What are the methods for selecting and raising seedlings of potherb mustard?
Potherb mustard, also called snow vegetable or Chunbulao, is a plant used both as food and medicine. It is nutritious and tasty, and also has the dietary therapeutic effects of detoxifying and reducing swelling, stimulating the appetite and aiding digestion, so it is very popular. In fact, growing potherb mustard from seed is fairly simple, but before planting, farmers must select good seeds. So how do you select potherb mustard seeds? What are the seedling-raising methods? Let's take a look together below.
1. How do you select potherb mustard seeds?
Potherb mustard seeds have a storage shelf life of 5 years. Seeds harvested in the current year cannot be used as seed in that same year; even if used, their emergence rate is very low, or they may not emerge at all. Therefore, to grow potherb mustard, you must choose seeds that have been stored for more than 1 year.
There are many varieties of potherb mustard, and you can choose according to local conditions. For example, some varieties are heat-tolerant and some are cold-tolerant. In addition, pay attention to choosing varieties with relatively good resistance and relatively fast growth.
2. What are the seedling-raising methods for potherb mustard?
1. Raising seedlings
Raising seedlings is an important step in growing potherb mustard. The seedling soil must be very fertile; it is best to compost with farmyard manure one month before raising seedlings, then raise the seedlings. Plow well before raising seedlings and use sunlight to achieve a certain disinfection effect. Choose relatively fine soil. The seeds do not need to be buried deeply, 2-3 cm is enough, so the seeds can absorb soil nutrients and breathe air well, helping to raise seedlings successfully faster.
2. Land preparation
The soil requirements after transplanting are not high; being a bit fertile is enough. The land still needs composting, and the base amount should be a bit larger. Next, level the land into strips, and ensure good drainage. Control each strip at 1.5 m wide, and control the drainage ditch in the middle at a bit more than the width of one foot, so it is convenient to walk around during daily management. Weeds and the like that are cleared out must be taken away and cannot be composted, otherwise pathogens are easily produced.
3. Planting out
When planting out, the time should be a bit earlier. At this time potherb mustard has the best vitality and a high survival rate. Control the time around 8-10 o'clock. The seedlings being planted out should preferably have some soil on them, so they can effectively protect the young seedlings. It is recommended to transplant when they are about 12-15 cm, as the seedlings are just about to enter the growth period, and being too dense is not conducive to growth. Control the spacing of transplanted seedlings at 20-30 cm, and after transplanting you must water them with a certain amount of water.
4. Fertilizer and water
Fertilizer and water are the decisive factors for the later growth of potherb mustard, so fertilizer and water must be sufficient. For fertilization, generally apply nitrogen fertilizer mixed with phosphate and potassium fertilizer, with nitrogen fertilizer making up most of it. In the early stage, to ensure the growth of young seedlings, a certain amount of urea can also be applied. One week after planting out, fertilizer needs to be applied in time, in a small amount. The middle stage is when fertilization is most frequent, generally requiring 2-3 applications. In the half month before harvest, no fertilization is needed. After each fertilization, spray an appropriate amount of water according to the soil's dryness and moisture.
5. Pests and diseases
Pest and disease control for potherb mustard must be done well, otherwise it easily causes reduced yield. The main harm to potherb mustard is insect pests, especially aphids. If you find that the leaf color of potherb mustard is not right, remember to check the plants in time.
The above is an introduction to potherb mustard. Potherb mustard cultivation is determined according to variety and eating requirements. Generally, winter-spring types are planted in September, autumn varieties are generally planted in July, and spring varieties are generally planted from February to April. When farmers grow potherb mustard, they must select good seeds and raise good seedlings.
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