When to sow Wuta-tsai (savoyed mustard greens)? Planting times vary by region
SummaryIf grown in North China, direct sowing can be done from early May to early June and from mid-to-late August to early September each year; sowing and raising seedlings can also be done in early September, then transplanting them into cold frames in late October for cultivation; if grown in the cold northern regions, sowing can be done in mid-to-late June and mid-August each year; if grown in the Yangtze River basin, sowing and raising seedlings can be done in September, and transplanting in October.
Planting time for Wuta-tsai
Wuta-tsai, also called ta-tsai or ta-ke-tsai, is a variety of Chinese cabbage, rich in nutrients. Every 100 g of fresh leaves contains 70 mg of vitamin C, 180 mg of calcium, and minerals such as iron, magnesium and phosphorus, so it is known as a “vitamin” vegetable.
When planting Wuta-tsai in different regions and different seasons, suitable varieties should be chosen to achieve year-round production. Generally, for winter cultivation, late-bolting varieties with strong winter hardiness can be chosen; for spring cultivation, varieties with weak winter hardiness can be chosen; for hot and rainy seasons, varieties with strong resistance and wide adaptability should be chosen; for autumn and winter cultivation, low-temperature-tolerant spreading-type varieties can be chosen.
1. North China: direct sowing from early May to early June each year, generally harvested from late June to mid-to-late July; sown from mid-to-late August to early September, harvested from early October to early November; sowing and raising seedlings in early September, transplanting into cold frames in late October for cultivation, harvested from December to February of the following year.
2. Cold northern regions: direct sowing in mid-to-late June each year or raising seedlings in cold frames for transplanting, generally harvested from early to mid-August; direct sowing in mid-August, harvested from late September to mid-October.
3. Yangtze River basin: sowing and raising seedlings in September each year, transplanting in October, and from December to February of the following year, it can be harvested at any time.
How to grow Wuta-tsai
1. Seed treatment
Select plump seeds, soak them in clean water for 1 hour, then take them out and dry them in a cool place until the moisture on the seed surface evaporates.
2. Soil selection
For growing Wuta-tsai, it is best to choose fertile, loose soil or nutrient-rich humus soil. Before sowing, water the soil to promote the growth of Wuta-tsai; if sowing in summer, the amount of water should be appropriately increased.
3. Sowing and raising seedlings
According to the planting density, dig holes of about 10 cm in the corresponding positions, put the seeds into the holes, then cover with about 1 cm of soil. Generally, as long as the climate is suitable, seedlings will emerge in about 3 days. Water once 30 days after emergence to promote more vigorous growth of Wuta-tsai; if there are few seedlings, apply a quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer once.
4. Daily management
Water regularly. After winter begins, the temperature is lower, and the growth rate of Wuta-tsai will slow down. Some plant ash can be piled on the soil to ensure that Wuta-tsai overwinters safely.