Chinese cabbage - planting and growing. Growing and caring for Chinese cabbage in the open field in the garden

Chinese cabbage belongs to the category of leafy cabbage and is characterized by the formation of an upright leaf rosette. This vegetable crop is China. AT last years the cultivation of Chinese cabbage is gaining popularity and recognition among gardeners in our country.

Varieties of Chinese cabbage are represented by pak-choi cabbage and the Beijing variant of pe-tsai, which has not only a leafy form, but also a head one. An annual and rather cold-resistant plant, it is characterized by early maturity and shows excellent results when grown in all regions of our country.

Plant characteristic

Chinese cabbage is relatively unpretentious to cultivation conditions, but stable high yield usually obtained by cultivating this useful plant in a greenhouse protected ground. To grow a quality crop, one should adhere to standard agricultural practices and take into account the biological characteristics of this plant.

Cabbage from the Middle Kingdom is quite demanding on humidity indicators. The leaves of such a plant are collected in a fairly dense rosette, the diameter of which can reach fifty centimeters. This parameter depends not only on the variety of Chinese cabbage, but also on the growing conditions.

The main advantage of Chinese cabbage is the ability to grow in all weather conditions, as well as in shaded areas. Maximum yield fixed in a warm climate and with a shortened day. Chinese cabbage is very responsive to high-quality soil composition, and an abundant crop of large leaf rosettes is formed when grown on well-cultivated, moist and fertile soil.

Beneficial features

Central Asian cuisine widely uses the plant in the preparation of a significant number of various dishes, which is due not only to excellent palatability Chinese cabbage, but also the quality indicators of this green crop. The leaves of the plant contain about seventy percent of vitamin C. In addition, the plant is rich in vitamins A and group B, as well as iron and large quantity trace elements.

Chinese cabbage is especially revered for the following health benefits:

• a decrease in blood sugar levels, which makes it a very valuable food product for people with diabetes;
• strengthening the cardiovascular system and improving calcium metabolism;
• cabbage juice is an effective remedy for reducing pain manifestations in diseases of the digestive tract;
• cabbage has established itself as an excellent prophylactic for colitis, gastritis and duodenitis.

According to some reports, regular use of this plant can significantly reduce the risk of cancer.

Landing Rules

It is possible to grow a healthy and well-bearing plant if the cultivation technology is observed. Chinese cabbage can be grown not only through seedlings, but also without seedling way.

When growing a plant in a seedless way, the following rules must be observed:

• sowing of seed material on greenhouse ridges is carried out from the end of April with an interval of two weeks;
• spring sowing should be done with leaf varieties, and in summer sowing, preference should be given to head-forming varieties;
• the standard step between plants should not be less than fifteen centimeters, and the depth is about two centimeters;
• it is allowed to use the tape-row sowing method with subsequent thinning of the plants or the group sowing method, in which several seeds are planted in one hole, followed by the removal of the weakest sprouts.

To grow Chinese cabbage in seedlings, you should use the following technology:

• the plant is very difficult to transplant, so it is advisable to grow seedlings in separate tablets or peat pots;
• uniform sowing is achieved by mixing the seed with sand;
• sowing depth should be about one centimeter;
• planting seedlings on greenhouse ridges is carried out very carefully, when five true leaves appear on the plants;
• for leafy plants planting chart seedling material is 10 × 10 centimeters;
• for plants of a head type, the scheme for planting seedlings is 20 × 20 centimeters.

Useful properties of Chinese cabbage (video)

Features of care and feeding

Leaf and head types of Chinese cabbage are cold-resistant crops, as well as light and moisture-loving. Adult plants perfectly tolerate cold snaps down to minus six degrees, however, when temperatures rise above twenty-five degrees Celsius, Chinese cabbage can get leaf burns.

Caring for this type of cabbage is not difficult and consists in performing regular and abundant watering, shallow and accurate soil loosening, and timely control of weeds and pests. A good result gives high-quality mulching greenhouse soil. Chinese cabbage is very responsive to sprinkling. When well prepared since autumn, fertile soil, for the entire growing season, only two fertilizing with organic fertilizers is required.

Diseases and pests

Weakened plants, which are cared for with gross violations, are most often attacked by diseases and pests. Most often, Chinese cabbage is affected by the following pests.

Garden cruciferous fleas

pest damage sheet plates. With a significant number of pests, the plant may die. The small pest overwinters in plant debris left in the greenhouse.

The fight against fleas consists in sprinkling cabbage leaves with tobacco dust or wood ash, as well as the timely destruction of garden plant debris. An effective measure is the use of fumigation or pollination of plants with sodium silicate fluoride, as well as the placement of special traps in the greenhouse - flea traps.

cabbage white

Butterfly pest begins its flight in the middle of summer. Of particular harm are scoops and whites at the stage of caterpillars. The mass settlement of the pest in the greenhouse threatens not only with loss of crops, but also with the death of plants.

The fight against butterflies and caterpillars consists in dusting the plants with a product such as sodium silicate fluoride and manually collecting pests from cabbage leaves. Effective drugs are "Lepidotz" and "Xibacillin".

cabbage fly

An effective method of plant protection is high-quality moistening of the soil around the plants, as well as pollination of the soil with naphthalene or tobacco dust mixed with sand.

Among the most formidable diseases of Chinese cabbage are the following types:

• white and gray rot of cabbage;
• keel of cabbage;
• downy mildew;
• black leg of cabbage;
• cabbage mosaic.

In order to prevent the development of these formidable diseases, one should follow the rules of crop rotation, properly prepare the greenhouse structure for the winter period, weed ridges with cabbage in a timely manner and immediately remove all plant debris.

Plant health is important. Strong Chinese cabbage is rarely affected by diseases, therefore it is advisable to use only zoned and disease-resistant varieties for crops, and the seed material must be subjected to high-quality pre-sowing treatment.

Chinese cabbage can be eaten raw and for cooking at the age of one and a half months. At this stage, grown according to cultivation technology, the greenhouse plant has several succulent and large leaves.

How to grow Chinese cabbage (video)

The main process of harvesting Chinese cabbage falls on the moment of closing the heads. Despite the fact that the plant belongs to the category of very cold-resistant, it is advisable to harvest the entire crop before the onset of stable frosts. Otherwise, the heads of cabbage will be poorly stored and significantly reduce the taste. in a beautiful way storage is digging up a plant with a root system, followed by deepening in moistened sand. Sand containers should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area.

Pak choy is a traditional Asian culture, which in recent times becoming popular with European and American gardeners. It is also suitable for cultivation in Russia. Chinese cabbage is unpretentious, not particularly thermophilic, and does not place high demands on the quality of the substrate. At the same time, it is distinguished by precocity and good yield, it is very beneficial for health.

What does Chinese cabbage look like?

As you might guess, the birthplace of Chinese cabbage is China. It is also very popular in Korea and Japan. It has been cultivated in Asia for more than five thousand years. The culture is known by the nicknames "pak choi" ("horse ear") and "mustard cabbage". Do not confuse it with Beijing cabbage, these are close "relatives", but still different, from the point of view of botanists, cultures. Carl Linnaeus considered pak choi a variety of cabbage. Modern botanists believe that it is more like a turnip. Chinese pak choi has been cultivated in Asia for more than five thousand years.

Beijing cabbage outside of Asia is much better known than Chinese cabbage. Therefore, they are often confused. The main difference between them is that the first one forms a head. Her leaves are much paler, almost white, wrinkled, with corrugated edges. The taste of Chinese cabbage is sharper, it yields much faster.

It is impossible to confuse Chinese cabbage with Beijing cabbage for someone who has seen both, the main difference is the presence of a head of cabbage

The plant looks quite unusual. This cabbage does not form heads of cabbage. It would be very difficult to distinguish it from lettuce or spinach, if not for the characteristic thickening at the base of the stem. In height, the “rosette” of leaves reaches 0.5 m, the average diameter is 35–40 cm. Petioles of white or light green color are pressed tightly against each other, forming something that looks like an onion, so the plants are quite compact. The diameter of this thickening most often does not exceed 5–10 cm, weight - 100–250 g. Practice shows that varieties with greenish petioles are more resistant to stemming.
The outlet of Chinese cabbage can be both compact and rather sprawling, it depends on the variety.

Leaves various shades green with a bluish-gray tint, whitish veins. They are smooth to the touch. The surface can be either almost flat or noticeably “bubbly”.
The leaves of Chinese cabbage are very tender, with a characteristic bitter taste.

Both leaves and petioles are edible in Chinese cabbage. The former tastes like slightly bitter spinach or celery, the latter is a cross between asparagus and chard, but spicier. At home, in Asia, salads are most often prepared from it, using in fresh. Other greens, eggs, green pea, corn, onion, garlic, radish, even ginger and tangerines. Even in Korea, a very popular appetizer from it is kimchi (spicy sauerkraut with ground hot pepper). Can be replaced Chinese cabbage common in soups, cook side dishes from it. During heat treatment, it changes the taste to a sweetish one, without losing its characteristic sharpness. But they boil, fry and stew it for a very short time - the leaves are extremely tender.
Fresh Chinese cabbage is a source of many vitamins and microelements necessary for the body.

One of the indisputable advantages of culture is precocity. Cabbage can be cut in just 20-25 days after transferring the seedlings to the garden. And in greenhouses and greenhouses - 2-3 weeks after germination. Accordingly, even in a temperate climate, you can get 2-3 crops per summer. Also, its popularity among Russian gardeners is facilitated by its amazing unpretentiousness, cold resistance, and consistently high yields. We must not forget about the health benefits.

The optimum temperature for its cultivation is 15–20°C. If it rises to 25 ° C and above, sunburn may appear on the leaves. The culture is cold-resistant (tolerates frosts down to -5–7 ° C), but this applies to adult plants. If the seedlings are planted too early, stalking is almost inevitable, especially in conditions of long daylight hours.

Perhaps the only drawback of the plant is when it reaches maximum dimensions, leaves and petioles become very coarse, hard fibers appear in them. Therefore, in their homeland they prefer to cut rosettes that have reached a height of 15–20 cm. Their greens are much softer and juicier. After cutting, a new growth quickly forms.

Chinese cabbage has a high content of vitamins (A, C, E, P, PP, group B) and essential amino acids, especially lysine, combined with a low calorie content (13 kcal per 100 g). When eaten regularly, it is an effective prevention of atherosclerosis, helps to strengthen the immune system, get rid of chronic fatigue syndrome, increase mental and physical performance, and normalize blood pressure.

Nutritionists recommend it to those who want to get rid of extra pounds and bring back to normal gastrointestinal tract and liver. There is research evidence showing that Chinese cabbage helps prevent the development of tumors, including malignant ones, due to the presence of glucosinolates, which give it a bitter taste. It is also rich in magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, antioxidants, fiber and starch.

Chinese cabbage juice is widely used in Chinese and Tibetan folk medicine, especially when combined with egg white. It is used to heal wounds, ulcers, inflammation, burns.
Chinese cabbage juice has long been used in folk medicine.

There are also contraindications. Chinese cabbage is not advised to include in the diet for diabetes. The metabolic process in this case is already disturbed, it can cause additional hormonal disruptions and even coma. Also, this cabbage is not recommended for problems with the thyroid gland. If consumed in moderation, it can cause problems with the absorption of iodine.

Video: health benefits of bak choy

Common varieties

In Russia, varieties of Chinese cabbage of domestic selection are mainly grown. Most of them are early, which allows you to get several harvests per season, even in the Urals and Siberia. The following varieties are most popular with gardeners:

• Alyonushka. The most common variety in Russia, recommended by the State Register for fresh consumption. Leaves can be cut 45 days after emergence. They are quite small, dark Green colour with a grayish tint, in the form of a wide ellipse or almost round. The surface is smooth or slightly wrinkled. The length of the petiole is 8–15 cm, they are rather thick, fleshy. It is the petioles that make up most the total mass of the plant, reaching 1.8 kg. Productivity is high - up to 9 kg / m².
• Vesnyanka. It takes 25–35 days from the emergence of seedlings to the ripening of the crop. The first greens can be cut after two weeks. The leaves are ovate, bright green or lettuce, smooth, with a slightly wavy edge. The central vein is very wide. Average weight one "onion" - 250 g. Greens from 1 m² receive about 1.7 kg. The variety has a high content of vitamin C, excellent taste. Relatively rarely suffers from bacteriosis, resistant to tsvetushnosti.
• Golub F1. The height and diameter of the outlet is about 40 cm. The leaves are medium-sized, salad-colored, smooth. Petioles are short and wide, juicy. The average weight of a plant is 0.6–0.9 kg. Yield - 6 kg / m² or a little more.
• Corolla. One of the new selections. Medium maturity variety. The socket is low (up to 20 cm), but sprawling (40 cm in diameter). The leaves are medium-sized, saturated green in color, with a pronounced "wrinkling" and smooth edges. The petiole is flat, narrow and not long. The average weight of a plant is up to 1 kg. Productivity - 5 kg/sq.m.
• Martin. It takes 35-45 days from the emergence of seedlings to cutting greens. The leaves are bright green, with even edges, almost smooth. The main part of the plant mass (about 2/3) is petioles. They are very fleshy, juicy, greenish in color. The average weight of one outlet is 1.5–3 kg. The variety is valued for its taste and high content of vitamin C, good resistance to bacteriosis. Does not suffer from fading.
• Swan. Mid-season variety. It can be grown both in open ground and in greenhouses, greenhouses. The rosette of leaves is compact, low. Petioles are snow-white, elongated, wide. The leaves are small, oval. Productivity is high - 5.5–7.7 kg / m². The mass of each plant is 1.1–1.5 kg. Brings a crop even in not particularly favorable weather conditions, tolerates dense plantings.
• Lilac miracle. One of the latest achievements of breeders, stands out with an unusual shade of leaves. They are purple-green, covered thin layer bluish "wax" coating. The surface is "bubbly", the edges are strongly corrugated. Petioles purple, slightly concave. Productivity - 2.25 kg / m², plant weight - 0.45 kg.
• Peahen. Medium maturity variety. It takes 57-60 days from the emergence of seedlings to cutting greens. It can be grown both in a greenhouse and without shelter. Suitable for fresh consumption, does not lose its benefits during heat treatment. Petioles are very juicy, fleshy, crispy. The weight of the plant varies from 1 kg to 2 kg, the yield in open ground varies from 4.8 kg/m² to 10.2 kg/m². The variety does not go into the arrow, brings a crop when planted in the shade and with dense plantings. Leaves and petioles keep well.
• Chill. Mid-season variety. The height of the socket is about 35 cm, the diameter is slightly smaller. The leaves are medium-sized, pale green, egg-shaped. The surface is finely bubbly. Petioles are dense, salad color. The variety is valued for its excellent taste and good (6.7 kg / m²) yield. The average weight of a plant is up to 1.5 kg.
• Yuna. Rosette 30 cm high or a little more, its diameter is 50 cm. The leaves are medium in size, in the shape of an ellipse, rich green color. The surface is vesicular, the edges are wavy, sometimes slightly dissected. Petioles are not long, narrow, slightly concave, light green in color. The average weight of a plant is 0.8–1 kg. Productivity - 5 kg/sq.m.
• Onyx. The growing season is 45–55 days. Approximately 2/3 of the mass of the plant are white-green petioles. The rosette of leaves looks like a vase. Its height is 40–45 cm, its diameter is 5–10 cm larger. Leaves are small and smooth. The grade is appreciated for palatability, productivity, transportability.

Photo gallery: varieties of Chinese cabbage common in Russia

Chinese cabbage Alyonushka - one of the most popular varieties among Russian gardeners Vesnyanka - an ultra-early variety of Chinese cabbage Golub F1 - a hybrid of Chinese cabbage, it will not be possible to collect seeds on your own Chinese cabbage Corolla - one of the latest achievements of Russian breeders Chinese cabbage Swallow never goes into the arrow Chinese cabbage The swan consistently brings crops, even if the summer is not too good in terms of weather. Chinese cabbage Purple miracle looks very unusual, but does not differ in yield. Chinese cabbage Pava produces one of the last crops. sprawling sockets
Chinese cabbage Onyx keeps well

Landing procedure and preparation for it

Chinese cabbage can be grown both from seedlings and from seeds. As predecessors, almost any horticultural crops are suitable for her, except for other varieties of cabbage, radish, daikon, radish, swede. If there is a goal to collect seeds on your own, Chinese cabbage is planted away from Beijing cabbage. With other "relatives" she does not cross-pollinate.

A bed for planting is prepared in the fall. The culture is not particularly picky about the quality of the soil, but it is desirable to increase the fertility of the substrate by introducing humus or rotted compost during the digging process (10–12 liters per 1 p / m). The acid-base balance of the soil is neutral or slightly acidic. The only thing that categorically does not suit her is a heavy peat substrate. Perfect option- sandy loam or loam.
Chinese cabbage does not tolerate direct sunlight, best option for her - light penumbra

The plant tolerates partial shade and shade well, this practically does not affect the yield. But open areas of culture are not suitable. If the summer is hot, sunburn is almost inevitable.

To save space on the site, Chinese cabbage can be planted between rows of cucumbers and tomatoes. Growing up, these plants will create a kind of "canopy" that protects it from direct sunlight.
Wood ash is a natural source of potassium and phosphorus

Chinese cabbage, like other horticultural crops native to Asia, is negatively related to fresh manure. From fertilizers, superphosphate and potassium nitrate are useful to her (a tablespoon per 1 m²). You can replace them with wood ash. Dolomite flour or eggshells crushed to a powder state are additionally added to acidic soil. They also saturate the soil with calcium, which any cabbage loves very much.
Dolomite flour - not having side effects subject to the dosage, a soil deoxidizer that saturates the substrate with calcium

For seedlings, seeds are planted in the second decade of March. The culture does not tolerate picking and transplanting very well, so they are sown in several pieces in peat pots with a diameter of 8–10 cm, in order to then be transferred to the garden along with the container. Seedlings develop quickly, transplantation is carried out within 20–25 days after germination. By this time, the seedlings should have 4-5 true leaves. Between the rows leave about 40 cm, the interval between plants is 35–50 cm.
Seedlings planted in peat pots can be transferred to the ground without removing it from the container

Before planting, the seeds are heated for a quarter of an hour in a thermos with hot (50 ° C) water, then literally for a minute they are immersed in cold water. To increase germination, they are soaked for 10–12 hours in a biostimulant solution (Epin, potassium humate, succinic acid, aloe juice). To prevent the development of fungal diseases, it is etched for 15–20 minutes in a biofungicide solution (Topaz, Baikal-EM, Alirin-B, Fitosporin-M).
Seeds of Chinese cabbage must undergo pre-planting preparation, treatment with fungicides is especially important for the prevention of fungal diseases

The containers are filled with any purchased substrate for seedlings, adding a little crushed chalk or wood ash. The seeds are planted, deepening by 2-3 cm. The pots are turned into "greenhouses", covered with glass or film, and kept in a dark place until germination. Then they are transferred to the windowsill of the east or south window. The optimum temperature is 18–22°C during the day and 14–18°C at night. Water Chinese cabbage often, but moderately, constantly keeping the substrate slightly moist, but not turning it into a swamp.
Before and after planting in the ground, Chinese cabbage is watered abundantly.

To make it easier for plants to adapt to a new place, they begin to harden them about a week before planting. First, the seedlings are left outdoors for a short time, then they gradually extend the time spent outdoors to 12–14 hours. More experienced gardeners It is recommended to stop watering 4 days before planting, and half an hour before planting, moisten the soil well.

Video: how to grow cabbage seedlings

The wells are also well shed with water. A handful of humus, a couple of pinches of wood ash and a little onion peel are placed at the bottom (it repels pests well). Until the planted seedlings begin to grow, arcs are installed above the bed, covering it with any air-permeable white covering material.

When planting seeds directly into the ground, about a week before the procedure, the bed is shed with a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate and covered with a film. The soil before and after planting Chinese cabbage seeds must be well moistened.

30–40 cm are left between the rows. Shoots appear after about 7–9 days, if the seeds are deepened by about 1 cm. Before that, the bed is covered with polyethylene, white agrospan, spunbond. Water the seedlings twice a week and only with warm water.
Seedlings of Chinese cabbage seeds give quite quickly

In the phase of the second true leaf, the plantings are thinned out, leaving 20–25 cm between plants. When the third leaf appears, humus is poured to the roots. Practice shows that in this case, plants develop faster.

"Extra" seedlings are cut with scissors or pinched near the ground. To make the planting more or less uniform, the seeds are mixed with sand.

Chinese cabbage seedlings are thinned out so that each plant gets enough area to feed.

Chinese cabbage is a short daylight plant. So that she does not go into the arrow, she is planted either in the middle of spring, or towards the end of summer. May and June are not the right time if the selected varieties are not resistant to bloom.

Chinese cabbage is extremely unpretentious. The crop ripens very quickly, so all that is required from the gardener is weeding, loosening the beds, fertilizing and watering. The last one is the most important. Like any cabbage, pak choi is a moisture-loving plant.
Both young seedlings of Chinese cabbage and adult plants need watering.

The root system of Chinese cabbage is superficial, the roots go into the soil by a maximum of 15 cm. Therefore, the best method of watering for it is sprinkling. It is undesirable to pour water under the base of the outlet - the bare roots dry out quickly. If the temperature is optimal for the culture outside, watering is carried out every 2-3 days, spending about 20 liters of water per 1 m². In the heat, Chinese cabbage is watered daily or even twice a day. In the evenings, you can additionally spray the leaves. Mulch will help retain moisture in the soil. It also saves time on weeding. Any material is suitable, except for peat and fresh sawdust - they strongly acidify the soil, which often leads to the development of keel.
Mulching the garden saves the gardener time on watering and weeding

If there are prolonged rains in summer, the plants may begin to rot. You can protect the bed from excess moisture with the help of a film or covering material stretched over arcs.

The growing season for Chinese cabbage is very short, so any mineral fertilizers, especially nitrogen fertilizers, which contribute to the accumulation of nitrates in the leaves and petioles, are completely excluded. For varieties early term two top dressings are enough for ripening, for mid-season - three. The first is carried out 5–7 days after planting the seedlings in the ground or when 5–6 leaves form in the seedlings in the garden. The second and third (if necessary) - with an interval of 10-12 days. Chinese cabbage is watered with an infusion of wood ash, nettle leaves, dandelion, and other weeds. From store fertilizers, any biohumus-based products are suitable. The consumption rate is about a liter per plant.
Nettle infusion - an absolutely natural fertilizer

Video: Pak Choy Growing Experience

The seeds of Chinese cabbage germinate already at 4–5 ° C, so it is quite possible to sow it in the spring in a greenhouse. The gardener will have time to harvest before the time comes to plant cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, and other crops. If the greenhouse is heated, seeds can be sown already in the first decade of March, if not, in early April. They dig up the soil from autumn, add humus, shed 2% blue vitriol or a bright pink solution of potassium permanganate. For additional disinfection in the greenhouse, you can burn a small piece of sulfur checker.
With a heated greenhouse, Chinese cabbage can be grown all year round.

When disembarking, follow the same scheme as for open ground. The substrate before and after is well moisturized. Before germination, a temperature of about 20°C is desirable. Then, for about a week, it is lowered to 10–12 ° C. Further, before harvesting, the optimal indicator is 16–18 ° С.

Growing seedlings are thinned out twice at weekly intervals, leaving first 10-15 cm between plants, then 30-35 cm. Watered as the topsoil dries. You can generally do without top dressing. Or use an infusion of wood ash.

Planted in early spring in a greenhouse, Chinese cabbage almost never suffers from diseases and pests. For most of them it is still too cold, the larvae, eggs and spores of the fungus simply do not have time to “wake up” from hibernation.

Chinese cabbage from the "stump" at home

The base of the rosette of Chinese cabbage about 5 cm high can be used again, getting greens at home after cutting. Another option is to plant the rooted plant in the ground and harvest 2-3 more crops. The fresher the plant and the denser the “bulb” at the base, the better.

The "bottom" cut down is placed in a deep container with water at room temperature so that only its very base touches it. Previously, the "planting material" is inspected - there should be no traces of rot, mold, pest damage. The container should be kept in a cool place, but not in the refrigerator, water should be changed daily. Chinese cabbage does not need a lot of light, but the heat is very undesirable. It gives roots quite quickly, literally in 3-4 days. Soon there will be fresh greens.
Roots in the water "stump" of Chinese cabbage gives in just a few days

After that, the plant can be carefully, remembering that the root system of Chinese cabbage is extremely fragile, transplanted into a container filled with any universal soil for indoor plants with the addition of sifted wood ash or crushed chalk. At the bottom of the pot, a drainage layer 2-3 cm thick is required. Watering after transplantation is resumed only when the plant begins to form new leaves.
The greens emerging from the "stalk" are cut off as they grow

They keep the pot on the windowsill of a window facing north, northwest. When the temperature is right outside, you can take it out to the balcony. If a flower arrow appears, it is immediately cut off.

Water Chinese cabbage moderately, but often, every 2-3 days. It is quite possible to do without dressings. In summer, in order to create the required short daylight hours, it is advisable to cover the plant for 12-14 hours with a dense black plastic bag. Otherwise, especially if the desired temperature is not maintained, an arrow will quickly form.

Video: how to grow cabbage from a "stump"

Typical crop diseases, pests and their control

The vegetative period of Chinese cabbage is short, immunity compared to the "relatives" is quite good. Many pests are repelled by those contained in the leaves in high concentrations. essential oils. But this culture is not completely immune from the attacks of pathogenic fungi and insects.

Of the pests for Chinese cabbage, the most dangerous are:

• Cruciferous flea. Pests and their larvae feed on the tissues of the plant, literally in a couple of days turning the leaves into something that looks like a colander. A week after planting or two after the emergence of seedlings from seeds, the soil in the garden is sprinkled with a mixture of ground pepper, tobacco chips and sifted wood ash, taken in approximately equal proportions. If there are still few fleas, the plants are sprayed with infusions of tansy or celandine. In the event of a mass invasion, Phoxim, Aktara, Phosbecid are used.
• Butterfly caterpillars of whitefish and scoops. Pests eat leaves starting from the edges. Very quickly, only petals and veins remain from them. Peak activity of adults occurs in May. At this time, not far from the beds, you can place special pheromone or homemade traps(deep containers filled with diluted water sugar syrup or honey). At night, butterflies fly into the light - this feature can also be used. Some gardeners simply cover the bed with a fine mesh - in this case, the butterflies are physically unable to lay their eggs on the leaves. In the event of their mass invasion, Lepidocide, Bitoxibacillin are used to combat adults. The larvae are destroyed by Actellik, Tanrek, Mospilan.
• Cabbage fly. The larvae damage the roots of the plant, penetrate through them into the stems, eating long “tunnels” into them. For prevention, plants and soil are sprayed with infusion of onion or garlic gruel. To combat the pest, Mospilan, Fury, Fufanon are used.
• Aphid. Small greenish insects cling to the leaves, feeding on the juices of the plant. They form small beige spots, clearly visible in the light. For prevention, cabbage is sprayed 2-3 times a week with infusions prepared from any sharp-smelling herbs. You can also use onion and garlic arrows, tomato tops, lemon peel, mustard powder and so on. They will also help if the appearance of the pest is noticed in time. The frequency of treatments is increased to 3-4 times a day. In the absence of the desired effect, any insecticides of general action are used - Inta-Vir, Iskra-Bio, Konfidor-Maxi, Admiral.
• Snails and slugs. Pests eat large holes in leaves and petioles, leaving a layer of sticky, silvery coating on the surface. Their massive invasions are extremely rare, so it is quite possible to get by folk remedies. The easiest method of dealing with slugs is manual collection. Deep containers are also dug into the ground, filling with beer, fermented kvass, pieces of cabbage. Any planted around the perimeter of the beds spices, marigolds, calendula, chamomile, lavender. The base of the stem is surrounded by a "barrier" of spruce needles, sand, crushed walnut or eggshell. "Heavy artillery" against slugs - drugs Meta, Thunderstorm, Slug Eater.

Photo gallery: what pests dangerous to Chinese culture look like

The cruciferous flea is the most dangerous pest for Chinese cabbage. The main damage to plants is caused by the caterpillars of the cabbage scoop, but adults also need to be fought. The cabbage fly lays its eggs in the soil, the larvae settle on the roots of plants, it is very difficult to notice them. garden pests The keeping quality of Chinese cabbage, damaged by slugs, is sharply reduced, it also does not look very appetizing.

In order to avoid fungal diseases, as a rule, it is sufficient to treat the seeds before planting in a solution of a fungicide of biological origin. The causative agents of rot, bacteriosis, downy and powdery mildew, do not tolerate copper compounds. It is very important to observe the interval between plants - with thickened plantings, the spores of the fungus spread much faster.

For prevention, water for irrigation can be replaced once a week with a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate. The soil in the garden is sprinkled with crushed chalk, colloidal sulfur, the plants themselves are dusted with sifted wood ash, sprayed with diluted kefir or whey (1:10) with the addition of iodine (a drop per liter). It is highly undesirable to use any chemicals to fight fungi - due to the short growing season, this will certainly affect the quality of the future crop. If there is no choice, preference should be given to fungicides of biological origin.

The greatest danger to Chinese cabbage is the quila. Ugly growths form on the roots of the plant, the aerial part dries. It is no longer possible to cure it, it remains only to tear it out and burn it. The best prevention is crop rotation. After any Cruciferous crops from the same family, they can be planted no earlier than 4-5 years later.

Photo gallery: symptoms of diseases that can affect Chinese cabbage

White rot on cabbage resembles peeling oil paint Dry rot most often develops during storage, but cabbage in the garden is not immune from it Mucous bacteriosis makes cabbage completely unsuitable for eating
Cabbage leaves affected by peronosporiosis quickly turn brown and dry. powdery mildew leaves from the inside are covered with a continuous layer of plaque, similar to scattered flour. Cure cabbage that has become infected with clubroot. impossible

Harvest and storage

Harvest can be cut as soon as there are 9-10 leaves in the outlet. It is this young Chinese cabbage that is preferred at home, in Asia. Then you can gradually pick off the leaves as they grow. Another option is to cut off the sockets completely when their height and diameter reach the dimensions characteristic of the variety. But in this case, it is important not to be late, the leaves of overripe Chinese cabbage quickly coarsen.
It is impossible to preserve the fresh harvest of Chinese cabbage for a long time.

Most often, greens are used fresh. But if you wish, you can save Chinese cabbage for 2-3 months. To do this, the plants are dug up along with the roots and “transplanted” into boxes with wet sand or peat. The same is done if cooling is expected to -10 ° C and below, and the crop is not yet ripe. Store sockets in the cellar at a temperature of 2-5 ° C. It is also essential to have good ventilation and high humidity air (70% or more).
The sockets dug out with roots are “transplanted” into a box with sand or peat and sent to the cellar.

Fresh leaves are stored in the refrigerator. To do this, they need to be separated from the “bulb”, washed, blotted with excess moisture with a paper towel and placed in the refrigerator, placed like a bouquet in a container with water and covered with a plastic bag on top. You can also wrap them in a damp cotton cloth. Under such conditions, the leaves do not lose their freshness for 7-10 days.
Chinese cabbage leaves are washed before storage in the refrigerator so that they do not wilt, it is important to maintain high humidity.

Freezing and drying of Chinese cabbage leaves is practiced somewhat less frequently. In Asia, it is salted and pickled.

To grow on personal plot Chinese cabbage, no big deal. This culture is surprisingly unpretentious and even in the temperate Russian climate it can bring several crops per season, including when grown outdoors. Pak choi ripens much earlier than other greens, which allows you to pleasantly diversify the menu in the spring. It tastes very good, and in terms of health benefits, it surpasses many varieties of cabbage familiar to gardeners.

For the first time, Chinese cabbage began to be grown in China, from where it came to the Korean Peninsula, Japan, Indochina, and then spread to other regions. In Russia, this culture is not yet so popular, but has already fallen in love with many who bought it for the first time. The white, fleshy stems and green foliage of the plant are often used in cooking or eaten raw as a snack.

Chinese cabbage has gone through a long breeding development and today has the ability to take root in any country. Plant culture does not require complex care, but in order to obtain an abundant and high-quality harvest, you need to know the rules for growing it.

Description and characteristics

Asian cabbage appeared on the territory of Russia only in the 19th century. Over the centuries, the plant has gone through many stages of selection, as a result of which several varieties of this type of crop were formed. Hybrid varieties have gained great popularity, as they are able to take root even under the harsh conditions of temperate latitudes.

cabbage belongs to herbaceous plants cruciferous family, which also includes broccoli, white and cauliflower, turnip, radish, daikon, etc. Chinese culture is a biennial plant that is cultivated as an annual. Cabbage leaves are represented by tender and juicy plates with a triangular or flat central vein. They are characterized by wavy or jagged edges and a pimply inner side. The leaves form loose heads or rosettes, ranging in color from light yellow to rich green.

Leaf plates of the plant are added to salads, soups, side dishes, marinades. East Asia is known for its traditional dish kimchi, which contains pickled Chinese cabbage.

Today, there are two main types of Asian cabbage:

• Chinese cabbage. This type is very popular outside of Asia. In our country, it is often sold under the name "Chinese salad". White stems with broad pale green leaves curl into loose, elongated heads of cabbage. Beijing cabbage is used for sauerkraut and salads.
• bok choy. This species is smaller than its Beijing counterpart. Smooth leaf plates of dark green color do not form a head, but are located on thick stems around a central point. It is this variety that is most often grown by Asians. Recently, bok choy has been actively grown and sold in the United States and some European countries.

Despite external differences, both types of plant culture contain a large amount of vitamins and other nutrients, which makes them suitable products for a healthy diet.

Landing Features

In our latitudes, both varieties of Chinese cabbage are cultivated. Growing and caring for them are practically the same, but different varieties that differ in ripening time should be planted away from each other so that they do not conflict.

Cabbage prefers open, unshaded areas. It will develop well on the east or west side. Although the plant has a high degree of frost resistance, the germination of seeds or seedlings occurs at a temperature not lower than +16 degrees. The soil for cabbage should be light, loose, neutral, but fertile. The culture develops well in well-drained and moderately moist soil, so a loamy substrate will be ideal for it. Acidic lands should be limed in autumn. In the spring, they dig the site and introduce a mixture of humus and compost into the soil.

The culture is grown in a seedless way and with the help of seedlings.

Growing from seed

Before planting, the seed material needs preliminary preparation, after which the seeds have more chances to germinate in the shortest possible time:

Treated seeds are planted in prepared soil, well warmed by the sun. The soil is well watered and subsequently monitored necessary level humidity and heat.

Usually landing is made in April, when the temperature is about +14-20 degrees. With more high rates cabbage can release flower stalks. If the growing conditions are favorable, then the first harvest after germination can be expected in a month.

seedling method

Longer, but a fruitful way is to grow cabbage for seedlings.

Seeds are prepared according to the same scheme as described above. If you grow seedlings in advance, then the risk of losing the planned crop will decrease. The first fruits appear earlier than when seeds are planted immediately in open ground. It is necessary to sow material for seedlings a month before landing on the site. The best planting time for a summer harvest will be the end of March - the beginning of April. If you plan to stock up on vegetables for winter period, then the seedlings are planted in late June - early July.

Depending on the variety, seedlings should be located at a distance of 20-40 cm from each other; there should be 0.5 m of free space between rows.

Outdoor cabbage care

In order to get a high-quality harvest in the planned time frame, it is necessary to follow some rules in caring for the grown crop.

After planting seedlings in the ground, the plants should be covered with cloths for the first time. The material will protect young bushes from spring frosts, direct rays of the hot sun, possible rains and pests. This shelter contributes to better rooting and the formation of cabbage.

10-15 days after planting, the soil around the bushes is mulched with straw or peat. From time to time, loosening and weeding of the earth should be done, removing weeds and excess grass.

Like any other plant, Chinese cabbage needs watering. Once every 7 days, each bush should be plentifully watered under the root with warm settled water. It is necessary to ensure that moisture does not get on the foliage. Asian culture should be watered in the morning or in the evening so that the leaves do not get burned from the sun.

The first dressings are applied 15 days after planting the seedlings in the soil. To do this, use organic fertilizers, of which mullein infusion or chicken droppings are suitable. But you should be careful with organics, as a high nitrogen content in the soil can lead to plant diseases. In the spring, top dressing is applied 3 times, in the summer - 2 times. The formation of heads is positively affected by foliar top dressing in the form of a solution boric acid. The treatment of leaves with this substance should be done in the evenings.

Collection and storage

For winter storage Chinese cabbage has been grown since June and harvested in October. Heads of cabbage are wrapped in a film and placed in wooden boxes. Containers with vegetables are stored in a basement or other dry room at a temperature of +1-3 degrees. Twice a month, it is necessary to inspect the heads of cabbages for deformations. The spoiled parts are removed, and the vegetables are wrapped in new material.

The harvested crop can be stored on a glazed balcony. If the temperature in the room drops below 0 degrees, then the boxes will need to be covered with a blanket or other warm material. Healthy and dense specimens can be placed in the refrigerator. Shredded cabbage can be fermented or stored in the freezer.

Diseases and pests

Caring for Chinese cabbage also consists in regularly inspecting its leaves. The plant can be occupied by the following insects:

• Harmful weevils,
• cabbage flies,
• bedbugs,
• cruciferous fleas,
• Medvedki,
• fireflies,
• wireworms,
• turnip whites,
• secret hobos,
• slugs,
• dark clickers,
• flower beetles,
• Petiole mosquitoes.

Unfavorable conditions can provoke the appearance of diseases in cabbage:

In the first stages of fungal diseases, the affected parts are removed, and the remaining leaves are treated with fungicides. For preventive purposes, seeds and seedlings should be treated with the necessary preparations in order to increase the plant's immunity to various diseases and pests. Do not forget about the conditions of maintenance and care of culture.

Caring for Asian culture does not require much effort and time, but only if you follow the rules of planting and growing, you can achieve a high-quality and tasty harvest of juicy vegetables.

Cabbage is a vegetable from which you can make a lot of excellent salads. However, it is not only famous for its amazing taste, but also gives the body useful substances and vitamins. Today there are a huge number different varieties vegetables, they are all simply saturated with vitamins and differ from each other appearance. One of the most beneficial for the body is Chinese cabbage, which in recent years has become more and more popular among culinary specialists around the world.

Beijing cabbage refers to biennial plants that are grown as annuals. Depending on the variety, it has leaves of light yellow or bright green color. This plant is a loose head of cabbage with juicy tender leaves that have a white vein. The edges of the leaves are distinguished by a beautiful wavy or jagged shape.

The peculiarity of the variety is that it does not have a stalk. The cabbage head of the plant is tossed into soup or pickled, and the leaves are used mainly for making salads. Asia is famous for pickled Beijing cabbage. They call this dish kimchi and many believe that it prolongs life.

How Chinese cabbage grows

Feature and history of the origin of the vegetable

Beijing cabbage appeared in China several thousand years ago, then it came to Korea and Japan, and eventually spread to Asian countries. After some time, this vegetable became popular in Europe, as well as in our country.

Why is Beijing becoming more and more popular? This plant is a source of nutrients and vitamins. The main advantage of the variety is that even in winter it does not lose its vitamins and benefits the body.

The most important useful substances that are included in its composition include:

• protein;
• mineral salts;
• vitamins C, A, K, PP, as well as a group of vitamins B;
• amino acids;
• organic acids.

In addition, "Beijing" also has medicinal properties. She helps:

• with cardiovascular diseases;
• stomach ulcer;
• strengthens the immune system;
• prolongs a person's life.

Very interesting is the fact that this vegetable contains lysine, which helps cleanse the blood and destroy foreign proteins.

Chinese cabbage kimchi

The right way to plant Chinese cabbage at home

What gardener does not dream of pleasing himself and others with new achievements and growing Chinese cabbage at home. To grow this plant from seeds, you can plant them immediately in open ground, or you can grow seedlings first. Planting Chinese cabbage at home, both in Belarus and the Moscow region, as well as in the Urals and Siberia, follows the same pattern.

The only difference is when to start sowing seeds and the time when the vegetable begins to bloom. If you decide to use the first method, then you should punch holes in the garden at a distance of 30 cm from each other and pour humus into them. Seeds are sown to a depth of no more than 2 cm. From above they are sprinkled with ash and covered with a film. In a week you will be able to see the first sprouts.

What to do and how to plant seeds in the country or in the garden to get a good harvest? It is necessary to choose the right time for sowing. The term for planting cabbage in the garden:

• in the spring from and to April 20;
• summer from July 19 to August 9.

Chinese cabbage seeds

If you want to get an early harvest, then "Beijing" for seedlings should be sown at the end of March. And if you want to enjoy the harvest in winter, then seedlings should be planted in the second half of June.

Loose soil is suitable for this plant, therefore it is best to use a mixture of humus (1 kg) with coconut substrate (2 kg) for sowing.

Seeds are immersed in the ground no more than 1 cm and placed in a dark and warm room. When the first sprouts appear after 3 days, they should be transferred to a lighted place.

You need to take care of Chinese cabbage no more than ordinary white or cauliflower.

Watering the seedlings is necessary when the top earthen clod dries out. However, 4 days before transplanting seedlings, watering is stopped.

In general, the sprouts will be ready for planting in a month, when they have 4 leaves.

cabbage seedling

Why not do a pick?

This plant does not like picking and takes root in a new place for a long time. Transplanting or planting seedlings with the preservation of the roots will not work. Settling into a new place will take a long time. Therefore, it is not recommended to dive - it is better to initially sow in separate containers or peat tablets.

Before planting seedlings in open ground, it must be hardened off. For this, young sprouts are taken out to Fresh air, first for a couple of hours, then the time spent on the street is gradually increased. When they are able to spend a day outside, then the seedlings will be ready for planting on permanent place.

As for the soil for this vegetable, it should be well-drained and loose. Loamy soil would be an excellent option. In addition, a plant of this variety should not be planted in the place where tomatoes and beets used to grow.

The soil for planting such a wonderful variety begins to be prepared in the fall. To do this, they dig up the soil and add lime to it. When the soil is dug up in the spring, then humus is added to it.

Growing Chinese cabbage

"Beijing" feels great in a greenhouse. However, for this it is necessary to strictly adhere to 2 rules:

1. Observe the temperature regime from 15 to 20 degrees - therefore, an unheated greenhouse will not work;
2. Humidity should be in the range of 70-80%.

If these norms are not observed, then a peduncle may form, and the plant will also be subject to various diseases.

The advantage of growing Beijing cabbage in a greenhouse is that you can independently regulate the length of daylight hours and maintain the optimum temperature. A greenhouse will also help protect your crops from frost. And if you have it heated, then you can grow this plant even in winter.

Chinese cabbage in a greenhouse

This plant is very fond of moisture, coolness and light. Young shoots are especially sensitive to temperature changes and frosts. Therefore, in order to protect them and give them the opportunity to bloom, it is necessary to cover them with a non-woven fabric.

In addition, the canvas will also protect the vegetable from direct sunlight on especially hot days. It also helps to remove excess moisture and hide the sprouts from the cruciferous flea that loves to profit from it. It will also be useful to mulch the soil, which will retain moisture and prevent the emergence of weeds.

To obtain excellent harvest the vegetable must be watered once a week with warm water.

Feeding also has a fruitful effect on it. The first top dressing is carried out 14 days after planting in open ground.

Especially useful infusions from chicken manure, grass or mullein. A liter of such fertilizer is poured under each plant. If cabbage was planted in the spring, then top dressing must be carried out 3 times, and if in the summer, then 2 times.

If you want to get a good ovary, then it costs per liter hot water and in 9 liters of cold, drop 2 g of boric acid and treat the Beijing with this solution.

Covering planted seedlings

In order for the vegetable to lie in the cellar for as long as possible, it is better to give preference to varieties that are harvested in September. And also, the more leaves left with the head, the longer the plant will be stored. In addition, it will lie longer if it is placed in a room with high humidity. In addition, each head is well wrapped in plastic wrap. You should also inspect each head every 14 days, remove dried or rotten leaves.

In no case do not store "Peking" next to apples. They secrete a substance that causes the leaves of the plant to wilt.

Cabbage can also be stored in the refrigerator or on the balcony. The main thing is that condensation does not form on it, and the temperature does not fall less than 0 degrees.

In general, when storing cabbage on a balcony or refrigerator, you must follow the same rules as when storing in a cellar.

You should also know that the vegetable will lie in such conditions from 1 to 4 months. If you want it to lie longer, then you can use the following storage methods:

• sourdough;
• drying;
• freezing.

Sauerkraut Chinese cabbage

The first way is sourdough. It is one of the easiest storage methods. The sourdough recipe is very simple: you need to pour 10 kg of slaw cabbage into 600 ml of water and add 100 mg of vinegar, 2 tsp each. salt and sugar, as well as 2 cloves of garlic squeezed through a press. Further, under pressure, all this should be in a room with room temperature about a day, and then 14 days in the cold.

To dry the “Peking”, it is cut into strips and placed in an oven heated to 100 degrees and the door is slightly opened. It will be ready in 4 hours, after which the dried vegetable is placed in cotton bags.

To freeze, shredded cabbage is thrown into salted boiling water for 3 minutes. After that, the vegetable is dried and frozen.

As you can see, Beijing cabbage is a wonderful plant that will look like a decoration on any table. Do not be afraid to take on the cultivation of Beijing, because it is not picky in care and is very useful. Therefore, each gardener should allocate a place on his suburban area Chinese cabbage.

Chinese or Beijing cabbage, despite its origin, can be cultivated in Russia, but for this you need to know the features and rules of cultivation. In the article we will deal with all the subtleties of this process.

In the world selection, there are a huge number of varieties of Chinese cabbage. The harvest of such vegetables can be obtained in any climatic zone, but subject to certain rules.

For example, early varieties feel better in greenhouses. In the southern regions of our country, it is necessary to shade the plants, which will create a shortened daylight hours.

Victoria

An early ripe variety, distinguished by excellent taste, pleasant aroma. The fruits are used for preparing salads and other dishes, suitable for heat treatment. Cylindrical vegetables, elongated with dense loose leaves of light green color. The growing season for the Victoria variety is within 2 months.

Orange Mandarin

Early maturing variety, can be grown throughout the warm season. Under favorable weather conditions, the fruits of the culture ripen after 40 days from the moment the seedlings are planted in open ground. Heads of cabbage are small, their mass does not exceed 1 kilogram. The variety tolerates stressful situations and is suitable for growing in Siberia.

Martha

Shade-tolerant early ripe variety, has a growing season of 40-42 days. This cabbage has rather large and wide leaves, tasty pulp. Maximum weight head of 1.5 kilograms. Sowing seeds for seedlings is carried out in the second decade of April, seeds are sown in open ground from mid-May.

Garnet

Mid-season variety, has large fruits weighing up to 2.5 kilograms. Heads of cabbage are elongated in shape, have tightly fitting dark green leaves. Pomegranate shows resistance to many diseases, especially necrosis. The first crop of cabbage is obtained in 70-75 days from the moment of sowing the seeds.

Express

The variety is suitable for growing in greenhouses and open ground. This is unpretentious plant resistant to sudden changes in temperature. Heads of bright green color weighing up to 2 kilograms. Beijing Express can be used for growing in Siberia.

stonefly

Ultra-early variety, ripens in 35 days from the moment of sowing seeds in the greenhouse. Heads are small, juicy, suitable for salads.

Wineglass

Medium late variety with a vegetation of 70 days, it is quite capricious in care, so it is better to grow such a vegetable in the southern part of our country. Heads are dense, weighing up to 2 kilograms.

How to grow seedlings of Beijing cabbage

The cultivation of the culture in question can occur using seedlings or by the method direct sowing seeds in open ground. Chinese cabbage is considered a cold-resistant plant, its grains can form sprouts at an air temperature of +4-5 degrees, but intensive development is possible in the range of +15 ... +22 degrees. When warming, the culture throws out inflorescences. A similar phenomenon often occurs in conditions of extended daylight hours.

Due to the need for shortened daylight hours, it is recommended to grow the culture from seedlings in early spring or late autumn. Sometimes it is advisable to create a special light mode. In this case, the first harvest of fruits is obtained within a month from the moment the plants are planted in open ground.

When to plant Beijing cabbage for seedlings

Planting of seed material of Chinese cabbage should be carried out about a month before the intended planting of seedlings in a permanent place. To receive early harvest sowing for seedlings is carried out in the last decade of March or in early April. When growing seedlings to obtain a crop for winter consumption, sowing of grains is carried out at the end of June.

Preparing seeds for planting

Purchased Chinese cabbage seeds do not need special preparation, they can be planted immediately in the ground without prior soaking. In case of using your own seed materials grains need preliminary germination, which will determine their germination.

To do this, they are placed on wet gauze, folded in several layers. Next, the container with the seeds is placed in a warm place and wait for the sprouts to appear. Their germination begins 3-5 days after sowing.

If this does not happen or seedlings are rare, you need to take other seeds.

Preparing the soil for sowing

In practice, there are several options soil mixtures for sowing seedlings of Beijing cabbage:

sod land and peat in equal proportions with the addition of 10 grams of wood ash and complex mineral fertilizer(for every 10 kilograms of the mixture).

2 parts humus and 1 part coco.

Sowing seeds for seedlings

The culture in question does not survive the transplant well, so the sowing of seeds must be carried out not in a common box, but in peat pots (2-3 grains per container). The seed material is buried in the nutrient substrate to a depth of 1.5 cm. After that, the seedlings are placed in a warm, but dark place until shoots appear.

seedling care

After the appearance of the first shoots, the seedlings are moved to a well-lit window sill. At this stage of development, the temperature in the room must be maintained at + 7 ... + 8 degrees. For this, a loggia or a glazed balcony is best suited.

Further care of seedlings consists in periodic watering with warm settled water. Moisturizing the soil should be carried out as the top layer of the nutrient substrate dries. After carrying out these procedures, it is necessary to carefully loosen the soil, which will prevent moisture stagnation.

When the seedlings have two or three true leaves in a pot, one of the healthiest plants is left, the rest are pinched.

Dive

We have already said earlier that Chinese cabbage seedlings do not tolerate transplanting well, so the seeds are sown immediately in separate containers. This allows you to bypass the dive process.

How to transplant seedlings of Chinese cabbage in open ground

Seedlings of Chinese cabbage are moved to open ground along with peat pots. In the future, these containers will dissolve and give additional nutrients for plant development.

10 days before the expected planting date, the plants are hardened in the open air, gradually increasing the time. Seedlings can be planted in a permanent place after they have spent a day on the street.

Planting scheme

There are several schemes for planting Chinese cabbage in the open field:

1. If the plant is used as a salad crop, a distance of 25 centimeters is left between individual seedlings in both directions.
2. To form a head of cabbage, it is necessary to follow the scheme of 35 * 35 or 50 * 50 centimeters.

This requirement is valid for sowing vegetables with seeds immediately in open ground.

When using seedlings, follow the pattern of 30 * 50 centimeters.

To get a good harvest of fruits and prevent bolting, planting a vegetable should be carried out in early spring or autumn.

Sowing seed into the ground

To grow Beijing cabbage in a seedless way, you need to choose the right site. The ideal predecessors of the culture in question are:

• garlic;
• carrot;
• cucumbers.

It is not advisable to sow seeds in the soil where close relatives of cabbage (mustard or radish, radish) developed before.

Sowing of seeds is carried out in previously dug up soil. Planting holes are made in the garden according to a pre-selected scheme of 35 * 35 or 50 * 50 centimeters. 10-15 grams of wood ash and 0.5 kilograms of organic matter (compost or humus) are added to each recess.

After a week from the moment of sowing, shoots should appear. At this point, the most developed sprout should be left in the hole, the rest are pinched.

Chinese cabbage planting dates

The term of sowing seeds in open ground depends on the air temperature. The ideal conditions for the development of this cabbage is the temperature regime of + 16 ... + 22 degrees. Exceeding or decreasing the recommended indicators leads to the formation of peduncles.

For the seedless method of cultivation, two favorable terms for sowing seeds are used from April 25 to May 5, from June 25 to July 15.

Cabbage care in the garden

Growing Chinese cabbage requires the gardener to follow certain rules. Recently planted seedlings must be covered with agrofiber or any other non-woven material. This allows:

1. protect crops from possible frosts or sudden changes in temperature;
2. shade plants from the scorching rays of the sun;
3. protects root system cabbage from rotting during prolonged rains;
4. allows you to hide seedlings from pests, cruciferous flea.

Two weeks after planting the seedlings in the garden, the plot is covered with mulch from broken straw and peat. There is no need to hill the crop, a thick layer of organic matter will retain soil moisture and will prevent the growth of weeds.

Further measures for caring for cabbage are periodic watering and fertilizing, identifying and protecting vegetables from diseases and pests.

Watering and fertilizing

Chinese cabbage needs regular abundant watering. It is recommended to moisten the soil at intervals of once a week using warm water. The liquid must be poured under the root of the plant.

Contact with water on the leaves causes sunburn.

For better plant development, watering should be done in the morning or in the evening after sunset. In the latter case, it is recommended to use warm, infused water throughout the day.

The first top dressing is applied to the soil two weeks after planting the seedlings. For this purpose, you can use the following solutions:

• 10% mullein infusion (1 kilogram per 10 liters of water);
• 5% infusion bird droppings(500 grams of organic matter per 10 liters of liquid);
• infusion on herbs or nettles.

When fertilizing cabbage with fertilizers, 1 liter of solution is used for each bush. For spring culture, three such top dressings are needed. Plants planted in summer are fed twice during the growing season.

Foliar top dressing also helps to improve the yield of Chinese cabbage. To prepare such a substance, 2 grams of boric acid are diluted in a liter of boiled hot water, then the volume is adjusted cold water up to 10 liters. The processing of cultures is carried out in the evening on the leaves.

Harvest and storage of Chinese cabbage

To improve the safety and prevent the development of rot, it is recommended to cut the heads in dry weather. The collected fruits are stored in a cool and dry room with a temperature regime of 0 ... + 2 degrees. Vegetables are laid out on racks or packed in boxes.

Conduct a periodic inspection of heads of cabbage for the presence of shrunken leaves and putrefactive areas.

Diseases and pests of lettuce

Beijing cabbage, like other cruciferous plants, can be affected by various diseases and pests during the growing season.

First, let's get acquainted with the main diseases of this vegetable:

1. The black leg affects emerging sprouts of cabbage seedlings. The main symptom of the onset of the disease is the blackening and narrowing of the stem of the crop, which makes it difficult for nutrients to reach the leaves and the death of plants. To prevent the development of a black leg, it is necessary to disinfect the soil and seed material, follow the rules for caring for seedlings. The development of this disease is facilitated low temperatures and high air humidity, as well as thickened plantings of young plants.
2. bacterial disease keel causes the appearance of thickenings on the root system of cabbage. As a result of such exposure, the cells are deformed and poorly pass nutrients. The affected plant turns yellow and begins to dry out. The development of the disease is promoted by high soil moisture and low-quality seeds, as well as acidic soil. To prevent the development of the disease, before planting seedlings, the earth is calcined in the oven, and then spilled with a solution of potassium permanganate. Add to acidic soil wood ash or lime.
3. Fungal disease gray mold infects the aerial part of the crop during the period of fruit ripening or during storage. Symptoms of the disease are the appearance of brown spots on cabbage leaves. After some time, a grayish coating forms on the affected areas. Spraying plantations with fungicides, for example, Amistar, will help to defeat the disease.

Beijing cabbage is considered a fairly demanding plant to care for. To get such vegetables, you need to have basic knowledge of their cultivation. Put our advice into practice, and you will get a good harvest of Chinese cabbage.