What causes summer cabbage to not form heads?
Why does summer cabbage not form heads? How should it be prevented and controlled? Please provide guidance. When growing Chinese cabbage in summer, the phenomenon of leaves not curling and heads not forming often occurs, affecting its commercial value and edible value. This is a problem often encountered in summer Chinese cabbage cultivation. Causes: 1. Wrong variety. ...

Why does summer cabbage not form heads? How should it be prevented and controlled? Please provide guidance.
When growing Chinese cabbage in summer, the phenomenon of leaves not curling and heads not forming often occurs, affecting its commercial value and edible value. This is a problem often encountered in summer Chinese cabbage cultivation.
Causes:
1. Wrong variety.
2. Unsuitable temperature. Chinese cabbage prefers a mild climate. During the rosette stage, 17-22°C is most suitable. If the temperature during the rosette stage is too high, growth will be excessive, which will delay head formation or result in loose heads; if the temperature is too low (heading stage) and the accumulated temperature cannot be met for 5-7 days below 12°C, then the heart leaves grow extremely slowly and heads form very late.
3. Insufficient fertilizer and water. Chinese cabbage grows fastest during the heading stage and absorbs the most water. Its uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium accounts for 89% of the total absorption. If fertilizer and water are insufficient at this time, growth is hindered and heads cannot form.
Prevention and control measures:
1. Variety selection. For summer Chinese cabbage, early hybrid varieties with resistance to high temperature, tolerance to high humidity, and resistance to pests and diseases should be selected.
2. Rational fertilization. During the head-forming and heading stage, increase the application of farmyard manure and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers; at the early and middle heading stages, apply decomposed human and livestock manure and potassium dihydrogen phosphate once each.
3. Scientific water supply. During the head-forming and heading period of Chinese cabbage, moisture must be kept uniform and supplied adequately, and it is best to keep the soil moist.
4. Pest and disease control. During the head-forming and heading period of Chinese cabbage, the leaves must be inspected. If pest or disease damage is found, immediately spray 1500 times Nongdile and 2500 times Qingjunzole 2-3 times. Spray once every 10-15 days. If viral disease occurs and causes damage, also add 800 times Virus A aqueous solution, or 600 times Virus Bik aqueous solution.
5. Foliar fertilization. During the head-forming and heading stage, spray the leaves once every 7-10 days with special vegetable fertilizer, or a mixed solution of 0.1% magnesium sulfate, 0.3% urea, and 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, for 2-3 consecutive sprays, evenly wetting the leaves, preferably until droplets fall.
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