Where is the origin of mitsuba (Japanese honewort)? A detailed explanation of the key points of planting and cultivation techniques
The demand for mitsuba (Japanese honewort) is quite large. In winter, many vegetables cannot be grown in the open field, but it is a seasonal vegetable of winter, and many people eat it during the Chinese New Year. This vegetable does not have very high requirements for the environment or climate and is very suitable for planting. As long as you pay attention to its seed treatment and control the temperature, humidity and light well when sowing, you will grow good mitsuba. Let us learn about it in detail below.
Mitsuba planting and cultivation techniques
1. Sowing and raising seedlings
1. Seed treatment
If you are growing mitsuba hydroponically, you need to prepare some tools first, such as seedling trays and sponge blocks. These tools are similar to those for hydroponic cultivation of other vegetables. The seeds need to be treated with salt water. Soak the seeds in 17% salt water for 30 seconds, remove the impurities that float up, then wrap the seeds in gauze and soak them in clean water for one night. During this period, they need to be rinsed 4 to 5 times. This is also the disinfection of the seeds. After taking out the seeds, dry the water again. Prepare a 1000-fold dilution of benomyl, put the seeds into it and soak for 5 to 6 hours. After that, there is no need to wash them with water again. When taking them out, you only need to remove the excess water, which plays a role in breaking dormancy. Then wrap the seeds in a wet towel and keep the temperature between 15 and 20 degrees. After 5 to 7 days, the sprouting will be successful.
2. Sowing
Mitsuba needs a certain amount of light when the seeds germinate. The newly sprouted seeds need to be evenly scattered on the sponge blocks. Next, add a certain amount of water to the seedling tray so that the water can soak through every sponge block. Keep the temperature between 20 and 25 degrees, and seedlings can basically grow in 2 to 3 days.
3. Adding nutrient solution
When green leaves appear, you need to drain some of the water in the tray and then add some nutrient solution. After one week, if the leaves have already covered the sponge blocks and its roots have already established themselves in the sponge blocks, you can prepare for the next step.
2. Mitsuba planting out
When planting out mitsuba, you need to pay attention to the planting density. 10 to 10 cm is the most suitable. The temperature during its growth period should always be kept at about 35 degrees. The seedling raising period is 35 days. If the temperature is lower, it is generally about 50 days. In this way, it can be sown in every season. At harvest time, if the height has reached about 25 cm, it can be picked. First remove some yellow leaves and some bad leaves, cut off the roots with scissors, and then tie them into small bundles, and they can be sold.
Where is the origin of mitsuba
Mitsuba is generally distributed in some ditches or places with accumulated water in low pits. Its origins are China, North America and other places. It can be seen in wet places by field edges and also among rice plants. Mitsuba is found in every province of China, but there are relatively more origins in southern China.
Mitsuba is a vegetable with a cool-growing habit. It usually grows suitably at temperatures below 25 degrees and is relatively cold-tolerant. It may not freeze to death even in an environment around zero degrees, so it is a very easy plant to grow. Overall, mitsuba is a plant suitable for sowing in autumn. You might as well give it a try.