Planting Chinese cabbage for seedlings
When growing vegetables with seeds, it is necessary to take into account the vegetative process from start to finish. However, many farmers ignore the minimum requirements, with dire consequences. Consider how the planting of Peking cabbage for seedlings is going on.
Planting Chinese cabbage for seedlings
Description of culture
Petsai or lettuce is a biennial plant grown as an annual. A head of cabbage is formed from delicate leaves, each of which is fringed. Depending on the variety, the color of the product ranges from pale yellow to bright green.
Culture is a favorite dish of the national cuisines of China, Korea and Japan. The vegetable came to Europe in the early 70s of the last century, but gained popularity only in the last few years. In addition to its great taste, the plant contains many useful substances such as:
- vitamin C;
- B vitamins (1, 2 and 6);
- PP;
- carotene;
- protein.
Due to its complex chemical composition, petsai is consumed both fresh and processed. In Europe, the culture has taken root in salads, although good taste characteristics allow it to be used in soups, side dishes and pickles. By the way, the plant is a relative of radish, daikon and broccoli.
Sowing dates
To sow Chinese cabbage for seedlings, you need to choose the right time. The fact is that the vegetable is demanding on the warmth and length of the day. If the daylight hours are more than 13 hours, then the heads of cabbage are not formed. The plant develops at a temperature not lower than 14 and not higher than 25 C. In both cases, the culture shoots an arrow to the detriment of the outlet.
Unlike lettuce and cabbage, in our climatic conditions, petsai can be grown 2 times a year - in spring and autumn (in mid-July). In the first case, the seedlings have time to develop before the onset of heat, and in the second, decreasing daylight hours protect against flowering. The plant is cultivated without problems in Siberia and Altai.
Almost all varieties of Peking cabbage have a short growing season - up to 60 days.
Planting of Chinese cabbage seedlings for an early harvest is carried out a month before planting in the main place of growth. The most suitable dates for the Middle Lane are the end of March and the beginning of April. In cooler regions, the optimal time is postponed to May or early June. The vegetable can easily withstand night frosts down to -4 C, however, the consequences of stress will be shooting to the detriment of the head of cabbage.
The most favorable time for sowing seeds is the waxing moon phase. During this period, the grains hatch faster and take root without problems. It is not recommended to engage in agricultural work on the new moon and full moon.
Preparation of raw materials
Strong seedlings
Professional hybrids are already processed, so any soaking will wash away the protective and nourishing layer. When sowing your seed, you need to take preventive measures. Before planting, the seeds are carefully sorted out, leaving specimens larger than 1.5 mm.
The first step will be quenching in warm and cold water. First, the seed is placed in a liquid with a temperature of 50 degrees for two minutes, after which it is transferred to ice water for the same time. At the end, all components are laid out on a napkin to dry.
To grow Chinese cabbage seedlings without problems, you need to disinfect the grains. For these purposes, Fitosporin-M or Maxim's summer resident solutions, diluted according to the instructions, are suitable. After processing, the raw materials are soaked for a day in an available growth regulator - Epine or Zircon.
Landing
We plant any Peking cabbage for seedlings in properly selected soil. The plant prefers to grow in a mixture of coconut, peat and turf. Loose soil provides natural aeration of the roots, which prevents rotting of the lower parts and the appearance of fungal diseases. Since petsay does not like transplanting, it is better to choose special disposable pots or tablets as a container.
Having chosen the optimal time for sowing, a hole is made in the soil with a finger, the depth of which is not more than 1 cm. Three grains are placed in each hole, and then sprinkled with earth. Gently moisturize, draining the remaining moisture. Unlike seedlings of other cultures, lettuce is left in a dark place at a temperature of 20-22 C. If the procedure is correct, then the first shoots appear after 3 days.
After 3 adult leaves grow on the seedlings, gently pinch the weak shoots. When the seedlings release five plates, then you can start planting in a permanent place of growth. Remember that petsai is painfully experiencing manipulations with the roots, so we do not recommend diving the culture.
In the greenhouse, the vegetable must be planted directly into the ground. In this case, it is necessary to ensure control over the level of humidity and heat. A decrease in temperature leads to the fact that shooting begins, and fungi and viruses are activated in wet ground.
Transplanting into the ground
In order for the cabbage to bloom, it is important to comply with all growing requirements.
Site preparation
The plant prefers to grow in well-drained fertile soil with maximum light. Vegetables have the same diseases and pests, so it is worth adhering to the rules of crop rotation. You can not grow cabbage after tomatoes and beets
Best predecessors:
- carrot;
- cucumbers;
- legumes;
- garlic;
- bow;
- siderates.
All work on the preparation of the site is carried out in advance - in spring or autumn. Thoroughly dig up the soil, removing plant residues of previous crops. For the winter, you can add humus and compost. Before planting seedlings, make holes, adding a tablespoon to each:
- superphosphate;
- urea;
- wood ash.
Transfer
Seedlings can be planted in a permanent place of growth at a suitable time. In order to grow large heads of cabbage, plant seedlings according to the scheme 30x25 cm, since the plant needs a lot of space. For growing lettuce leaves, the holes are placed closer to each other.
25 days after the seeds are hatched, the main work is started. Remember that seedlings are very delicate and fragile, so all actions are carried out carefully. The pot is slowly lowered into the finished hole, sprinkled with earth and slowly watered under the root with warm water.
In the first two weeks of planting at night, they are protected from frost with a film. By the way, artificially reducing daylight hours will help form a high-quality head of cabbage. It is important to remember to remove the material in the morning.
Care
Peking cabbage seedlings develop without problems in the open field. The optimum temperature should be at least 13 C and not higher than 25 C. To protect the plant from heat and cold, industrial technology involves covering with lutrasil. The canvas not only protects against adverse climatic conditions, but also prevents the cruciferous flea from getting inside.
14 days after planting in a permanent place of growth, the beds are mulched.The procedure retains moisture in the soil and prevents weeds from overgrowing. In addition, the culture is provided with natural aeration of the roots.
The plantation is irrigated once a week. In order to grow a healthy petsai from seeds and seedlings, plantings should not be flooded. Before any event, the land must have time to dry out. Every 14 days, watering is combined with organic fertilizing. Fertilizers are prohibited half a month before harvest.
Conclusion
If you want to plant seeds of Peking cabbage for seedlings, then you should carefully consider the requirements of the culture. Knowing the timing and characteristics of sowing and care, you can easily avoid common mistakes.