Organic cauliflower planting methods and key technical points
1. Seed disinfection
The first step in growing organic cauliflower is to disinfect the seeds, which can effectively prevent various pests and diseases in the cauliflower later on.
2. Raising strong seedlings
Organic cauliflower can be cultivated in spring or autumn. For spring cultivation, a sunny seedbed can be used for raising seedlings. Before the seedlings emerge, the seedbed must not be ventilated; only one week after emergence can ventilation begin. During this period, suitable temperatures must be maintained morning and evening, and the seedlings should be hardened off. For autumn cultivation, use a rainproof shaded shed to grow and raise the seedlings, and keep the seedling bed moist. At the same time, the soil and seedbed must be disinfected at certain times to prevent pests and diseases.
3. Land preparation and transplanting
When the seedlings have grown to a certain extent, the land needs to be prepared and the seedlings transplanted. Apply a certain amount of organic fertilizer to the transplanting site, with a fixed bed width, planting two rows of cauliflower per bed, and choose different plant spacings according to early- and late-maturing varieties. Generally speaking, the planting density in autumn is lower than the transplanting density in spring.
4. Later-stage cultivation
In the later stage, carry out water and fertilizer management and remove side branches, and regularly prevent and control pests and diseases, so that the organic cauliflower grows more vigorously.
Organic cauliflower cultivation techniques
Land preparation and transplanting
In the land where organic cauliflower is to be planted, apply 5000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer per mu, and plow the land deeply and rake it level for making beds. The bed width is between 140-150 cm, and two rows of cauliflower are planted per bed.
Different varieties of cauliflower have different planting spacings. Early-maturing varieties have a spacing of about 30 cm per plant, mid-maturing varieties between 40-45 cm, and late-maturing varieties between 50-60 cm. At the same time, the density also differs by season. Generally speaking, the density is lower in autumn and higher in spring.
Temperature management
From transplanting to seedling recovery, organic cauliflower needs good insulation. The daytime temperature is best at 25°C, and the nighttime temperature is slightly lower, preferably kept between 15-20°C. During the leaf rosette growth stage of the cauliflower, the daytime temperature should be kept at 20-25°C as much as possible, while the nighttime temperature should be kept around 15°C, not too high or too low. During the curd formation stage, organic cauliflower needs cool climatic conditions, so the daytime temperature is best around 21°C, and the nighttime temperature is still best kept between 10-15°C.
Water and fertilizer management
After transplanting organic cauliflower, the principle of water and fertilizer management is to promote seedling growth in the early stage, control water and fertilizer in the middle stage, and promote curd development in the late stage. Generally, only three key topdressings are needed. The first is within one to two weeks after transplanting, the second is about one month after transplanting when the plant has more than ten true leaves, and the third is when the plant begins to form curds. Apply 1000 kg of high-quality organic fertilizer per mu each time.
Moisture retention and branch removal
The land where cauliflower is grown should be kept moist, especially during the curd enlargement period, when the land must not be short of water. But note that cauliflower is also afraid of waterlogging, so during the growing period it is enough to keep the land moist; if too much water is applied, drain it promptly.
Cauliflower tends to produce side branches, which should be removed before harvest. When most of the main curds have grown to about 10 cm, appropriately leave a few side branches, but not too many. Frequently clean dust off the film to keep it clean, improve light transmittance, and ensure the normal growth of organic cauliflower.
Pest and disease control
Cabbage caterpillars and diamondback moths are common pests and diseases when growing organic cauliflower. Once found, use Bacillus thuringiensis for timely control. If aphids appear, a 1% soap solution can be used for control. In addition, to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases, net-house cultivation can also be used for planting.
Growing delicious and nutritious organic cauliflower is not so easy either! The editor now feels that not eating cauliflower properly before is really a bit unfair to the efforts of the people who grow it. Now that we understand the cultivation techniques for organic cauliflower, let's take a look at its nutritional value!
The difference between organic cauliflower and cauliflower
Organic cauliflower and cauliflower are both a type of cauliflower and are both cruciferous vegetables. But they still differ. The curd of organic cauliflower is relatively loose and spread out, while the curd of cauliflower is packed together more tightly. Also, the stalk of organic cauliflower is green, while the stalk of cauliflower is white. Organic cauliflower tends toward yellow, while cauliflower appears milky white. In taste, organic cauliflower is crisper and more refreshing.
That is all for today's introduction. I believe everyone now has a better understanding of organic cauliflower planting methods. Through our own efforts and effective cultivation techniques, we can also grow large, good, natural and healthy organic cauliflower ourselves!