Features of the formation of melons
In the process of growing melons, the formation of young bushes plays an important role. Without it, the yield of melons is significantly reduced, and the fragrant fruits themselves do not always grow to their intended size. Experienced gardeners know what to look for and how to pinch correctly, and the material outlined in the article will help beginners to navigate.
The main thing in the formation of melons is to carry it out in a timely manner, before the side shoots become large. In this case, they simply take strength from the main stem and affect the setting and further growth of the fruit.
When to start forming a melon?
The first pinching of the melon must be done when 4-5 true leaves or 3 pairs of leaves are formed on the bush. The tip of the shoot remaining after them must be carefully pinched off. This stimulates the formation of lateral shoots (stepchildren), which are tied from the axils of each leaf. The number of stepchildren directly depends on the number of leaves left after pinching - how many leaves are on the bush, so many stepsons are formed in the future.
Unlike watermelons, which are tied to the main stem, melons form on the lateral shoots of the first and second order.
Step-by-step procedure for forming a bush
Further melon formation occurs in this way:
- After the stepsons are formed, it is necessary to leave only two side shoots, removing all the rest. Preference should be given to the strongest and most developed lashes. These will be first-order shoots.
- After two weeks, shoots of the second order will form on the left lashes. It is on them that female flowers are laid, which means the melons themselves. Some hybrid varieties are capable of forming fruits already in the first stepsons. After the new shoots grow a little, they also need to pinch the top of their growth. Transfer all shoots to the trellis.
- From the set fruits, choose the best ones, removing the rest. For large varieties, 2 ovaries are enough, and for small-fruited, you can leave up to 7 fruits.
- Pinch the top of the main lateral shoot when it reaches the maximum height on the trellis. This should be done when a fruit the size of a nut has already formed on it, leaving 3 leaves behind.
As young "fatty" lashes appear, they must be removed periodically. Excess green mass melon to nothing, besides, such stepchildren will only take away the strength from the bush, which is necessary for the normal development of the fruit.