Gongcai (stem lettuce) cultivation techniques: choose a slightly alkaline sandy soil with ample fertility

For gongcai cultivation, the first choice is a slightly alkaline, fertile sandy soil with strong water- and fertilizer-retention capacity. After the planting site is chosen, combine intertillage with fertilization to enhance permeability, and after the Start of Autumn (Liqiu) you can reasonably arrange the density and dig holes for sowing. Before sowing, the seeds need to be sprouted: treat the seeds at low temperature by first soaking them in cold water for a certain period, then every day take them out and pour cold water over them once and shade them, and wait for them to germinate. When planting, water thoroughly and keep the soil moist every day; after the seedlings emerge, carry out regular intertillage and weeding and topdress in time.

1. Site selection and land preparation

Gongcai has strong growth capacity. To increase its yield, you need to choose suitable, high-quality soil for planting: it requires a fertile, slightly alkaline sandy soil with strong water- and fertilizer-retention. After choosing the site, prepare the land, promptly check for and deal with residual herbicides and pesticides to prevent phytotoxicity, combine intertillage with fertilization, enhance permeability, disinfect, and reduce the incidence of disease. After the Start of Autumn (Liqiu), reasonably arrange its planting density and dig holes for sowing.

2. Raising seedlings

Gongcai is generally planted after Qingming Festival each year, and the best sowing time is about one week after autumn begins. Before planting gongcai, the seeds need to be soaked to promote germination; too high a temperature will affect seed germination, so before sowing the seeds need low-temperature treatment. First put the seeds in cold water and soak them for about 3 hours. To ensure a suitable temperature, every day the seeds need to be taken out and poured over with cold water once; if the temperature is very high, shading is needed, and after about 3 days the seeds will germinate.

3. Planting management

Gongcai seeds are relatively small and have poor ability to push through the soil. When sowing in autumn, the temperature is relatively high and water is lost quickly, so after planting, water thoroughly to help the seeds germinate and emerge. After sowing, water an appropriate amount twice a day to keep the soil moist, and after watering cover with a layer of rice straw to prevent water loss. After the seeds emerge, remove the rice straw. Later, to ensure normal growth of the seedlings, we need to carry out regular intertillage and weeding to prevent soil compaction, and topdress in time to supplement the nutrients it needs, improving its yield and quality.

4. Harvesting at the right time

We should harvest gongcai at the right time, otherwise its quality and yield will be affected; it should not be too early or too late. If harvested too early, the gongcai is not mature, which reduces its yield; if harvested too late, the gongcai tends to become hollow, its nutritional value declines, and it is not good for storage. Generally, gongcai can be harvested when the outer leaves of the plant are level with the new leaves. The harvest time can be decided according to the growth conditions of the plants in different regions.