Sowing Time and Key Planting Method Points for Chrysanthemum Greens (Garland Chrysanthemum)

Speaking of chrysanthemum greens, you may find it somewhat unfamiliar. In fact, chrysanthemum greens are what we usually eat as garland chrysanthemum, also known as crown daisy, hao cai, or hao zi gan. Because its flowers closely resemble wild chrysanthemums, it is also called chrysanthemum greens. Chrysanthemum greens are warm in nature, sweet and astringent in taste, and have the effects of calming the blood, gently tonifying the liver and kidneys, nourishing the spleen and stomach, clearing phlegm-heat, and promoting intestinal health. When are chrysanthemum greens sown? What are the key points of the planting method?

1. When are chrysanthemum greens sown?

The planting time for chrysanthemum greens (garland chrysanthemum) is generally spring and autumn. Because many people like to eat garland chrysanthemum, some places now also grow chrysanthemum greens in greenhouses during winter. In South China, sowing and seedling raising generally take place from early February to early March; seeds sown late easily lose their germination capacity. Transplanting takes place in early April, and by May the tender stems and leaves can be harvested and brought to market. With careful management, continuous harvesting can be carried out for about 3 years.

2. Key Points of Chrysanthemum Greens Planting Methods

1. Site selection and land preparation

Chrysanthemum greens are suited to soil that is relatively moist, loose, and fertile. Before sowing, the land must first be prepared; after the soil is loosened, fertilizer should be applied to ensure the soil is fertile.

2. Sowing method

Depending on the cultivation method (direct sowing or seedling transplanting), either broadcast sowing or drilling can be used. For broadcast sowing, the seeding rate is 60-70 kg per hectare; for drilling, sow at a row spacing of about 10 cm, with a seeding rate of 30-37.5 kg per hectare. For seedling raising in seedbeds in early spring, cover the seeds with medicated soil to prevent damping-off disease. The seedling age is preferably 20-0 days, and 3-4 true leaves is the suitable stage for transplanting.

3. Intertillage and weeding

Before the plants close their rows, intertillage and weeding can prevent crusting of the soil surface and are beneficial to root growth. Before winter arrives, after harvesting the old stubble stems, it is advisable to loosen the soil, earth up the plants, and apply fertilizer as a cover. Usually about 1500 kg of organic fertilizer is applied per mu, to help the plants overwinter smoothly and sprout new shoots early.

4. Fertilizer and water management

Five days after transplanting chrysanthemum greens, apply a topdressing once to promote plant development; afterward, apply topdressing once every 7-10 days, using farmyard manure combined with urea and compound fertilizer. During high-temperature and drought periods in summer, pay attention to watering, but avoid water accumulation in the field. In rainy seasons, pay attention to drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Chrysanthemum greens have strong branching ability, lateral branches sprout quickly, and the plants have a relatively high fertilizer demand, so when grown in poor soil, the number of topdressings should be increased.

5. Plant adjustment

Chrysanthemum greens grow vigorously and have strong branching ability, so necessary pruning must be carried out to control plant growth, promote lateral bud branching, facilitate field management, and enhance ventilation and light penetration. Usually, before the plants close their rows, harvest and pinch off the growing tips to promote the sprouting of lateral buds. After the plants have developed to a certain extent, their height should be controlled at about 30 cm, and excessively vigorous branches, diseased and pest-damaged branches, and dead branches should be pruned off to improve yield and quality. After the seeds mature in December, cut off the flower heads and dry them, rub out the seeds, and cut away the old stubble, then press in fertilizer and cover with soil.

6. Pest and disease control

Chrysanthemum greens have extremely strong resistance and a special chrysanthemum fragrance, so pests and diseases generally rarely occur. However, in production, the phenomenon of tender stems and leaves shrinking and not unfolding often appears; calcium fertilizer or slaked lime can be applied as a supplement, and more organic fertilizer can be added, to improve product quality.

7. Harvesting

Chrysanthemum greens are harvested in stages. Generally, about 35 days after sowing, when the seedlings are about 20 cm tall, they are harvested. One method is thinning harvest. The other is to retain 12 lateral branches and cut for harvest. After harvesting, water once and apply topdressing once. Garland chrysanthemum is sold as fresh tender leaves. When the leaf age reaches more than 11.5 leaves in mid-August and the seedlings reach 18 cm tall, harvesting begins. At harvest, retain lateral branches while harvesting.