Choosing the right variety is crucial for successful cultivation. Early-maturing varieties are generally not suitable for spring planting, as they may not develop properly under the conditions of this season. To ensure a fresh product for the morning market in the coming year, it's recommended to select varieties that take 80 to 100 days to mature. For example, the "Chunshou No. 3" and "Jinpin 50" varieties developed by the Tianjin Vegetable Research Institute are ideal for spring greenhouse cultivation. These varieties can also be grown in open fields under plastic sheds. They typically mature within 60 days of planting, with tightly curled inner leaves that protect the head, resulting in a white, compact ball that is less likely to fall apart. The average weight of each head is around 12 kg, and these varieties show strong resistance to diseases.
Seedling care plays a vital role in ensuring healthy plant growth. When sowing seeds, it's essential to use nutrient-rich soil to support strong seedlings. In each cubic meter of the growing medium, 100 to 150 grams of dexamethasone or 5% carbendazim should be added to prevent diseases such as damping-off and blight. Sow 1 to 2 seeds per seedling tray initially. Once the seedlings have two true leaves and one heart, transfer them into individual nutrient pots. A small greenhouse or shelter should be placed over the seedbeds to protect against cold winds after sowing. The minimum temperature inside the shelter should not drop below 8°C. After removing weak or diseased seedlings, gradually increase the spacing between plants when they have 3 to 4 leaves. Begin hardening off the seedlings 7 to 10 days before transplanting, gradually reducing the night temperature to 2°C to 5°C to help them adapt to field conditions. Throughout the seedling stage, it’s important to control common diseases like downy mildew, damping-off, and bacterial wilt.
Selecting fertile soil is key to producing high-quality crops. Apply 3,000 to 4,000 kg of well-rotted organic manure per acre, along with 50 kg of compound fertilizer. After application, till the soil thoroughly and ensure proper irrigation. Keep the drainage ditches clear to maintain good water flow and prevent waterlogging.
Planting time should not be too early. Greenhouse planting is best done in mid-February, while small arch sheds should be planted in late February. Mulching is ideal in mid-March, but if cold weather is expected, it's better to delay planting by a few days. The optimal seedling age for transplanting is 65 to 80 days, with 5 to 6 true leaves. Plant them at a spacing of 50 to 55 cm between rows and 45 cm between plants, resulting in approximately 2,700 to 2,800 plants per acre. To ensure freshness for the morning market, use plastic tunnels and mulch. If the seedlings vary in size, grading and careful management are necessary. Be cautious of late frosts after planting and take protective measures if needed.
Field management after planting is critical for the success of spring cauliflower varieties. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. For shed-grown plants, it's beneficial to ventilate the structure 3 to 5 days after planting to raise the temperature and encourage root development. Once the seedlings have acclimated, adjust ventilation based on weather conditions. During the day, maintain temperatures between 25°C and 28°C, and at night between 10°C and 15°C. About 10 days after planting, apply 15 kg of urea per acre depending on the crop’s growth. Water promptly after fertilizing. When the heads begin to form, apply 30 kg of compound fertilizer per acre. Combine top-dressing with boron fertilizer 1 to 2 times and potassium dihydrogen phosphate 2 to 3 times to improve yield and prevent hollow or blackened flower bulbs. Remove weeds, old leaves, and yellow leaves during fertilization to maintain plant health.
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