Detailed Guide to Red Cabbage Sprout (Red Choy Sum) Cultivation Methods and Technical Key Points

Choy sum, commonly known as "cai jian" or "cai xin," is loved by the general public for its tender texture and delicious flavor. It is mainly the stem that the vegetable produces that is eaten. Generally, the sowing time for red choy sum is from July to September each year, with sowing carried out scientifically according to the different environments of different regions. That is why the red choy sum you buy is sometimes very sweet and sometimes has a bitter taste; this is caused by the different sowing times.

Cultivation Techniques

1. Site Selection and Land Preparation

The most suitable land for growing red choy sum is relatively fertile sandy soil, 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 land preparation, it is generally best to do it as early as possible, then let the land be exposed to the sun for about ten days. Before sowing, loosen the soil slightly, then spread sufficient fertilizer. 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, generally choose varieties with relatively strong resistance. When sowing, first water the seedbed thoroughly, then scatter the seeds densely onto the seedbed, then cover 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 the 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 ground at a spacing of 30 to 40 cm per plant. Maintaining this distance allows the red choy sum to grow larger and produce more red choy sum when the time comes.

4. Field Management

After transplanting, remember to water them. Newly transplanted seedlings are relatively fragile and need sufficient nutrients and moisture to promote the growth of new roots and new leaves. Therefore, 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. Generally, leafy vegetables are 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 during the growth period red choy sum can be harvested and grows continuously, soil fertility must be maintained. Generally, three to four additional fertilizations are needed. Basically, after each harvest, a little urea and potassium chloride can be applied as a supplemental fertilizer.

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 many vegetables commonly suffer from, so the treatment method and materials are the same as for other vegetables. Spray two or three times with a pesticide targeted at downy mildew. Finally, red choy sum often has some pests and diseases, such as diamondback moth and aphids. These can be treated with common pesticides. Once disease is found, it must be treated promptly.

6. Harvesting Method

Red choy sum is harvested in batches. The red choy sum it produces each time grows at different rates, 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.

Benefits of Red Choy Sum

1. Improve the Body's Disease Resistance

During seasonal transitions, when temperature changes are frequent, many people easily catch colds, or when other epidemic diseases are prevalent, these people are always infected. When they see a doctor, it is said that their own disease resistance is poor. If you can eat more red choy sum normally, you can absorb rich nutrients, promote normal body metabolism, and also improve body functions, which is of great benefit to improving the human body's disease resistance.

2. Promote Blood Circulation and Remove Blood Stasis

Red choy sum is not only rich in nutrients, but its health benefits are also particularly outstanding. It can relieve both qi and blood deficiency and also promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. In daily life, when women have poor menstruation or menstrual blood with dark clots, they can use red choy sum for regulation. It can accelerate the discharge of blood stasis in the body and can also effectively relieve menstrual abdominal pain and irregular menstruation caused by excessive blood stasis in women.

3. Stop Bleeding and Relieve Pain

Red choy sum is also a special food ingredient that can stop bleeding and relieve pain. Normally, eating red choy sum can nourish the blood and also protect blood vessels, and can prevent vascular rupture and bleeding. In addition, when people have bleeding-related conditions such as vomiting blood or blood in the stool, eating more red choy sum can also produce an obvious hemostatic effect and can quickly reduce bleeding symptoms.

4. Lighten Dark Spots and Nourish the Skin

The vitamin C content in red choy sum is somewhat higher than in other vegetables. This vitamin can not only improve the body's immunity, but also inhibit pigment deposition. It can lighten dark spots and also reduce the formation of dark spots, and has a certain whitening effect. In addition, the sugar substances, vitamin A, and trace elements phosphorus and zinc and other selected nutrients contained in red choy sum can also nourish the skin, increase skin elasticity, and reduce the formation of wrinkles.