The loofah differently called mochalochny pumpkin is annual lianopodobny plant. India is considered the homeland of loofah. Fruits of plant are traditionally used for production of basts. Recently there was very popular soap which part the loofah is. How to grow up "bast" on the kitchen garden?
Instruction
1. The loofah is thermophilic plant therefore it is recommended to land it in soil in the form of seedling. Seeds of plant need to be seeded at the beginning of April. Place loofah seeds in potassium permanganate solution for 15-17 minutes. Carefully wash with water and lay out on damp moss for three days. Then plant the sprouted seeds in pots with peat, cover with polyethylene film and leave in the warm place. In 5-6 days, shoots will appear.
2. Prepare soil for change of loofah. This plant prefers the friable, warm and well fertilized soils. On one square meter of cultivated area it is necessary to bring 2 tablespoons of phosphoric fertilizers, half of bucket of manure, 1 glass of wood ashes and 1 tablespoon of potash fertilizer. The place for landing of loofah has to be protected from wind.
3. Plant seedling. The germinated loofah is landed in the paved way at the beginning of May. Seedling should be planted ranks on crests. The distance between holes has to make, at least, one meter. Put 1/2 glasses of wood ashes and 2 one-liter jars of humus on hole bottom. Carefully mix everything with the earth and water with weak solution of potassium permanganate. Depending on volumes of cultivated area it is necessary to build any given supporting structures. For the big areas usually use wire lanes. This design consists of two rows of the wire attached to stakes. The distance between stakes has to make 5 meters. For planting of separate plants in each hole thrust pole. It is also possible to land loofah about fencing. Plant stalks in process of their growth need to be tied in several places to support.
4. Right after disembarkation it is necessary to water loofah once a week (all May). Since June to the middle of September - 2 times a week. Further, up to maturing, watering is made less often. During vegetation of plant it is necessary to loosen, at least, three times the soil.
5. At the beginning of growth of loofah it is necessary to delete all side branches of plant. The main stalk is recommended to prishchipnut 3 m at distance - it will accelerate ripening of fruits. In the course of growth it is necessary to delete the late or deformed fruits. At the correct leaving from one plant it will be possible to collect from 3 to 8 fruits.