First, the cultivation season. Black melons can be grown throughout the year, depending on local climate and growing conditions. This flexibility allows for continuous production and market supply.
Second, species selection. It is important to choose varieties that are disease-resistant, high-quality, high-yield, storage-resistant, and marketable. Recommended varieties include Sanshui black melon, Nanhai black melon, Guangzhou black melon, and Qiongnong black melon. These varieties are well-suited for commercial farming and have proven performance in different regions.
Third, nursery technology. Proper seedling preparation is crucial for healthy plant growth. The seedling tray should have 510×50 holes or 69×54 holes, and the seedbed should be 20 cm high, 120 cm wide, with no limit on length. For nutrient soil, a mix of decomposed farmyard manure, plant ash (grain ash), and coco peat in a ratio of 6:2:2 is recommended, along with 0.2%-0.3% NPK fertilizer. Alternatively, a 7:3 mix of coco peat and decomposed cow dung slag with 1 kg of NPK per cubic meter is ideal. The pH should be between 6 and 7, ensuring good aeration, water retention, and nutrient availability.
Seed quality must meet GB16715.3-1999 grade 2 standards, with seed purity ≥ 95%, germination rate ≥ 60%, and seed viability ≥ 99%. The seed dosage is 25–50 grams per acre.
Seed processing includes disinfection and germination. First, wash seeds with water, then soak them in 55°C warm water for 15 minutes, followed by 10 hours in fresh water. Soak in a 10% trisodium phosphate solution for 20 minutes, rinse thoroughly at least three times. For germination, keep seeds at 28–30°C, rinsing daily and draining promptly until the seeds begin to sprout.
Sowing can be done via plug seeding or direct broadcasting. For plug seeding, fill the seedling tray with nutrient soil, place two white seeds into each hole 1–1.5 cm deep, cover lightly, and water thoroughly. For direct sowing, apply base fertilizer, sow seeds, and cover with plastic film.
Seedling management involves environmental control, including temperature, light, and moisture. Maintain temperatures between 20°C–30°C during the day and 15°C–20°C at night. Use shade nets in hot weather and agricultural films in cold conditions. Keep the soil moist and apply 0.2%–0.3% NPK fertilizer weekly, along with fungicides like chlorothalonil or dexamethasone Zn every 7–10 days to prevent diseases.
Hardening off begins one week before transplanting, gradually removing covers and opening the sides of the film on sunny days to acclimate the plants.
Fourth, planting. Before planting, prepare the soil by applying 1500–2000 kg of farmyard manure per mu, 30–50 kg of cake fertilizer, 40–50 kg of superphosphate, and 15–20 kg of urea. Mix thoroughly and apply in furrows. Cover with black mulch, or silver-gray film if available.
Planting time is best done before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to avoid heat stress. Plant in a double-row pattern with spacing of 80–100 cm between rows and 400 cm between plants, resulting in about 350 plants per acre. Water each plant with 2 kg of water and seal the hole with dry soil, ensuring the soil around the mulch is compacted and leaves do not touch the film.
Fifth, field management. Black melons require consistent water and nutrients, especially during fruiting. Irrigation should be frequent in early stages, using furrow irrigation after vines are inverted. Each irrigation should reach 1/2 to 2/3 of the furrow depth.
Fertilization is applied four times: 7 days before flowering, when fruits weigh 0.5 kg, and then every 7–10 days. Apply 30 kg of compound fertilizer per mu, followed by 15–20 kg per application. If needed, apply once more in the later stage.
Do not use urban waste, sludge, industrial residues, or untreated organic fertilizers. They can harm the crop and soil health.
Plant training and shaping include vine pruning, pressing vines, melon thinning, pollination, and fruit selection. Leave 2–3 side vines before fruit set, then remove all others. Press vines before and after fruit development to encourage root growth. Keep 22 fruits per plant, pollinate from 7–9 AM, and select one good fruit per plant to focus energy on quality.
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