The gourd, homophonic "Fulu", is a mascot in folklore to ward off evil spirits and pray for blessings, increase wealth and longevity. As a multi-purpose plant, the gourd not only has ornamental value, but its fruit can also be used as an edible vegetable to be picked when it is not ripe. So, how should you grow a gourd correctly?
Gourd planting time
1.Timing of sowing:
Normally, the planting time of gourds is scheduled around April 5 to 10 every year, and it must not be later than the rainy season in spring. Experienced farmers will choose to start sowing during the Qingming period. Before sowing, use pliers or nail clippers to make a small incision at the tip of the seed to facilitate water absorption and germination, while taking care that the incision is not too deep to avoid damaging the germ inside the seed.
2.Seed treatment:
Soak the seeds in warm water at about 30 degrees Celsius for 8 to 12 hours. After that, the seeds are wrapped in a coarse cloth with moderate humidity and temperature and placed in a warm place between 25 and 30 degrees to promote germination. Generally, within 7 to 10 days, gourd seeds can be seen to germinate, and the young shoots will grow to 0At 5 to 1 cm, it can be transferred to the nursery bed.
3.Soil Preparation:
Loose and fertile soil was selected as the bottom of the nursery bed, and the seeds were spread flat in the nursery bed and covered with 1 cm thick soil. If possible, the seedling block can be used, and ensure that the seedling block is immersed and there is no standing water in the seedling box, and then sow the seeds. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight and rain during seedling rearing, and keep the soil moist until germination.
4.Handling seedlings:
Check the seedbed every day, transfer the germinated seeds to other pots, and control the growth of seedlings in a cooler indoor environment. When the seedlings have developed 4 to 6 true leaves, they can be transplanted.
The cultivation method of the gourd
1.Prepare the potting soil:
Choose medium-sized pots for optimal growth. Prepare suitable fertile soil first, and choose light acidic soil mixed with humus miscellaneous fertilizer. For best results, a one-to-five mix of peat and general soil can be used.
2.Planting arrangement:
It is recommended to plant one plant per pot to facilitate spatial distribution and pollination. If conditions permit, plant in an outdoor fixed place such as a balcony, and choose to plant two plants in one pot to promote pollination.
3.Moisture Management:
Be careful to keep the vines watered moderately every day when they start crawling, and twice a day to keep the soil moist during hot summer or dry weather.
4.Fertilization plan:
Once the gourd seedlings have survived, an organic fertilizer, such as compound fertilizer or home-made fertilizer, is applied every 10 days or so, which is very important to promote growth.
5.Bracket Building:
When the gourd seedlings grow tendrils, insert four 1-meter-high bamboo poles into the pot and build a garden-shaped shelf at the top that is larger than the mouth of the pot for the tendrils to climb.
6.Harvest at the right time:
Generally in August, the gourd fruits can be harvested gradually. When ripe, the shell of the young fruit hardens, and the hardness can be judged by pinching it with your fingers, and if the fruit is hard enough, it means that it is ready to be harvested. If it is used for ornamental use after harvesting, you can use small bamboo slices to scrape off the outer skin and then dry it to make it more distinctive.
In summary, the right sowing time and the right planting method are crucial for the healthy growth and yield of the gourd. By carefully planning the planting and management details, farmers can not only enjoy the ornamental value, but also pick the fruit early on to serve the delicious vegetables on the table.