Mustard Greens Planting Time and Methods: The Best Sowing Period and Number of Growing Days
Mustard greens, also known as gai choy, are an annual herbaceous plant of the genus Brassica in the cruciferous family. Mustard greens are a cold-tolerant vegetable; they can withstand cold but not heat, and their optimal growing temperature is 16-23 degrees. Growth is poor in summer, and they are prone to pests and diseases, with more fiber and a strong spicy and bitter taste, resulting in poor quality. How many days is the growing period of mustard greens? Generally, harvesting can begin in 45-60 days. When is the best time to sow mustard greens? Generally, planting is possible in both spring and autumn.
Mustard Greens Planting Time and Methods:
Mustard greens are a shallow-rooted crop with relatively weak drought tolerance. They have strong adaptability to soil, and it is best to choose well-drained, easily irrigated, deep soil rich in organic matter, either sandy or clay loam, for cultivation. The most suitable soil pH is 5.5-6.8. Stem mustard has a high demand for boron and calcium; when deficient, the internal stem tissues or leaf stalks are prone to cracking, or hollow corky formations, affecting quality.
Choose the right time to sow: Mustard greens are a vegetable that does not fear cold. Generally, they are planted in spring, and can also be planted in autumn. Hot summer weather makes them prone to bolting, so it is not suitable for planting.
Seedling cultivation and transplanting: In early spring, soak the mustard green seeds in water for about two days, then bury them in a cultivation pot with potting soil and water them. As long as the temperature is not below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the seedlings can sprout. On sunny days, give them plenty of sunlight, and they will sprout in about 7-10 days. At this time, do not add fertilizer; the nutrients in the potting soil itself are enough. Water according to the moisture of the soil in the seedling tray; generally, just keeping it slightly moist is enough.
When the mustard green seedlings grow to 3-5 cm, they can be transplanted into the vegetable plot. When the soil in the seedling tray is relatively dry, pull out the seedlings, dig a hole in the soil, place the seedlings in, cover with soil, and water. Mustard greens are divided into large and small mustard greens. Large mustard greens take longer to grow; they first grow long strip-shaped leaves, and the leaves gradually expand. Small mustard greens are smaller in size and directly grow leaves.
Fertilize at the right time: When mustard greens grow to about 10-12 cm, fertilizer should be added. Large mustard greens need more fertilizer so that the leaves can grow large.