Spring cabbage cultivation techniques
Xuzhou Xinbaisheng Protective Equipnent Co., Ltd. , https://www.xinparkson.com
With the continuous rise in living standards and changes in agricultural practices, the cultivation of spring cabbage has expanded from the Yangtze River region to northern areas and even alpine regions through off-season farming. This large-scale production has led to significant economic benefits. However, if not properly managed, early bolting can occur, which reduces the quality and market value of the crop, causing financial losses for farmers and affecting market stability. To address this issue, it's essential to understand the causes of bolting and implement effective prevention strategies.
Cabbage is a vernalization-dependent crop, meaning that it requires exposure to low temperatures during its early growth stages—specifically, the seedling and rosette phases. This process usually takes 10–15 days at temperatures between 2°C and 10°C. Below 2°C, the process slows down due to reduced cell division, but the effect is cumulative, so continuous cold isn't necessary. Once vernalization is complete, exposure to long daylight hours (14–20 hours) and temperatures around 18–20°C can trigger rapid flowering, leading to loss of market value.
Different cabbage varieties have varying levels of sensitivity to low temperatures. Some are more resistant to bolting, while others are highly sensitive. Choosing the right variety is crucial for reducing the risk of premature flowering.
Climate also plays a major role. In regions like the Yangtze River valley and northern spring areas, early cold spells followed by warm, sunny days create ideal conditions for bolting. Unstable spring temperatures, with sudden fluctuations or late frosts, can extend the time plants spend in cold environments, increasing the likelihood of uncontrolled bolting.
Sowing time is another critical factor. If sown too early, seedlings may be exposed to prolonged cold, leading to bolting. Sowing too late can delay maturity and reduce yield. Therefore, selecting the optimal planting window is essential.
Temperature management during early growth is equally important. In protected environments, poor temperature control, delayed heating, or inadequate insulation can expose seedlings to temperatures below 13°C for extended periods, increasing the risk of early bolting.
To prevent these issues, several measures can be taken:
1. Choose high-quality spring varieties that are cold-tolerant, bolt-resistant, and fast-maturing.
2. Determine the appropriate sowing date based on local climate conditions to avoid extreme temperatures.
3. Improve temperature management in greenhouses or other protected structures to maintain temperatures above 13°C during the seedling stage.
4. Implement proper agricultural practices such as irrigation, fertilization, and mulching to enhance plant health and reduce the risk of early bolting.
By adopting these strategies, growers can significantly reduce the occurrence of bolting and protect their yields and profits.