Purple Cabbage: Latest Planting Time and Methods Explained in Detail
Purple cabbage is a new cabbage variety that has emerged in the past two years; it is actually a cabbage produced by crossing red cabbage (purple cabbage) with Chinese cabbage. It is not a genetically modified cabbage. Because purple cabbage is rich in protein, anthocyanins and vitamins, as well as various trace elements, it is favored by people. So how should purple cabbage be planted, when should it be planted, and what should be noted? Let's take a look together.
1. Planting time
In northern regions, it can be planted as soon as August begins, while in the south planting may have to wait until the end of August. The planting time is similar to that of ordinary Chinese cabbage; a few days earlier or later will not matter, an approximate time is fine. It should mainly be decided according to the temperature at the planting time; if the temperature is still high, around 30 degrees, it cannot be planted, and when it is below 25 degrees it can be sown.
2. Seedling raising method
Before planting in the field, seedlings need to be raised. To plant one mu of land, about 50 grams of seeds are used. Fertilize the seedling field, till the soil finely, build a seedbed, and level the soil. The seedbed is 1.5 m wide and about 6 m long; open furrows at 8 cm intervals for sowing, with a furrow depth of 5 cm. After sowing, cover with soil and water. Keep it at 20 degrees during the day and 12 degrees at night. When the seedlings grow to 4 true leaves, loosen the soil and thin the seedlings. Apply dilute fertilizer water, and when they have 6 leaves, transplant them to the field.
3. Field transplanting
When transplanting, plant on high ridges; generally make ridges 10 cm high and 30 cm wide, with furrows 20 cm apart. The planting spacing between plants is 20 cm. The length of the ridge rows depends on the terrain and can be broken in the middle, with cross ditches opened. Apply about 2000 jin of fertilizer per mu and plant 3000 plants. The planting depth should be below the stems. After planting, the nighttime temperature should be above 14 degrees.
4. Care and management
For open-field cultivation in autumn, control moisture in the early stage; weak plants are susceptible to infection by pathogens. Start watering from the beginning of the heading stage, watering lightly and frequently, supplying water continuously. After the seedlings recover, apply topdressing; apply 600 jin of fertilizer per mu. At the heading stage, apply 80 jin of fertilizer per mu, dissolved and used with the water. During this period, foliar fertilizer can be sprayed to prevent leaf yellowing and nutrient deficiency. Note that the nighttime temperature should be kept at around 15 degrees.
Although purple cabbage is a new variety, there is no major difference in planting time, methods, or management. Only some details require special attention. Temperature is the basic condition for planting.