When should wax gourd be sown?

The wax gourd is the fruit of the Akebia trifoliata, also known as wild banana and wax gourd. The flesh can be eaten directly, has a smooth texture, sweet taste, and rich nutritional value. It is a rare health fruit . So when is the best time to plant wax gourd? Let’s learn more about it below.

When should wax gourd be sown?

The best time to plant wax gourd is from February to April in spring and from September to October in autumn. Among them, spring planting is because the temperature gradually warms up and the soil begins to thaw, which is conducive to seed germination and seedling growth. Planting in autumn allows the seedlings to have a certain amount of growth time before winter comes, enhancing their ability to resist cold.

How to plant wax gourd?

There are many ways to grow wax gourd, such as:

1. Seed planting

When the fruits are ripe in September and October, pick them, eat the pulp and leave the seeds for timely sowing in autumn. The seeds are first rubbed with alkaline water, rinsed with clean water, drained, and dried. They are stored in the sand for 50 to 70 days around November of the lunar calendar, and then sown in the prepared seedbed in early February of the following spring.

2. Layering propagation

Around mid-March, select two-year-old branches that are vigorously growing and free of pests and diseases, and cut off branches about 30 cm long. After soaking the branches in rooting powder for 24 hours, bury them in soil mixed with fine sand to a depth of about 10 cm, leaving two buds above the ground.

3. Root division propagation

Around February to March, dig up wild or artificially cultivated wax gourd seedlings and divide them into several small pieces, retaining a certain number of roots and stems in each piece. After soaking the roots in rooting powder for 12 hours, transplant or plant them in fertile and loose soil.

4. Cutting propagation

Select 1-2 year old branches that are healthy and free of pests and diseases, cut them into 10 cm long branches, and implant them into the prepared seedbed at a depth of about 5 cm. Pay attention to waterlogging, shading, and drought prevention. If conditions permit, you can use ABT2 rooting powder to soak the branches and vines for cuttings, which can greatly increase the survival rate.

In general, the best time to plant wax gourd is spring and autumn. Pay attention to timely sowing. At the same time, through scientific planting and management, you can successfully grow delicious wax gourd. The best harvesting period is when the peel shows a white belly line and needs to be picked in time. ‌