Time and method of planting four-season lettuce

Growth habits of four-season lettuce

Four-season lettuce likes a cool environment and is relatively cold-resistant but not heat-resistant. The germination temperature is above 4°C, and 15-20°C is best. The seedlings can tolerate a certain low temperature, and the suitable temperature for growth is 15-20°C, and the suitable temperature for flowering and fruiting is 19-22°C. It likes a humid environment and requires a large amount of fertilizer. It is suitable for planting in clay loam or loam that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage.

Planting time of lettuce in four seasons

Four-season lettuce can be planted in spring, summer, autumn and winter. The planting time in spring is from February to March, when the survival rate is higher. It can also be planted in summer from June to July, but shading measures need to be taken. The autumn is mainly from August to September, and the winter is from October to November, and it is best to plant it in a greenhouse.

Planting methods and key points of four-season lettuce

1. Land preparation

Four-season lettuce is suitable for planting in loose, fertile, slightly acidic soil with strong fertilizer and water retention capacity. It would be more ideal if it is close to a water source with convenient irrigation and drainage. Before planting lettuce, the soil should be plowed 20 cm deep to expose the soil to the sun for a period of time, and sufficient base fertilizer should be applied in combination with land preparation.

2. Planting

Lettuce is grown by the seedling transplanting method. The seeds need to be germinated in advance. The seedbed should be kept moist after sowing. From the time the film is removed after the seedlings emerge to before transplanting, you can spray with chlorothalonil to reduce the occurrence of damping-off disease and blight. Thinning and thinning should be done in time, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution should be used for foliar application 1-2 times to promote seedling growth.

3. Seedling cultivation

The temperature is high in early August, so shade measures need to be taken when raising seedlings. Curtains and nets can be placed above the plants, about 1 meter high, to allow ventilation. Thin out and transplant the seedlings one month after emergence.

4. Field management

After planting the four-season lettuce, you can water it thoroughly once. Two days after planting, apply a thin manure solution to promote seedling growth. After the seedlings have successfully grown, apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer. Reduce watering appropriately afterwards and keep the soil moist. After the seedlings have grown, combine fertilization with timely tillage.

5. Pest and disease control

If diseases and pests occur in all-season lettuce, it will affect the yield and quality. Common diseases include downy mildew, sclerotinia, etc., and the main pests are aphids. Old and diseased leaves should be removed in time to prevent diseases. When the disease occurs, spray Bordeaux liquid for prevention and control. Spray once every 7-10 days, and the effect is excellent.

6. Harvest after maturity

Four-season lettuce can be transplanted in batches. It has a short growth cycle and can be put on the market as a semi-mature plant 45 days after planting. Both the stems and leaves are edible.