When is the best time to plant cabbage?

In the process of planting cabbage, there are usually two ways: direct sowing and raising seedlings before transplanting. Generally speaking, direct sowing in autumn is more conducive to the growth of cabbage. However, some farmers may miss the most suitable sowing period for cabbage in August because their spring crops have not yet been fully harvested. At this time, they may need to choose to raise seedlings first and then transplant them. Let’s learn below: When is the best time to plant cabbage?

When is the best time to plant cabbage?

As a vegetable with obvious seasonality, autumn cabbage has a greater demand for fertilizer and water. The timing of sowing is directly related to the growth of Chinese cabbage, including its size, firmness of the cabbage, and the occurrence of diseases and pests. Selecting appropriate base fertilizer and applying it in sufficient amounts has a direct impact on the yield and cabbage quality. Therefore, when planting autumn cabbage, it is extremely important to accurately grasp the sowing time, select fertilizers and apply sufficient base fertilizers as the key steps to achieve high and stable yields.

The sowing time of autumn cabbage varies depending on variety and climate, with significant differences between the north and south regions. For example, sowing is generally carried out in mid-July in the Northeast, in early to mid-August in North China, and in mid-August to September south of the Yangtze River Basin. Even within the same province, sowing times vary and should be determined according to local customs and climatic conditions. Sowing too early or too late will affect the growth cycle and yield of Chinese cabbage.

When choosing fertilizer, I usually use animal manure from chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, etc. that I ferment at home, and mix it with an appropriate amount of fermented bean cake. Cow and horse manure is generally not used because it has poor fertilizer efficiency and easily attracts underground pests.

Cabbage planting tips

1. Cultivate strong seedlings, cultivate and weed, and apply fertilizer in time

Cultivating strong seedlings is the key to ensuring a good harvest of cabbage. Timely tillage and weeding to prevent soil compaction, keep the roots breathing smoothly, and use root-growing amino acid water-soluble fertilizer to irrigate the roots to promote root development are effective measures to avoid seedling weakness. Apply nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilizer in time from the clustering stage to the heart stage.

The choice of topdressing should be determined based on soil fertility and plant growth. When the soil fertility is good and the plants are growing vigorously, you can use fermented bean cake fertilizer or human manure and urine mixed with potassium fertilizer for topdressing. If the soil fertility is insufficient and the plant growth is weak, you can add an appropriate amount of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer on the basis of the above fertilizers.

2. Foliar spraying to prevent diseases and insects and promote growth

The leaves of cabbage are the main part of its growth and consumption. In addition to nourishing the roots, the leaves also need to be protected to prevent yellowing, falling off, rotting, premature aging and diseases and insect pests. Regular foliar spraying not only protects the leaves, but also promotes growth and increases yields. I usually choose amino acid foliar fertilizers specifically for leafy vegetables, and combine it with potassium dihydrogen phosphate. I spray it every 10 days starting from the seedling stage, which can significantly increase yields. Alternating between 0.3% vinegar solution and foliar fertilizer spraying can not only promote growth and increase yield, but also effectively prevent diseases and pests, and enhance the flavor and storage resistance of cabbage.

The above methods and key points for growing cabbage can be used as a reference for farmers who have difficulties in growing cabbage. The time to plant cabbage can be considered according to needs.