Winter lettuce planting time and method

The planting time of winter lettuce is generally around October. Since the temperature drops during the growing period, it is necessary to choose winter lettuce varieties that are cold-resistant, disease-resistant and adapted to the local climate. Below, the editor will introduce the planting time and method of winter lettuce. Let’s take a look.

1. Planting time of winter lettuce

Winter lettuce is usually planted in the open field between October and November, and then grown in greenhouses to ensure that it can be put on the market in January or February of the following year. Choosing this time period helps the lettuce grow normally in the cold winter environment, while utilizing the heat preservation effect of the greenhouse to promote the growth and development of the lettuce.

After winter lettuce is planted before winter, it must have about 40-45 days of growth time before it can safely overwinter. If the plant is transplanted too early, the vegetative body of the plant will be too large, and if it goes through the vernalization stage too early, it will sprout early. The plant's ability to resist cold in winter or early spring will be weakened, and it will be easy to suffer frost damage. If the plants are transplanted too late, they will have too little nutrition and incomplete root growth. The plants will also be frozen in severe winter or cold spring, which will also affect yield and quality.

2. How to plant winter lettuce

1. Seedling cultivation

Choose well-drained, fertile soil, apply sufficient base fertilizer, and till the soil to level it. Sowing is carried out between mid-August and October. The seeds can be germinated before sowing to speed up germination. Thin out the seedlings when they have 2-3 true leaves to maintain an appropriate density and avoid excessive growth.

2. Planting

Planting is carried out between mid-October and November when the local temperature is stable at 15-20℃. The planting density is generally controlled at 30-35×30-40cm, with about 4000-5000 plants planted per mu. Choose a sunny day for planting. The planting depth should be enough to cover the roots, and the heart leaves should not be buried in the soil.

3. Field management

After planting, water thoroughly to allow the plants to take root. Then water the plants in time according to the soil moisture conditions to keep the soil moist. About 15 days after transplanting, apply a topdressing fertilizer to promote seedling growth, such as urea or compound fertilizer . During the growth period, apply fertilizer in time according to the growth of the plant. If planted in a greenhouse, the temperature and humidity in the greenhouse must be controlled, keeping it at 18-20℃ during the day and not lower than 10℃ at night.

The above is an introduction to the planting time and method of winter lettuce. Winter lettuce is generally harvested 60-80 days after planting. When the lettuce stem begins to swell and the heart leaf is level with the highest leaf, it is the appropriate time to harvest. When the temperature drops in winter, take insulation measures to prevent frost damage.