Sowing: For spring tunnel cultivation in North China, seedling age 35–45 days (or 4 true leaves). After cotyledons unfold, maintain 16–18°C in the first half of the night and 28–32°C during the day.
Transplanting: Plant on a sunny day when soil temperature is above 12°C, 3,000–3,500 plants per 667 m².
Water & Fertilizer: Avoid severe seedling hardening. Deep green heart leaves indicate water shortage — water when needed. Apply 5,000 kg+ base fertilizer per 667 m², and 10–20 kg chemical fertilizer after every two fruit pickings.
Pruning: Remove all lateral branches below node 10 to promote early root and middle fruits; keep laterals above node 10 and pinch after 2 leaves beyond a fruit.
Harvest: Pick the first fruit promptly to avoid vine strain.
Pest control: Watch for downy mildew, aphids, whitefly and tea mite.