How to grow bitter lettuce? A detailed guide to the latest cultivation methods

Bitter lettuce is a wild plant that serves as both medicine and food, an annual herb commonly known among the people as bitter vegetable, also known by aliases such as Tianxiangcai and Wuxiangcai. Because of its effects in treating anemia, relieving summer heat and promoting health, clearing heat and detoxifying, and sterilizing and reducing inflammation, it is deeply loved by everyone in the market, so how should bitter lettuce be grown? Let's take a look.

1. Land preparation and fertilizing

Bitter lettuce has low requirements for soil; for cultivation, it is enough to choose an area that is ventilated and sunny with convenient drainage and irrigation. Since its seeds are small and its ability to push through the soil is weak, the soil should be loosened before planting. When plowing the soil, apply 2000-3000 kg of farmyard manure per mu and 25 kg of compound fertilizer as base fertilizer, then harrow fine and level after fertilizing.

2. Sowing and raising seedlings

Bitter lettuce can be sown in spring or autumn. In northern regions, sowing is generally done in early April. Sowing can be done by direct seeding or by raising seedlings and transplanting, but direct seeding is generally used in production. For direct seeding, methods such as hole sowing, row sowing or spot sowing can be used. Because the seeds have poor ability to push through the soil, the sowing depth should not be too deep; 3-4 cm is suitable, and the seeding rate per mu is between 0.5-1 kg. For raising seedlings and transplanting, a seedbed must first be prepared well, with a seeding rate of 0.1-0.2 kg per mu. When the seedlings grow to 4-5 true leaves, they can be transplanted. When transplanting, the row spacing should be controlled at 25-30 cm and the plant spacing at 10-15 cm.

3. Field management

After transplanting, in order to increase the survival rate, promptly water with rooting water and survival water, then cover with a shade net for one week, and remove it promptly once the plants have survived. In winter, if a cold wave occurs, cultivation in a greenhouse is needed, but note that the greenhouse temperature should not exceed 30 degrees. Once the temperature is too high, ventilate promptly to cool it down, and the nighttime temperature should preferably be kept between 15-20 degrees. At the same time, pay attention to humidity; the air humidity should not be too high, and heavy water irrigation is strictly prohibited. During growth, it is only necessary to keep the field moist.

4. Pests and diseases

The bitter lettuce plant contains a white milky sap, which is a bitter principle, so it has very few pests and diseases. Generally, there are only some pests causing damage during the transition between summer and autumn. At this time, spraying general insecticide is enough for control, but it is not recommended to spray pesticides, so as to create pollution-free green food.

The above is an introduction to the cultivation methods of bitter lettuce. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more about cultivation knowledge, please stay tuned to us.