Groundmelon is widely distributed in the northern part of China, including slopes, sand dunes, arid valleys, and wastelands. As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, it not only clears excessive heat, invigorates Qi, generates body fluids, and promotes lactation, but also has the function of windbreak and sand fixation. How much do you know about the cultivation techniques of groundmelon? Let our editor explain it comprehensively for you!
Image of Groundmelon
【The Windbreak and Sand Fixation Function of Groundmelon】
In the Jiu Yuan District State-owned Forest Farm in Harlingol Town, Jiu Yuan District, 100 acres of groundmelon have grown leaves and bloomed small flowers, presenting a lush green scene. "After the fresh fruits are harvested in mid-June, we will produce a large quantity of fruit preserves and then sell them in the market. In September, we will start harvesting the seeds to produce more high-quality seeds for desertification control," said Zhao Wenjun, the general manager of Bao Tou Tian Tian Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd.
Groundmelon, also known as female green fruit, is a wild plant that is widely distributed in northern China, including slopes, sand dunes, arid valleys, and wastelands. Its fruits have the functions of promoting lactation, nourishing lung Qi, clearing heat, generating body fluids, relieving thirst, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain. It has high edible and medicinal value. Additionally, it is suitable for growth in wastelands and sandy areas, providing good windbreak and sand fixation effects.
Seeing the potential and market prospects of groundmelon, with the support of the government of Harlingol Town in Jiu Yuan District, Bao Tou Tian Tian Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. contracted more than 100 acres of land in the Jiu Yuan District State-owned Forest Farm in 2010 to collect the seeds of these wild crops and attempt artificial cultivation.
After 8 years of continuous experimentation and research, the cultivation techniques of groundmelon have become increasingly mature, with a yield of 300 jin (150 kg) per acre. It has become the largest artificial seedling planting base for groundmelon in the country.
【Cultivation Techniques of Groundmelon】
1. Water: Groundmelon mainly grows in many provinces in northern China, where water is relatively scarce. It can grow in a relatively water-deficient environment, indicating its strong drought tolerance. Therefore, besides watering during the vigorous growth period, water should not be excessively concerned about during other times.
2. Light: We all know that the northwest region has less precipitation, so the duration of sunshine is relatively long, providing sufficient sunlight for plants. Therefore, our goal should be to not shade the plants too much and let them enjoy the sunlight.
3. Soil: The main suitable soil for this plant is sandy or gravelly soil. It mainly grows in arid valleys and sand dunes, which often have sandy or gravelly soil.
Image of Groundmelon
4. Temperature: This factor mainly applies to the propagation period. This plant is generally propagated by cuttings, which have certain temperature requirements. It is best to maintain around 25°C, which is conducive to its survival.
5. Fertilizer: This factor also applies mainly to the propagation period. Applying some organic fertilizers during this period can help the seedlings survive better.
(1) Seedling technology: Collect mature fruits in a timely manner, slightly air-dry the fruits, peel off the fruit skin to extract the seeds, clean the seeds, store them in a cool and dry place, and sow them in April of the following year. Before sowing, prepare the soil and apply basal fertilizer. Plant the seeds with a spacing of 20 centimeters, using the pit sowing method. After sowing, cover the seeds with 3 centimeters of soil and slightly press it down, then water thoroughly to keep the soil moist. After the seedlings emerge, remove weeds in a timely manner, and transplant the seedlings when they reach a height of 3 centimeters.
(2) Cultivation techniques: Select fertile sandy loam soil for planting, with a spacing of 20×40 centimeters. After planting, water thoroughly and apply fertilizer once a month during the growth period. Remove weeds in a timely manner. Harvest stems, leaves, or fruits as needed.
【Habitat Distribution of Groundmelon】
Groundmelon grows in mountain slopes, sand dunes, arid valleys, wastelands, and field edges at an altitude of 200-2000 meters. It is distributed in Northeast China, North China, Henan, Hebei, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Shandong, Anhui, Gansu, Xinjiang, Jiangsu, and other regions.
Epilobium adnatum grows near ditches, riverbanks, shrubs, or grasslands on slopes or roadsides. It is distributed in Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shaanxi, Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan, and other regions.
Harvest and Storage:
Groundmelon should be harvested, washed, and dried in summer and autumn.
