What are the precautions for growing choi sum?
1. Choosing a variety
There are many varieties of choi sum; you can casually buy several kinds at the market. If you want to grow it, you must first base your choice on factors such as the local climate and soil. In addition, you should also consider the characteristics of the variety, which one is easier to grow and has higher yield, and choose a variety suitable for local growing by taking all aspects into account.
2. Planting time
Although choi sum can be grown all year round, the climate and environment differ from place to place, so the planting time also varies. If you choose to grow an unsuitable vegetable in an unsuitable season, it will also make survival difficult and growth poor. Therefore, planting time is extremely important. It is generally planted around March in spring or in August-September in autumn. This period is the common time for growing choi sum and also the period when choi sum grows best, giving a clear increase in yield.
3. Reasonable close planting
Generally, when the seedlings have grown 4-5 true leaves, they should be transplanted in time. The transplanting density should be determined according to the variety's form, planting time and planting purpose. Generally, early-maturing varieties planted in summer are mainly grown for harvesting the flowering stalks, have a short growth cycle and grow quickly, so a plant and row spacing of 13 cm × 16 cm is suitable. For mid-to-late-maturing varieties planted in summer and autumn, the growth cycle is long and the plants are large, so planting too densely is not suitable; a plant and row spacing of 16 cm × 20 cm is better.
4. Timely harvesting
Harvesting choi sum must also be controlled strictly. Generally, the suitable harvest time is when the flowering stalk is level with the tips of the upper leaves and the flower buds are just opening. To harvest the side shoots, you can cut the main flower at the 2nd-3rd node from the base; for a one-time harvest, you can cut 1-2 nodes lower. If harvested too early, the flowering stalk has not yet grown to maturity and the yield is lower; if harvested too late, the flowering stalk becomes old and the taste is poorer, affecting quality and marketability.
The above is an introduction to the precautions for growing choi sum. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.