The night-scented flower, also known as a semi-wild vegetable, is primarily consumed in its bud form. Traditionally, it was cultivated in front of homes, but since the mid-1980s, it has evolved into a commercial crop. Its produce is now sold in major cities within the province, as well as in Hong Kong and Macao, offering excellent economic returns. Below are the detailed cultivation techniques for this valuable plant.
First, seedling preparation is crucial. Select mature vines that are about 60 cm long and cut them into sections of 8–10 cm. Plant these at an angle of 45 degrees, spacing them approximately 10 cm apart on the soil surface. Cover two-thirds of the cutting with soil and then add a layer of dry weeds. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until roots develop. Transplanting should be done in spring after the roots have grown sufficiently.
Second, soil preparation and planting are essential. The night-scented flower is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained fields. Choose low-lying areas with good drainage. Deep plowing is necessary, and a base fertilizer made from organic compost should be applied. Create raised beds about 30 cm high, with a spacing of 1.5 meters between rows and 70 cm between plants. Plant during spring or summer by making small holes, inserting the seedlings at an angle, covering with soil, and adding a layer of dry weeds before watering.
Third, field management includes vine training and pruning. When the vines reach 1 meter in length, they should be trained to grow vertically. This can be done using trellises, self-made cement poles, or wire systems. The height should not exceed 2 meters to make harvesting easier. Each vine should leave two or three main branches, and any excess growth should be removed. Side branches above 50 cm can be retained for future growth.
Winter pruning is important after the harvest season. Remove dead or weak vines, along with fallen leaves, and retain only the strongest branches. You can also plant short-term crops on either side of the rows to maximize land use.
Fourth, fertilization plays a key role. In early March each year, apply a mixture of 25 kg of compound fertilizer and 500–750 kg of farmyard manure per acre to promote early growth and increase yield. Repeat this every 20–30 days with 15 kg of compound fertilizer or 500 kg of manure. Avoid using nitrogen-based fertilizers. During dry periods, water regularly to encourage new growth, and during the rainy season, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Fifth, pest control is vital. Common pests include crickets and scale insects, while wilt disease is a major concern. Preventive measures include avoiding excessive nitrogen, removing dense foliage, ensuring proper drainage, and weeding during the rainy season. Adding lime during top dressing can also help. For pest control, use insecticides like Pest Control, Anti-Carries 23, or Farm Music to manage flea beetles. Apply 40% Leco emulsion to control scale insects. For wilt disease, combine heat treatment with fungicides to manage fusarium wilt. If infected plants are found, remove and burn them immediately, and treat the surrounding soil with quicklime before replanting after one month.
Finally, harvesting occurs from early April until mid-October. The flowers form umbel-like clusters with small, light yellow blooms that emit a strong fragrance, especially at night. Once 40–50% of the buds have opened, they should be harvested daily. Freshly picked flowers must be sold the same day, and any fully opened flowers should be removed to maintain quality. On average, the yield ranges from 1250 to 1750 kg per mu, with an income of 7,000 to 8,000 yuan per mu.
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