Winter melon planting time

Winter melon has a strong root system and luxuriant fibrous roots. It usually prefers a warm and humid environment. It has excellent adaptability and can withstand high temperatures. The fruit of winter melon shows good tolerance during storage and transportation. Let’s learn about the cultivation time and methods of winter melon.

1. Cultivation time of winter melon

Winter melon planting is usually divided into two periods: spring and autumn. Spring sowing is generally chosen when the temperature rises steadily above 20℃, which is around March. Autumn sowing is done when the temperature drops below 26-28°C, around September. Since climate and temperature conditions vary significantly from place to place, simply determining the sowing time by season and month is not very accurate.

A more scientific sowing method is determined based on local climate and temperature. Generally speaking, whether sowing in spring or autumn, the suitable temperature range for germination of winter melon seeds is 22-28℃, and the most ideal sowing temperature is about 25℃. When sowing, ensure that the temperature is not lower than 20℃ and avoid exceeding 30℃, because too high or too low temperature may affect the normal germination of winter melon seeds.

2. Cultivation method of winter melon

1. Cultivation timing

Winter melon prefers high temperature environment and has strong heat resistance. Its growth rate increases with rising temperature. In order to ensure that the peak growth period of winter melon coincides with the high temperature season, it is usually recommended to plant winter melon after cucumber planting.

2. Timing of sowing

Winter melon is usually grown in seedling cultivation, and the seedling age is about 40 to 50 days. The specific sowing time should be determined according to local climatic conditions, planting purposes and variety characteristics. It is recommended to sow small winter melons in early February, while large late-maturing varieties are recommended to be sown in mid-to-late February.

3. Seed soaking and germination

Winter melon seeds germinate slowly and have a low germination rate, so high-temperature blanching and other methods should be used before germination to promote normal water absorption of the seeds. It is most suitable to germinate at a temperature of 25 to 30℃, and it will germinate after about 4 to 5 days.

4. Seedling management

Winter melon seedlings grow slowly and have high temperature requirements. In order to increase the temperature of the seedbed, the soil in the seedbed should be prepared and turned in advance. At the same time, in order to meet the nutrient needs of the seedlings, the bed soil should be prepared in advance and mixed with sufficient decomposed organic fertilizer to ensure that the soil is loose and fertile.

5. Timing of planting

Winter melon has a well-developed root system, so deep plowing and leveling of the land are required before planting to prevent water accumulation and disease. When planting, 3000 to 5000 kg/mu of decomposed organic fertilizer should be applied locally. Planting density should be adjusted according to cultivation methods, climatic conditions and variety characteristics.

6. Harvesting and storage of winter melon

Winter melon can be harvested about 30 to 35 days after flowering. Fertilization and watering should be avoided before harvesting to enhance the photosynthesis of winter melon and reduce water content, thereby extending the storage time.

It is recommended to use scissors to cut the winter melon when harvesting to avoid damaging the vines. During the handling process, be gentle to avoid damaging the winter melon to facilitate subsequent storage. Winter melon should be harvested in time after it matures. Harvesting too late will cause the winter melon to be overripe and the flesh to become soft, which is not conducive to storage and transportation.

The above is an introduction to the cultivation time and methods of winter melon. Note that the winter melon suitable for storage should be a late-maturing large variety with thick skin, thick flesh, tight texture, green and shiny skin, waxy surface, uniform size and no damage.