How to grow colored cabbage?
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Colored Chinese cabbage requires specific soil and environmental conditions for optimal growth. Its roots are mainly found in the shallow soil layer, so it should be planted in fertile, loose, well-ventilated, moisture-retentive, and nutrient-conserving sandy loam or loam soils. The soil depth should exceed 50 cm, with a pH level between 7 and 7.5. This vegetable thrives in a mild, cold climate, with seedlings and head formation periods tolerating slight frost but not high temperatures. When temperatures exceed 32°C, growth becomes very weak. The ideal temperature range is 10–22°C during the growing phase, while the bud and seedling stages require 20–25°C. It does not have strict light requirements and can grow normally under low light conditions, making it suitable for dense planting. However, excessively low light may reduce yield. A long growing season benefits photosynthesis, and shorter days promote head formation.
In terms of water and fertilizer needs, colored Chinese cabbage has high water content and requires less water during germination. During the seedling stage, when the root system is shallow, regular watering is necessary. The rosette stage demands more water, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root diseases and poor development. During the head formation period, increased watering is essential to support rapid leaf ball growth. Potassium is the most needed nutrient throughout the growth cycle, followed by nitrogen and calcium, while phosphorus and magnesium are required in smaller amounts. Fertilization should combine organic and chemical fertilizers, with top-dressing applied according to different growth stages.
For cultivation techniques, spring planting should begin when the minimum temperature is above 5°C, either through nursery or direct sowing. In autumn, planting in North China is typically done in mid-August, late August in the Yangtze River valley, and from August to November in South China. In alpine areas, planting should be advanced to June or July. The best time to sow is after a cold wave that ensures sufficient growth period without exposing plants to heat stress or viral diseases. For 667 square meters, apply 4000–5000 kg of organic fertilizer and 40 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer as base fertilizer. After deep plowing to 30 cm, create raised beds 15–20 cm high with a width of 1.3 meters, planting two rows per bed.
Due to the rarity of colored cabbage seeds, both imported and domestic varieties are expensive, so transplanting is commonly used to save costs and ensure uniform seedlings. Seedlings with 5–6 leaves are selected, transplanted in the afternoon with minimal root disturbance. They are planted at intervals of 50–60 cm and watered immediately after transplanting. After the seedlings adapt, a basal fertilizer of 20 kg urea per 667 square meters is applied. Water every 5–6 days, alternating wet and dry conditions. During the late rosette stage, a large watering is given to encourage root development. Once the head starts forming, increase top-dressing and watering—25 kg of potassium sulfate and 20 kg of urea per 667 square meters, applied via furrows or holes. Stop watering 10 days before harvest.
Pest control is crucial, especially against cabbage caterpillars. Timely application of pesticides is necessary to prevent damage and ensure healthy growth, maximizing yield and economic returns.