Cale is a biennial herbaceous flower of the Brassicaceae family. Rich colors, including red, white, rose red and other colors. Likes a cool, well-lit environment.
(1) Technical key points of sowing and raising seedlings.
It is best to use sterilized, loose, breathable and water-retaining medium for sowing. pH is about 6, EC value is 0.6. After sowing, the substrate temperature should be kept at around 24°C, and germination will occur in three days. Spray the seedbed with mist water and protect it from direct sunlight or rain.
After the cotyledons are expanded, some light can be given appropriately. When the root system grows to about 4 cm and the seedling height is 4 cm, 50 mg/kg 20-10-20 water-soluble thin fertilizer can be appropriately applied.
After the seedlings enter the rapid growth period, sufficient light should be provided, and the seedbed should be maintained at a certain degree of dryness. If the seedling density is too high, thin out the seedlings appropriately. At this time, water-soluble fertilizers 100 mg/kg 20-10-20 and 14-0-14 can be used alternately. Fertilize once a week. After the plants take shape, measures such as strengthening ventilation, supplementing light, and controlling water should be taken to prevent the plants from growing too much.
(2) Key points of cultivation and management techniques after potting.
Kale is a plant that likes fat and water. The chosen cultivation medium must be loose, breathable, water- and fertilizer-retaining. Some organic fertilizers such as chicken manure can also be appropriately added as base fertilizer. During the growth period, fertilizer with a concentration of 200 mg/kg 20-10-20 can be used and applied once a week. Kale prefers a low-concentration but balanced, consistent fertilization. Nitrogen deficiency is the most common problem when cultivating kale, which will cause the lower leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Fertilization must be continued before the weather turns cold and the kale changes color. Once the leaves begin to change color, fertilization should be stopped. Too much nitrogen fertilizer will cause green spots on the leaves after color change.
After potting, kale is prone to insect pests, such as aphids, cabbage caterpillars, etc. Comprehensive control can be carried out with pyrethrins or methamidophos.
Controlling temperature is critical. When the average temperature drops to 16°C, the plant begins to change color from the center. The most suitable temperature range for kale growth is 10 to 21°C. Plants with fully developed root systems can withstand low temperatures of -7°C to -4°C. produce harm. The lower the temperature during cultivation, the more compact the plant shape will be. If the seeds are sown too early and the temperature does not reach the low temperature required for color change, the plants will continue to grow green leaves until the temperature is suitable and color change begins. This will result in taller plants. After the plant turns color, the kale has vernalized and will start to bolt if it gets any higher. Just a few days of unusually high temperatures can cause it to bolt.
When the crown width of the plant reaches 30-35 cm, the plant shape is neat and the color is uniform, it can be released from the nursery for sale.