Planting time and cultivation method of ice crystal vegetable

Ice vegetable, also known as crystal ice vegetable, ice vegetable, etc., is the "ice leaf sunflower" of the Aizoaceae family. It is a saline-alkali plant and is native to Africa, Europe and other places. It has a unique appearance and fresh taste. There is a layer of ice crystal-like bubble cells on the surface of the leaves. It is both beautiful and nutritious. It has been very popular in recent years. Let’s talk about the planting time and cultivation method of ice crystal vegetables.

1. Planting time of ice crystal vegetable

Ice crystal vegetable likes warm and humid environment and has certain temperature requirements, but cannot tolerate high or low temperatures. Therefore, spring and autumn are the best seasons for planting. Spring sowing is usually done when the temperature is above 15°C and the soil begins to thaw. Autumn sowing should be done in early autumn to avoid high temperatures and frost, ensuring that crops have sufficient time to grow and accumulate nutrients so that they can be harvested before winter arrives.

2. Cultivation technology of ice crystal vegetable

1. Soil Preparation

Ice vegetable has a strong adaptability to soil, but well-drained, loose and fertile sandy loam or loam is best. Before sowing, the soil should be plowed to remove stones and weeds, and then well-rotted organic fertilizer should be applied to enhance soil fertility and retain fertilizer and water.

2. Planting seeds

Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to promote germination; sowing can be done by sowing or sowing, spread the seeds evenly on the ground, and then cover them with 1~2 times the amount of thin soil. After sowing, keep the soil moist and the temperature around 20℃. Generally, it will take 7 to 10 days for the seeds to sprout.

3. Transplanting

After the seedlings grow 3 to 4 true leaves, they can be transplanted and fixed. The seedbed should be loosened before transplanting to improve the disease resistance of the seedlings. The best time for transplanting is when it is cloudy or late in the day to avoid excessive water loss during transplanting when the temperature is high. Transplanting density varies according to variety and soil conditions. Usually the row spacing is 30 to 40 cm and the row spacing is 20 to 25 cm.

3. Management measures for ice crystal vegetables

1. Water management

During the growth of ice crystal vegetable, the soil needs to be kept moist but not submerged. Water the plants in time during the dry season and pay attention to drainage during the rainy season. When watering, do not water directly on the leaves, otherwise it will destroy the ice crystals and reduce the quality.

2. Fertilization management

During the growing period, apply fertilizers in a timely manner according to the growth conditions of the plants; apply nitrogen fertilizer in the early stage to promote crop growth; in order to improve quality and increase yield, phosphorus and potassium should be appropriately increased in the middle and late stages. When applying fertilizer, you should follow the principle of "precise fertilization" to avoid applying too much at one time, which may cause root burn.

3. Prevention and control of diseases and insect pests

Diseases and pests of ice crystal vegetable are relatively rare, but prevention and control work still needs to be strengthened. Through crop rotation, reasonable close planting and timely removal of diseased and damaged plants, the occurrence of diseases and insect pests can be reduced. Once pests and diseases are discovered, comprehensive prevention measures combining biological, physical and chemical control should be taken in a timely manner to ensure the healthy growth of plants.

4. Pruning

In order to keep the plant well ventilated and light-permeable, and to promote the growth of side branches and fruit development, the plant needs to be adjusted to an appropriate height. The main tasks are removing, pruning and pinching old leaves, diseased leaves and weak branches. Taking the above measures can not only improve the disease resistance of plants, but also increase the yield and quality of crops.

5. Harvest

Due to the flexibility of plant growth and market demand, the harvesting time of ice crystal vegetable is relatively long. Generally speaking, they are ready to be picked when the color is bright and the leaves are thick. When harvesting, use scissors to cut it from the root, and never pull it directly with your hands to avoid damaging the plant. After harvesting, they need to be sorted, packaged , and refrigerated to maintain quality and extend storage time.

Therefore, during the cultivation process, attention should be paid to timely picking and mastering scientific cultivation techniques and management methods. Through careful cultivation and management, not only can high-quality and high-quality ice crystal vegetables be produced, but also considerable economic benefits can be brought to farmers.