Cultivation Techniques and Field Management Key Points for Chrysanthemum Greens

To grow chrysanthemum greens, choose a location with relatively stable and comparatively low temperatures, and soil that is deep, well-drained, and fertile. Mix the seeds evenly with fine sand and broadcast sow them, then cover with soil after sowing, cover with a shade net, and water thoroughly. Apply topdressing once 5 days after transplanting, and thereafter once every 7 to 10 days; during hot, dry summer periods, water the plants, and in rainy seasons, drain the field.

1. Site Selection

Chrysanthemum greens are cold-tolerant and intolerant of high temperatures. The seeds can germinate at 4°C and above, and the optimal temperature for seedling growth is 15 to 20°C, with vigorous growth at 20°C. When selecting a site, a location with relatively stable and comparatively low temperatures is best, and soil that is deep, well-drained, and fertile is best. After choosing the plot, prepare the land, apply sufficient decomposed organic fertilizer as base fertilizer, and plow deeply and harrow finely to make flat beds.

2. Sowing

In southern China, sowing can be done as early as February, while in cold northern regions sowing should be done in early April. Mix the seeds evenly with fine sand and broadcast sow them, cover with fine soil about 0.5 cm thick, then cover with a shade net and water thoroughly; in early spring when it is cold, overcast, and rainy, cover with plastic film. After about 10 days the seedlings emerge; remove the shade net or plastic film, and when the seedlings have 2 to 3 leaves they can be transplanted to the field.

3. Fertilizer and Water

Apply topdressing once 5 days after planting, and thereafter once every 7 to 10 days, using a combination of farmyard manure with urea and compound fertilizer. It has strong branching ability and lateral branches sprout quickly, so it has a relatively high fertilizer demand; when grown in poor soil, the number of topdressings should be increased. During hot, dry summer periods, pay attention to watering, but avoid waterlogging in the field; in rainy seasons, pay attention to drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

4. Cultivation and Weeding

Before the plants close their rows, cultivate and weed; weeding should be done relatively frequently, and weeds must not exceed 8 cm. Generally, it is enough to remove the larger weeds; small weeds will later be shaded by the chrysanthemum greens and will find it hard to grow large. Before winter, after harvesting the old stubble stems, it is advisable to loosen the soil and earth up the plants.