How to plant chicory seeds? Detailed planting method
Chicory is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant of the genus Cichorium in the Asteraceae family. Its tender leaves are edible and can be stir-fried or served as a cold dish. It is an excellent delicacy for clearing heat and reducing internal fire. So, how do you plant chicory seeds?
1. Site selection and land preparation
Chicory has low soil requirements, but loam or clay land with plenty of sunlight, convenient drainage and irrigation, loose and fertile soil, deep and moist soil layers, good water and fertilizer retention, and a pH value of 4.5-8.5 is preferable. After selecting the plot, the land must be prepared. First, deep-plow the soil of the plot, then apply fully decomposed farmyard manure, then rake the plot level, and then make beds. The beds are 0.8-1.2 m wide, and the ditches between beds are about 40 cm wide.
2. Seed soaking and germination
Soak the chicory seeds in 55°C warm water for 20 minutes, stirring constantly until the water temperature drops to 30°C, then soak for 24-48 hours. After that, drain them and wrap them in clean, damp gauze, and place them under 20-25°C conditions to germinate. Rinse with clean water 1-2 times a day. When 70% of the seeds have sprouted white, they can be sown.
3. Sowing and seedling raising
Chicory seeds can be sown all year round. If the average daily temperature is above 10°C, seedlings can be raised in the open field; if the average daily temperature is below 10°C, seedlings should be raised in protected cultivation; if the summer temperature is too high, use a shade net or straw curtain to cover for shade and rain protection. Sow the chicory seeds directly in the soil. After sowing, cover with 0.6-0.8 cm of substrate or fine soil, then water with a watering can with a nozzle or a hose, watering thoroughly in one go, and wait for emergence.
4. Timely transplanting
When the seedlings grow to 5-7 leaves, they can be transplanted. Transplant with soil, and when planting, it is preferable for the top of the original substrate of the seedling to be 2-3 cm into the soil. The row spacing is 35-45 cm, and the plant spacing is 30-40 cm. After planting, water thoroughly. If it is a high-temperature season, build the frame and cover it with a shade net on the morning of the transplanting day, then transplant after 16:00 in the afternoon.