Detailed Explanation of the Key Technical Points for Overwintering Cultivation and Management of Celery
Celery has strong cold tolerance, and its seedlings can withstand low temperatures of minus 10°C for a short time, so it is also one of the common vegetables in autumn and winter. However, when planted in winter, a long-term low-temperature environment can also cause frost damage, leading to death and affecting economic returns. So how should celery be managed during overwintering? Let's take a look.
1. Seedling stage management
Celery likes cool conditions and has strong cold tolerance, but overwintering celery is sown during the high-temperature period of August to September. Once its seeds exceed 30°C, they stop germinating. Therefore, to ensure uniform emergence, a suitable environment must be provided. First, build a frame on the seedbed and cover it with a shade net to avoid direct sunlight. Before sowing, water first to lower the soil temperature, increase humidity, and also keep the soil loose to prevent the seedlings from suffocating due to lack of oxygen. Four to five days after sowing, a layer of small seedlings will appear, but in fact these are weeds and should be pulled out in time so as not to affect the growth of the seedlings. After about 7-10 days, the seedlings break through the soil. At this time, water promptly to keep the soil moist. Once the seedlings emerge, the shade net can be removed, keeping the temperature at 10-20°C, while also avoiding strong light. When the seedlings grow 3-4 true leaves, thin them in time, keeping a spacing of about 2 cm.
2. Field planting management
When the seedlings grow to 5-6 true leaves, they can be field planted. Before planting, prepare the land and apply fertilizer well. According to the soil fertility condition, apply 4000-6000 of organic fertilizer and 100-150 of compound fertilizer per mu, plow them in and mix evenly with the soil, then make beds. When lifting the seedlings for planting, water thoroughly, then lift the seedlings with soil, being careful not to damage the root system. Transplant by grade, and plant reasonably densely. When planting, the depth of soil covering should be the same as the original planting depth of the seedlings, with the heart leaves exposed. After planting, water promptly to help the seedlings recover.
3. Cold prevention and heat preservation
The suitable growing temperature for celery is 15-20°C. When the temperature is relatively high, increase watering and ventilation to control the temperature, and the maximum temperature should not exceed 22°C. When the temperature drops, add film covering and reduce ventilation to maintain the temperature, and at this time the temperature should not be lower than 10°C. In addition, celery is a weak-light plant, and the length of light exposure will affect its growth, but in winter light is difficult to control, and it is very easy to cause premature bolting, affecting yield and quality. Generally, controlling light at 6-9 hours per day is best.
4. Fertilizer and water management
Watering and topdressing for celery require particular attention and should be carried out after field planting according to the growth condition of the seedlings. Before the heart leaves grow out, ensure the soil alternates between dry and wet. After the heart leaves grow out, control watering to promote root growth and development. When the heart leaves have already grown upright, strengthen the water supply and keep the soil moist at all times. At this time, one topdressing of nitrogen fertilizer can also be applied, 12-15 kg per mu, which can be flushed through watering so that the fertilizer is more easily absorbed. When the heart leaves begin to swell, apply potassium fertilizer to speed up the swelling of the heart leaves and improve yield and quality.
The above are the overwintering cultivation and management techniques for celery. We hope they can help you. If you want to learn more about celery cultivation, please follow us.