Growing Methods and Key Technical Points for Baby Bok Choy

The first step is variety selection; generally, the varieties Aikangqing, Dongchangqing and Shanghaiqing are chosen. Apply 1000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu as base fertilizer. Evenly broadcast the seeds on the seedbed surface; after sowing, lightly rake the seedbed surface, cover the seeds, then firm the soil by treading and water thoroughly. Carry out the corresponding field management.

1. Variety Selection

The choice of varieties to grow also differs by season. When growing in spring, choose varieties with strong cold resistance, such as Ermanman and Dongchangqing; in summer, when temperatures are extremely high, choose varieties with strong heat tolerance, such as Kangre 605 and Xiadongqing; for autumn and winter growing, temperatures are suitable in the early stage and lower in the later stage, so generally the varieties Aikangqing, Dongchangqing and Shanghaiqing are chosen.

2. Land Preparation and Fertilization

Baby bok choy has an extremely short growth cycle, so one week before plowing, apply 1000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu as base fertilizer, bury it into the soil through plowing, then level and harrow finely, and then make the seedbeds. In spring it is mostly grown in greenhouses, so shallow beds are generally made; summer is a period of high temperature and frequent rain, so deep furrows and high beds should be made, which is good for irrigation and drainage; autumn and winter beds should be higher than spring beds but lower than summer beds.

3. Sowing

When sowing, evenly broadcast the seeds on the seedbed surface; after sowing, lightly rake the seedbed surface, cover the seeds, then firm the soil by treading, and water according to the soil's dryness and moisture. Generally, sow 2 kg per mu. Sowing in summer occurs during the high-temperature season, so from sowing to emergence, shade measures must be taken to prevent strong light from directly scorching the seedlings to death. Also, when the weather is dry, water thoroughly once before sowing, and sow after the water has seeped into the soil. Before emergence, keep the soil moist at all times. Summer temperatures are high and the survival rate is relatively low, so the sowing rate is also larger, generally 2-4 kg per mu. Autumn sowing also falls in a high-temperature period; if the soil is too dry at sowing, water first as well, and the sowing method and sowing rate are the same as in spring.

4. Field Management

Growing baby bok choy is relatively simple. With sufficient base fertilizer applied, generally only two topdressings are needed before harvest. For the first topdressing, after the cotyledons unfold, apply 5 kg of urea per mu; it is recommended to dilute the topdressing with water and apply it. For the second, after two true leaves appear, apply 10 kg of urea per mu. At the same time, keep the soil moist; water frequently, but avoid heavy flooding irrigation. Also pay attention to the intrusion of pests and diseases. The main disease is viral disease, and the main pests include aphids, cabbage caterpillars, diamondback moths, and so on; do a good job of preventing and controlling them. In spring, harvest can generally be done 40-50 days after sowing, in summer 20-25 days, and in autumn and winter 25-40 days.