Kuska Plant – Growing Tips and Benefits of Kuska

Growing and Taking Care of Kuska Plants

Kuska plants thrive in warm, sunny conditions and are sensitive to cold temperatures. It’s best to plant them when the temperature ranges from 20 to 30°C.

1. Getting Ready to Grow Kuska Plants at Home

When planting, gather some simple materials like pots, foam boxes, and plastic trays. Choose tools that fit your conditions. Pick sizes and qualities that work. Check that the planting tools have good drainage. They should be at least 15 cm tall for healthy Kuska plant growth.

Growing Medium for Kuska Plants:

The growing medium can consist of organic materials like Peatmoss Terraerden. You can also make your mix using this formula. It’s 1/4 soil and 1/2 charcoal (sawdust, coconut fiber) and 1/4 decomposed manure. After mixing, treat any fungal diseases. Use solutions like Daconil 75 WP (1 g/l water) or Ridomil Gold 68 WG (3 g/l water). Spray the solutions evenly onto the mixed growing medium (40 – 50 l/m3 of medium).

Kuska Plant Seeds: Buy seeds from good suppliers. They have the right variety and high germination rate.

2. Planting Kuska Plant Seeds

You can sow Kuska seeds directly into pots, foam boxes, or seed trays. Or, start them in seedling trays. Transplant them once they become seedlings. For efficiency, it’s better to sow directly in foam boxes or pots.

Seed Quantity:

• For pots with a diameter of 15 – 20 cm, sow 1 – 2 seeds.

• For larger foam boxes (50 x 70 cm), sow 3 – 5 seeds.

Seed Preparation:

• Soak the seeds in warm water (35°C) for 3 – 6 hours.

• Drain the seeds and wrap them in a moist cloth for 1 – 2 days until they crack open.

Sowing Process:

• Place the prepared growing medium in the chosen containers.

• Sow the seeds at a depth of 2 – 3 cm, covering them with soil.

• Water the soil, keeping moisture levels at 70 – 75%. Water in the morning or early evening, 1 – 2 times a day.

Post-Sowing Care:

• About 10 – 15 days after sowing, the seeds will germinate into seedlings.

• Continue caring for the seedlings with regular watering and maintenance.

Following these steps will increase the chances of Kuska plant seeds growing. It will also ensure healthy seedlings.

4. Caring for Kuska Plants

Supporting Kuska Plants:

Kuska plants, being climbers, enjoy having supports for their growth. When growing Kuska in foam containers, you can use them to climb on balconies, walls, or fences. Or, you can create specific supports for the plants. Kuska thrives in well-lit areas. Putting the supports in sunny spots leads to lots of fruit.

Watering Tips for Kuska Plants:

Kuska plants tolerate drought well. But, to keep fruiting and growth strong, they need 60-70% moisture. When it rains, there is no need for irrigation. But, in hot and dry seasons, it’s good to water once or twice a day to keep the soil moist.

Fertilizing Guidelines:

Given the plant’s vigorous growth and continuous fruiting, providing adequate nutrients is crucial.

• Apply the first round of fertilizer when the plant has 3-4 true leaves. Use 8-10 grams of urea and 10 grams of Superphosphate. Dissolve them in 4 liters of water. Use the mixture for evening irrigation.

• Follow a regular routine for subsequent fertilizer applications every 20-25 days. Use a dosage of 8-10 grams of NPK mixed with 4 liters of water for evening irrigation.

• Stop fertilizing 7-10 days before harvesting. This will keep the fruits free from excess residue, for consumer safety.

Harvesting Instructions:

The plant will start flowering 45-60 days after planting. About 20 days later, you can harvest the first fruits. For a new crop, space later harvests 10-15 days apart. There’s also a continuous harvesting phase every 3-4 days for a batch of fruits. Note the timing of fertilizer applications to ensure proper isolation periods.

Pests and Diseases for Kuska Plants:

Kuska plants are generally resistant to diseases and pests. Pay attention to beetles and snails eating young plants during the seedling stage. Take precautions against root-cutting insects, especially when grown in pots. Snails should be particularly watched in potted environments.