Choy Sum Planting Time and Methods Explained in One Article

SummaryPlanting methods: Choy sum has a short growth period and a relatively shallow root system. Before planting, about 1500-2000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer should be applied per mu, and then sowing can be done by raising seedlings for transplanting, direct seeding, or drilling. After planting, fertilization is required, and fertilizer should also be applied after each harvest, and weeds should be removed in time. Choy sum requires a large amount of water during its growth process. If there is no rain, it should be watered once every 7 days. Planting time: Generally sow in March, or from early August to early to mid-September.

I. Planting Time

1. Generally sow during the two periods of March each year and from early August to early to mid-September. Choy sum planted during this period has better quality.

2. The suitable growth temperature for choy sum germination and seedlings is about 25-30°C, and the suitable temperature for leaf growth and flowering stalk formation is about 15-20°C. The planting time can be chosen according to different regions and seasonal climates.

II. Selecting Varieties

At present, there are many varieties of choy sum, such as green choy sum, willow-leaf choy sum, bok choy sum, Sijiu choy sum, red choy sum, and so on. The variety to plant can be selected according to sowing time, market demand, and local climate. For example, the early and mid-maturing variety Liushi Teqing can be marketed in about 60 days, and Sijiu choy sum can be marketed in about 35 days.

III. Sowing Methods

1. Choy sum has a relatively short growth period, relatively shallow roots, and poor absorption capacity, so sufficient base fertilizer needs to be applied. About 1500-2000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer can be applied per mu.

2. Choy sum can be transplanted by direct seeding, drilling, and seedling raising. For seedling raising and transplanting, transplanting can be carried out at a row spacing of about 30-35 cm and a plant spacing of about 20-25 cm.

3. Direct seeding: First evenly scatter seeds on the prepared land, and after emergence, thin and fill in seedlings. Thinning can be carried out at a row spacing of 20-30 cm, leaving two seedlings per plant.

4. Drilling: Dig a small furrow about 3-5 cm deep and about 10 cm wide at a row spacing of about 30 cm, then evenly scatter seeds into the furrow, cover with soil, and after emergence, fill in and thin seedlings at a spacing of about 25 cm.

IV. Field Management

1. After planting choy sum, management needs to be strengthened, with timely fertilization, watering, and weeding, which is more conducive to its growth.

2. Fertilization can be carried out after planting, and topdressing can be carried out when choy sum begins to form. In addition, fertilizer also needs to be applied after each harvest. In order to reduce nutrient loss, it can be carried out together with weeding, which is conducive to nutrient absorption and utilization.

3. Choy sum requires a relatively large amount of water during its growth process, and field moisture needs to be maintained at about 70%. If there is no rain, it needs to be watered about once every 7 days, and in rainy seasons it needs to be drained in time.

V. Pest and Disease Control

1. Choy sum has relatively good resistance and few diseases. The main pests include leaf roller, cabbage aphid, and diamondback moth, which can be controlled with trichlorfon or dimethoate emulsion.

2. Note that to ensure the quality of choy sum, pesticides cannot be applied about 15 days before harvest to avoid pesticide damage.