Bí xanh is a vigorous vine, so you can definitely grow it in a plastic crate. All you need to do is provide enough water and fertilize regularly, and the plant will flower and bear fruit.
1 What You’ll Need
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Bí xanh seeds
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Plastic crate
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Potting soil
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Other supplies: cloth, wooden/bamboo/reed sticks or iron rods for trellis, plastic trays, plastic bags, etc.
Tip for choosing seeds: Look for elliptical, tapered bí xanh seeds that are white in color. These tend to have better germination rates, and the resulting fruits will be larger and juicier. If you’re harvesting seeds from an existing fruit, choose a large, round fruit free of pests and diseases. Select plump, non-flat seeds.
Tip for choosing soil: For growing bí xanh, it’s best to use a well-draining, sandy loam soil.
Supplies needed for growing bí xanh at home
2 How to Grow Bí Xanh at Home in a Plastic Crate
Step 1 Prepare the Seeds for Germination
Germinating bí xanh seeds
Soak the seeds in warm water (ratio of 2 parts boiling water to 3 parts cold water) for about 5 hours, then rinse them. Wrap the seeds in a damp cloth, place them in a container, and let them germinate until the seed coats crack open.
Step 2 Sow the Seeds
Once the seeds have been soaked and germinated, it’s time to sow them in plastic trays to grow into seedlings. Maintain proper spacing between the seeds to avoid overcrowding. Finally, cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them gently.
After about 5 days, when the seeds have sprouted and grown 1-2 leaves, you can transfer them to the plastic crate. Place the crate in a cool, shaded area.
Growing bí xanh in a plastic crate
Step 3 Build a Trellis for the Vine
As the seedlings adjust to their new environment, water them twice a day, in the early morning and late afternoon, to promote healthy growth.
When the bí xanh plant reaches a height of about 20 meters, construct a trellis to provide support, encourage new branches, and promote flowering. The ideal distance between the trellis and the plant is 0.5-1 meter.
Building a trellis for bí xanh
3 Care Instructions
About 40 days after planting, the bí xanh will start to flower. At this point, increase the frequency of watering and ensure that the plant has adequate drainage, as bí xanh is susceptible to waterlogging.
As soon as the plant begins to fruit, monitor the fruits closely and remove any deformed or diseased young fruits to allow the plant to focus its nutrients on healthy fruits. Additionally, provide fertilizer to promote the plant’s growth.
Watering and pruning old vines
Bí xanh is prone to pests such as bees, green worms, and aphids. To protect the fruits, cover them with plastic bags or use organic pesticides available at agricultural supply stores.
You can start harvesting bí xanh about 50-60 days after sowing. The fruits can be picked at 25-30 days after fruiting, depending on the growing techniques and care provided by the gardener.
Bí xanh ready for harvest