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 concentrated in the shallow soil layer, so it should be planted in fertile, loose, well-ventilated, moisture-retentive, and nutrient-conserving sandy loam or loam soil. The soil depth should exceed 50 cm, with a pH range of 7 to 7.5. This vegetable thrives in a mild, cold climate. It can tolerate slight frost during the seedling and heading stages but is sensitive to high temperatures. When the temperature exceeds 32°C, its growth becomes very weak. The ideal growing temperature is between 10°C and 22°C, while the seedling and bud stages prefer 20°C to 25°C. It does not require strict light conditions and can grow normally under low light, making it suitable for dense planting. However, excessively low light may reduce yield. A long growing season benefits photosynthesis, and short days help promote heading.
In terms of water and fertilizer requirements, colored Chinese cabbage has a high water content. During germination, it needs less water, but regular watering is necessary during the seedling stage due to its shallow root system. During the rosette stage, water demand increases, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent waterlogging, which can harm root development. During the heading stage, more water is required to support rapid leaf ball formation. Potassium uptake is highest throughout the growth period, followed by nitrogen and calcium, while phosphorus and magnesium are taken up in smaller amounts. In cultivation, organic and chemical fertilizers should be combined, 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 sowing or direct seeding. In autumn, planting in North China typically occurs around mid-August, while in the Yangtze River valley, it's late August. In South China, planting can take place from August to November, and in alpine areas, it should be advanced to June or July. The best sowing time is after a cold wave of more than 2°C, as sowing too early increases the risk of viral diseases, while sowing too late reduces the growth period and affects yield. For 667 square meters, apply 4,000–5,000 kg of organic fertilizer and 40 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer as base fertilizer. After deep plowing to 30 cm, create raised beds 1.3 meters wide and 15–20 cm high, with two rows per bed.
Due to the rarity of colored cabbage seeds, both imported and domestic varieties are expensive. Most growers opt for transplanting, which saves costs and ensures uniform seedlings. Seedlings with 5–6 leaves should be transplanted in the afternoon, minimizing root damage. Plant them 50–60 cm apart and water immediately after transplanting. After the seedlings adjust, apply a basal fertilizer with 20 kg of urea per 667 square meters. Water every 5–6 days, keeping the soil moist but not saturated. During the late rosette stage, give a heavy watering to encourage root development. Once heading begins, increase top-dressing and irrigation: 25 kg of potassium sulfate and 20 kg of urea per 667 square meters. Apply these through furrows or holes, and stop watering 10 days before harvest. Monitor for pests like cabbage worms and use pesticides promptly to ensure healthy growth and maximize economic returns.