A detailed guide to red choy sum cultivation techniques, covering all key points from sowing to harvest

Red choy sum is a new variety of choy sum, and mainly the stems grown by the vegetable are eaten. Generally, red choy sum is sown from July to September each year, with sowing carried out scientifically according to the different environments of different regions. So sometimes the red choy sum you buy is very sweet, while at other times it has a bitter taste, and that is caused by different sowing times. Today, let us follow Qinong Network to learn how red choy sum is grown.

1. Land selection and soil preparation

The most suitable land for growing red choy sum is relatively fertile sandy land, but at the same time it must have strong water retention and drainage capacity. Generally, a section with relatively abundant water sources is chosen. For soil preparation, it is generally done as early as possible, then the land is left to be sunned for about ten days. Before sowing, the land is loosened slightly again, and then sufficient fertilizer is spread. Generally, about 500 kg of farmyard manure and 200 kg of compound fertilizer are needed per mu.

2. Sowing and raising seedlings

When selecting seeds, varieties with relatively strong resistance are generally chosen. When sowing, first water the seedbed once, then scatter the seeds densely onto the seedbed, and cover them with a thin layer of soil. At the same time, a layer of dried grass or animal manure can also be placed on top, which can raise the soil temperature and allow the seeds to germinate faster. After the seeds sprout tender shoots, water once so they have sufficient moisture and can develop faster.

3. Planting method

When red choy sum seedlings have grown four or five leaves, they can be transplanted. We pull the seedlings from the seedbed, then plant them in the prepared land at a spacing of 30 to 40 cm per plant. Maintaining this spacing allows the red choy sum to grow larger, and in the end more red choy sum will be produced.

4. Field management

After transplanting, remember to water them. Newly transplanted seedlings are relatively fragile and need sufficient nutrients and moisture to promote new root growth and new leaf development, so about ten days after transplanting, fertilize them once, generally with urea, because urea mainly promotes the growth of branches and leaves, and the effect is very obvious. Leafy vegetables are generally given urea. During the growth period of red choy sum, the soil must be kept moist. If there is no rain, water regularly, generally once every five to seven days. Because red choy sum can be harvested and continue growing throughout its growth period, soil fertility must be maintained. Generally, three to four topdressings are needed, and basically after each harvest a little urea and potassium chloride can be applied as a topdressing.

5. Pest and disease control

During the growth of the rosette leaves of red choy sum, the most common disease is downy mildew, a disease that occurs frequently in many vegetables, so the treatment method is the same as for vegetables, spraying two or three times with a pesticide targeting downy mildew. Finally, red choy sum often has some pests, such as diamondback moth and aphids. These can be treated with common pesticides. Once symptoms are found, they must be treated promptly.

6. Harvesting method

Red choy sum is harvested in batches. Each time the red choy sum grows at a different speed, so when the choy sum grows to about 30 to 40 cm, it can be harvested. After harvesting, an appropriate amount of fertilizer can be added to promote the growth of the choy sum. Basically, it can be harvested once or twice a week. Be sure to harvest promptly, otherwise if it grows too long it will become hard, and then it will be useless.