Which month is the best to sow Gongcai in the north?

Gongcai, also known as dried moss and ringing vegetable, is an annual herb of the genus Lactuca in the Asteraceae family. It is a kind of green dehydrated vegetable with bright green color, refreshing texture, rich nutrition and high edible value. So when is the best month to sow Gongcai in the north? Let’s learn more about it below.

Which month is the best to sow Gongcai in the north?

The sowing time of Gongcai in the north mainly depends on the local climatic conditions and planting methods. It is generally recommended to plant it in spring and autumn. Specifically, spring sowing time is generally between March and early April, while autumn sowing time is between September and early October. The temperature during these two time periods is suitable, which is conducive to the growth and development of Gongcai.

How to sow Gongcai?

1. Site selection and land preparation

Gongcai needs a sunny, well-drained and fertile soil to grow. After selecting a good site, deep plow the land in time, remove weeds and stones, and apply sufficient base fertilizer, mainly well-rotted farmyard manure or compound fertilizer .

2. Seed soaking and germination

Before sowing, low-temperature germination treatment must be carried out. Soak the seeds in cold water for 3-4 hours, put them in a cloth bag and store them in the refrigerator's fresh-keeping compartment. They will germinate in about 2 days.

3. Sowing method

When sowing, spread the seeds evenly on the prepared land, cover with a thin layer of soil, and then cover with a layer of straw or film to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from growing. The seed rate per mu is generally 0.5-0.7kg, mixed with 3kg of fine soil and spread evenly.

4. Seedling management

After sowing, the bed surface must be kept moist. When water is scarce, lightly sprinkle it in the morning and evening. Moss seedlings will emerge in a week. When the cotyledons are flat, thin out the seedlings for the first time. When the seedlings grow 3-5 true leaves, they are transplanted.

5. Key points for planting

Transplant when there are 4-6 true leaves. Choose a cloudy or sunny evening for transplanting. Keep the seedling distance between each other at 15 to 20 cm and ensure that 20,000 to 23,000 plants are planted per acre. After transplanting, water the plants immediately to establish roots. Make sure to water thoroughly so that the soil can fully absorb the water, which will help the moss dry up as quickly as possible and ensure that all seedlings are planted at once.

Generally speaking, Gongcai can be sown in the north from March to early April in spring or from September to early October in autumn. Pay attention to the correct sowing time and method to ensure the improvement of Gongcai's yield and quality.