How to plant rapini for better taste in the beginning of winter
Let me share some tips on how to plant rapini for better taste in the beginning of winter. Regarding how to plant rapini for better taste and how to grow rapini for better taste, the editor of this site will introduce to everyone next.
1. Fertilization and Water Management.
(1) Top-dressing. Fertilization and water management of rapini is very important, and it is necessary to apply top-dressing at the right time. Generally, top-dressing should be done 4 times during the whole period, respectively 5-7 days, 15-18 days, 25-30 days, and 45-55 days after transplanting. The first top-dressing is done after the plants have survived, using a dilute human waste solution (10%-15%). The second top-dressing is done when the plants start growing rapidly (about 15 days after planting), applying 15 kg of urea per mu with a small hoe at 15-20 cm away from the base of the stems. The third top-dressing is done before the plants form a canopy, when the heart leaves start to twist (about 30 days after planting), combined with weeding and earthing-up. The soil should be loosened shallowly, taking care not to damage the roots. Apply the fertilizer in shallow furrows between the rows and cover with soil. This time, more fertilizer is used, applying 20-25 kg of compound fertilizer per mu, or 25 kg of soybean cake, or 25 kg of peanut bran, and it is best to water with a dilute human waste solution every 7-10 days. The fourth top-dressing is done during the bud formation stage (about 45-50 days after planting), applying a heavy dose of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers to meet the needs of the flower head expansion. Apply 15 kg of monopotassium phosphate and 15 kg of compound fertilizer per mu to promote rapid growth of the flower buds. Make deep furrows 20 cm away from the base of the stems, cover the soil immediately after application, and water to moisten the soil, allowing the fertilizer to dissolve and be absorbed. In the later stages, foliar fertilizers can be sprayed, such as a 0.5% borax and 0.5% ammonium molybdate solution, about once a week, for 2-3 consecutive times.
(2) Water Supply. After transplanting, water the seedlings to protect them, and if possible, cover them with shade nets to increase survival rate. Before forming a canopy, sufficient watering is needed to meet the rapid growth and development of the plants. After the plants form a clump, it is beneficial to control watering to help the roots grow deeper. In winter, when the weather is cold, water the plants at noon on sunny days, keeping the soil moist. When it rains or there is heavy fog, water promptly to wash away the fog water and acid rain to prevent the flower heads from rotting.
2. Cold Protection and Disease and Pest Control. It is best to use plastic mulch in winter for rapini cultivation, or cover the ridge surface with straw or weeds. When there is frost, water promptly to prevent frost or burn smudge at the windward end of the field. The main diseases in rapini fields include black rot, soft rot, black spot, and downy mildew, which should be controlled in time. The main pests are small white butterflies, cabbage worms, and aphids, which should be controlled with appropriate pesticides.
3. Harvesting. To avoid rotting of the flower heads in spring due to rainy weather, harvesting should be done in time. The right time for harvesting is when the flower buds feel slightly loose to the touch or when the flower buds around the edge of the flower head are slightly loose, and the surface of the flower head is compact and flat. Harvest on a sunny morning or evening. Cut the flower head along with about 10 cm of the tender stem and place it in a shaded and cool place. Package and market as soon as possible, and store any unsold rapini quickly at low temperatures.
Do you know now after the detailed introduction shared above on how to plant rapini for better taste and how to grow rapini for better taste in the beginning of winter?