the warmer climate in the south, the sowing period can be advanced to the end of March or the beginning of April. In some areas, if the autumn temperatures are suitable, sowing can also be started in September.

2. Variety selection

There are many varieties of loofah, and suitable varieties should be selected for cultivation according to local climate and soil conditions. When planting loofah in a greenhouse , due to the low ambient temperature and insufficient light, it is recommended to choose snake-shaped loofah that is resistant to low temperatures and weak light. When planting loofah in northern regions, you should choose varieties that are cold-resistant and have vigorous growth, such as stick loofah. In the south, due to the hot climate, you should choose heat-resistant varieties, such as flower loofah.

3. Seed treatment

Before sowing, dry the loofah seeds in the sun for 2-3 days, then soak them in trisodium phosphate solution for 15 minutes for disinfection, then put them in warm water at about 70℃ and stir, and soak them for 5 hours after the water temperature drops to 25℃. Place the sterilized seeds in a 30℃ environment for germination, rinse with cold water every day until the seeds show white buds, then they can be sown.

4. Sowing method

Since the survival rate of loofah transplanting is low, direct sowing is usually recommended. Three seeds can be placed in each sowing hole, and the sowing depth is about 2 cm. After sowing, cover with soil, water, and cover with a layer of hay to maintain soil moisture.

5. Field management

The seedlings will emerge about 5 days after sowing. At this time, the temperature should be lowered appropriately and watering should be done regularly according to the soil moisture. As the plants grow, it is necessary to prevent and control diseases and pests in a timely manner to ensure the healthy growth of the plants.

In short, if you want to grow loofah, you need to pay attention to many aspects of the loofah planting process. Only if you do it well, the loofah can produce more loofahs with better quality.