When should chives be sown outdoors in the north?

Chives are a highly adaptable vegetable that is both cold-resistant and heat-resistant, and have a higher yield when grown outdoors in the north. However, when planting leeks outdoors in the north, one must master the planting time and method. So when should leeks be planted outdoors in the north? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. When should outdoor chives be sown in the north?

1. Spring sowing

Generally speaking, the spring sowing of leeks in northern regions starts in March and lasts until June. But the more common sowing time is April to May, because the temperature gradually rises during this period and the soil thaws, which is conducive to the germination and growth of leek seeds .

2. Autumn sowing

The autumn sowing time is usually from September to October, but some areas such as the Northeast and Northwest may need to sow from August to early September to ensure that leeks can form a certain yield before winter. When sowing in autumn, the temperature is moderate and the sunlight is sufficient, which is conducive to the growth of leeks.

2. Sowing method of open-air leek in the north

1. Plot selection

Choose sandy loam or loam plots with flat terrain, convenient irrigation and drainage, deep, fertile and loose soil, and where onion and garlic crops have not been planted in the past three years. Neutral sandy loam is a better choice for the seedbed and requires fine land preparation.

2. Land preparation and fertilization

After leveling the land, make flat ridges 1.2-1.5 meters wide. The length of the ridges can be determined according to needs to facilitate irrigation and drainage. Before sowing, 1000-2000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer can be applied per mu of land as base fertilizer. The specific amount of fertilizer can be adjusted according to soil fertility and the growth needs of leeks.

3. Seed selection and germination

Choose fresh, healthy, pest-free, and strong chive seeds. It is recommended to go to a regular seed store to buy seeds with guaranteed quality. Soak the seeds in 55℃ warm water for 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly, then soak them in 25℃-30℃ water for 12 hours, remove the shriveled seeds, take them out and cover them with a wet cloth, germinate them at 15℃-20℃, and sow them when 60%-70% of the seeds turn white.

4. Live broadcast

You can use dry or wet sowing methods. The dry sowing method is to dig furrows with a distance of 18-20 cm and a depth of 2-3 cm, sprinkle the seeds in the furrows, level and compact them, and then water them. The wet sowing method is to level the surface of the ridge and water it thoroughly. After the water seeps in, sow the seeds. First cover it with a layer of 0.5 cm thick fine soil, then spread the germinated seeds into the ridge in 2-3 times, and cover it with 0.5-1 cm thick fine soil. For direct seeding, use 1.5-2.0 kg of leek seeds per acre.

5. Seedling transplanting

Generally, 4-5 kg ​​of seeds are used per acre of seedbed for seedling raising and transplanting, which can be used for planting in 2000-3000 square meters of field. The wet sowing method is generally used for seedling transplanting, and the overall management of the seedbed should follow the principle of "promoting at the front and squatting at the back". When the seedlings are 15-18 cm tall, they can be transplanted.

The above is an introduction to the best time to sow open-air leeks in the north. The sowing time for open-air leeks in the north is mainly in spring and autumn. During this period, whether in terms of land temperature, air temperature or rainfall conditions, it is particularly suitable for sowing leeks.