When is the latest time to plant Wutacai in the north?

Wutacai is a vegetable native to China. It is a variety of the Brassica rapa subspecies of the Brassica genus of the Cruciferae family. Its leaves are plump, tender in texture, sweet and fragrant, and rich in nutritional value, so it has broad prospects for cultivation. So when is the latest time to plant Wutacai in the north? Let’s learn more about it below.

When is the latest time to plant Wutacai in the north?

In northern regions, the latest planting time for wutacai is usually in late September. If sowing is done too late, the plants may be damaged by low temperatures, affecting growth and yield.

How to grow Wutacai in the north?

1. Plot selection

Choose a plot with loose and fertile soil, convenient irrigation and drainage, and a neutral or slightly acidic pH value. At the same time, the land should be flat and well ventilated to avoid continuous cropping. It is also not advisable to choose land where the previous crop was cruciferous, so as to avoid continuous cropping obstacles to the growth and development of Wutacai.

2. Land preparation and fertilization

Before planting wutacai, the land should be plowed and fertilized, and the soil should be plowed to a depth of about 15 centimeters. Fertilize according to soil fertility. Apply about 3,000 to 4,000 kilograms of decomposed organic fertilizer per mu, combined with 5 to 8 kilograms of urea fertilizer, about 50 kilograms of superphosphate, and about 12 kilograms of potassium sulfate.

3. Sowing method

Wutacai can be sown directly or raised and transplanted. Usually in the north, open-field sowing is carried out in autumn by direct seeding. After sowing, cover the seeds with a 1 cm thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist before sowing.

4. Seedling management

Pay attention to thinning out the seedlings when they emerge to avoid over-watering, which will cause the seedlings to grow too tall. The seedlings should be transplanted 30 days after they emerge, and the plant spacing should be controlled at about 15 cm and the row spacing at 30 cm.

5. Field management

(1) Intertillage and weeding: Once a month to prevent weeds from competing for water and nutrients.

(2) Key points on water and fertilizer: After the seedlings are established, a thin layer of fertilizer can be applied once, with about 8 kg of compound fertilizer applied per mu of land. Then, depending on the growth of the seedlings, one or two top dressings can be carried out, each time applying about 5 to 8 kg of urea. The soil should be kept moist, avoiding being too dry or too wet.

(3) Pest and disease control: Comprehensive prevention and control measures should be taken for pests and diseases, including strengthening field management, biological control and chemical control.

Generally speaking, Wutacai prefers a cool climate. In northern regions, mid-August to late September in autumn is its main planting season. If sowing is too late, it may affect the growth and yield of wutacai. It is recommended that the latest time should not exceed late September.