Detailed Explanation of Key Points on Celery Seed Germination and Seedling Raising Techniques
The root system of celery is distributed relatively shallowly, and its nutrient absorption capacity is relatively weak. Therefore, when planting celery, seedlings are generally raised first to improve the growth capacity of the seedlings and promote robust growth, which can effectively increase yield and enhance quality. The following is an introduction to celery seed germination and seedling raising techniques!
I. Seedbed Preparation
If greenhouse seedling raising is used, then a leeward and sunny location should be selected to make the seedling bed. The seedling bed should not be too large, so as to reduce land waste and facilitate watering. After leveling and making the bed, apply sufficient base fertilizer to the seedling bed. The base fertilizer should be fully mixed with the soil, and the soil should be turned and tilled to a depth of 10 cm, with the soil finely broken up. After soil preparation and fertilization, shade measures should be set up on the seedling bed to prevent direct sunlight from affecting seed germination after sowing. Then prepare fine soil and fine sand nearby so that after sowing they can be used to cover the seeds, improving the soil's heat and moisture retention capacity.
II. Seed Soaking and Germination
According to the size of the seedling bed, prepare an appropriate amount of seeds, then soak the seeds in warm water for one day, then remove them and rinse them with clean water 3-4 times. When rinsing, rub the seeds to rub open the seed coat, then place them in the sun to dry. When the seeds are in a half-dry and half-wet state, wrap them in a wet cloth and bury them in an earthen basin, then water the earthen basin thoroughly. Place the earthen basin at a temperature of about 19 degrees for germination. During the germination process, turn the seeds twice at regular intervals to ensure even germination, and keep the soil moist. Generally, sprouts will appear in about one week.
III. Sowing Time
The specific sowing time for celery seeds should be determined according to the planting region and season. For example, if cultivating and sowing in spring, it is generally around early November. When entering winter, good covering and freeze protection work should be done. When sowing, pay attention to the sowing amount and sowing density, and do not sow too densely. Before sowing, first water thoroughly. After the water seeps down into the seedling bed, sow appropriately. After sowing, promptly cover with the previously prepared fine soil and fine sand, then cover with a layer of plastic film to improve the soil's capacity. After sowing, do good management work, strengthen weed control, and improve the seed germination rate.
IV. Seedling Stage Management
After sowing, in order to prevent weeds from competing for the nutrients needed for seed germination, appropriately use herbicides for weed control. If there are weeds that have not been killed by the herbicides, promptly pull them out by hand. After the seedlings break through the soil, uncover the plastic film and water promptly. Afterward, keep the soil evenly dry and moist. If air humidity is high and ventilation is insufficient, pay attention to the amount of watering to prevent celery diseases and insect pests. When the seedlings are weak in growth and lacking nutrients, promptly apply additional fertilizer. Urea can be washed in with water, and can also be appropriately sprayed onto the leaf surface. In addition, during the seedling stage, thinning should be carried out at least twice. The first time is after the seedlings break through the soil, and then thin again when the seedlings grow to 2 true leaves. The principle of thinning is to keep the strong and remove the weak.
The above is Tuliu.com's introduction to celery seed germination and seedling raising techniques. After the seedlings emerge, management work for the seedlings should be strengthened. Generally, when the seedlings have grown for about 45 days, they can be planted out. When planting out, pay attention to doing a good job of preparing the field for planting out, and when transplanting, prevent damage to the roots of the seedlings, which would affect the normal growth of celery.