Spring cabbage early bolting prevention measures
2025-07-18 10:47:18
Spring cabbage is typically cultivated during the winter season, with harvesting taking place between May and June. From sowing to harvest, the plants go through a long period of low temperatures, which can lead to early bolting. Once the plant starts to bolt, it loses its commercial value and significantly affects yield.
Why does spring cabbage bolt prematurely? This usually happens when the seedlings have developed a certain number of leaves and the stem diameter reaches 0.6 to 1.6 cm. After being exposed to a period of cold temperatures (between 0°C and 15°C), the plant may form flower buds during vernalization and then bolt in the following spring.
Early bolting is a major issue in spring cabbage production. Although numerous studies have been conducted both domestically and internationally, the problem remains complex and not fully resolved. Currently, the main approach to prevent early bolting is to control the size of the overwintering plants so that they don’t receive enough cold exposure to trigger flowering.
Key preventive measures include:
1. **Strictly controlling the sowing and planting periods** – Sowing should take place after the last frost, ideally in late October. Sowing too early increases the risk of bolting because the seedlings grow rapidly and become larger before winter, making them more susceptible to early bolting. Conversely, later sowing results in smaller plants, which are less likely to bolt.
2. **Choosing varieties that are resistant to premature bolting** – Varieties such as chicken heart, beef heart, and Jingfeng No. 1 are known for their resistance to early bolting. Even if some varieties are weak in winter, late sowing and small seedlings can help reduce the chance of bolting. Selecting the right variety is crucial in preventing this issue.
3. **Controlling fertilizer application during the seedling stage** – Over-fertilizing during the early growth stages can cause the plants to grow too large before winter, making them more sensitive to cold. Controlling nutrient levels ensures the plants remain compact, reducing the likelihood of early bolting.
4. **Using transplanting techniques** – Transplanting can help regulate plant size. In spring cabbage production, pre-transplanting is often necessary. If plants grow too quickly, a second transplant may be done, but excessive transplanting can negatively impact yield.
In addition to these methods, using high-quality, pure seeds is essential. Impure varieties often result in unpredictable growth patterns and increased bolting rates.
Controlling early bolting is critical for successful spring cabbage cultivation, but achieving high yields also requires attention to other factors. For example, proper top-dressing is essential to promote healthy growth without encouraging premature flowering. As temperatures rise in spring, plant growth accelerates, and timely top-dressing helps maintain a balance between vegetative and reproductive growth. Adequate irrigation is also important, especially during dry periods.
Finally, effective pest management is necessary to protect the crop from pests like the cabbage white butterfly and diamondback moth, ensuring both yield and quality. By combining all these practices, farmers can significantly improve the success of their spring cabbage production.
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