Chinese cabbage enters the critical growth stage during the head-forming period; here is how to carry out field management

Summary: Chinese cabbage enters the critical growth stage during the head-forming period. How should field management be carried out?

The head-forming period of Chinese cabbage is an important stage of its growth. If management during this period is done well, the yield at the later harvest can be high, so management of Chinese cabbage during this period is very important. Here, Science Xingnong will discuss with everyone the field management issues during the head-forming period of Chinese cabbage.

The growth stages of Chinese cabbage

First, let us look at the growth stages of Chinese cabbage. The growth stages of Chinese cabbage are generally divided into five periods: the germination period, the seedling period, the rosette period, the heading period, and the dormancy period. Among these, the heading period is what we commonly call the head-forming period of Chinese cabbage. This period is when the heart leaves of the Chinese cabbage begin to gradually close together, and it is also an important period for Chinese cabbage management. Generally, the head-forming period of early-maturing Chinese cabbage is about twenty days, and the head-forming period of late-maturing Chinese cabbage is about forty days. The heading period can generally be divided into three stages: early, middle, and late.

Key management points during the heading and head-forming period of Chinese cabbage

Water: The most critical issue in the process of planting and managing Chinese cabbage is water. Chinese cabbage entering the head-forming period has an increased water requirement, so attention should be paid to watering to avoid water shortage during the head-forming period of Chinese cabbage, or unstable watering, such as watering in a pattern of dry once and waterlogged once. The first watering after Chinese cabbage enters the head-forming period is best done with a small amount of water, to avoid affecting the root system of the Chinese cabbage due to too much water.

The second watering is generally carried out about four to five days after the first watering. At this time, the amount of water can be slightly larger, and afterward water about once every five days. Watering is best done by furrow irrigation, as this can reduce the occurrence of root rot in Chinese cabbage caused by excessive watering. In addition, watering should be stopped about one week before harvesting the Chinese cabbage, which facilitates later storage and also makes harvesting easier.

Fertilizer: The fertilizer issue is also one of the important issues during the head-forming period of Chinese cabbage. During this period, the fertilizer demand of Chinese cabbage is quite large. This period is generally divided into two topdressings. The first topdressing is at the early stage when Chinese cabbage enters the heading period. About 10 kg of urea per mu can be used, together with about 7 kg of superphosphate per mu and about 8 kg of potassium sulfate per mu. After Chinese cabbage enters the middle stage of head formation, the second topdressing is carried out. About 10 kg of ammonium sulfate can be applied per mu. When fertilizing, it can be done together with watering. Finally, after entering the late stage of head formation, topdressing can be reduced or stopped, to avoid excessive vegetative growth or root burn in Chinese cabbage.

Tying the cabbage: During the head-forming period of Chinese cabbage, the cabbage can be tied at the appropriate time. This can prevent Chinese cabbage from suffering freeze damage and makes later harvesting and storage more convenient. However, note that the timing of tying Chinese cabbage must be reasonable, neither too early nor too late. It is generally done two weeks before harvesting the Chinese cabbage.

Finally, growers need to harvest in a timely manner. Generally, harvesting can be carried out when the temperature is around 5 degrees, and the time generally starts around early November.

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