Latest Causes and Solutions for Chinese Cabbage Not Forming Heads in Summer

When it comes to vegetables, cabbage is certainly indispensable on dining tables in China. There are many ways to eat cabbage, such as pickled cabbage, kimchi, and so on. Market demand is high, and quite a lot of people grow it. But in recent years, the problem of Chinese cabbage not forming heads in summer has given many farmers a real headache. Let's take a look together at the causes and solutions for Chinese cabbage not forming heads in summer.

I. Causes of Not Forming Heads

1. Irrigation causes

Summer has high temperatures and high humidity, with relatively heavy and frequent rainfall. Chinese cabbage kept in a damp environment for a long time will have its growth seriously affected. A high-humidity environment is a real challenge for head formation in Chinese cabbage, so it often leads to failure to form heads. In addition, summer temperatures are high and cabbage grows quickly, so it needs more water. If water is insufficient, it will also fail to form heads. Therefore, irrigation should be done carefully: not too much and not too little. After rain, drain promptly to avoid waterlogging that causes root rot.

2. Fertilization causes

In the high temperatures of summer, many farmers, in order to promote cabbage growth, shorten the growth cycle, and bring it to market earlier, tend to focus on applying quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer while neglecting other fertilizers. This leads to excessive nitrogen in the soil and ensured phosphorus and potassium, resulting in failure to form heads or loose head formation.

3. Causes from pests and diseases

The high-temperature, high-humidity environment of summer is also a peak period for pests and diseases. Common pests and diseases at this time include dry heart rot, soft rot, powdery mildew, viral disease, aphids, cabbage caterpillars, and so on. These pests and diseases will, to a great extent, affect the growth of Chinese cabbage and cause the phenomenon of not forming heads.

II. Solutions

1. Scientific irrigation

During the white-heart heading stage of cabbage, maintain a uniform water supply. Remember: not too little at times and too much at others. Keep the soil moist, but do not water too much each time. Water little and often, generally once in the morning and once in the evening. Do not water at noon. After watering, you can cover the low-lying areas of the field with weeds to reduce water evaporation and keep the soil at a suitable humidity.

2. Reasonable fertilization

During the heading stage of cabbage, fertilize reasonably, control the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied, and increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and organic fertilizers, so as to inhibit excessive growth of cabbage and promote head formation and heading. Before and during heading, apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate and a three-element compound fertilizer separately, generally about 10-15 kg per mu, using the drenching method.

3. Manual head formation

During the heading stage of cabbage, a manual assisted head-forming method can be used. You can use rope to tie together the cabbages that have not formed heads, so that later they can still form heads,

4. Foliar fertilizer

During the heading stage of cabbage, spray a 0.3% urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution once every 7-10 days, spraying continuously 2-3 times. This has a clear effect on head formation in cabbage.

5. Pest and disease control

During the heading stage of cabbage, pay attention to changes in the leaves. If pests or diseases are found, use pesticides promptly to prevent further spread. For diseased plants that can no longer be treated, dig them out promptly and take them out of the field, and disinfect the diseased planting holes.

The above is an introduction to the causes and solutions for Chinese cabbage not forming heads in summer. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.