When is the best time to sow chive seeds?

As a popular vegetable , leek is widely grown both in the south and the north. Its planting process is relatively simple, and its yield is abundant. It has a long harvesting period and can be harvested multiple times. Because of these characteristics, leeks are very popular among rural families, and many families can grow leeks and harvest them throughout the year. Let’s learn together when is the best time to sow chive seeds ?

When is the best time to sow chive seeds?

After selecting high-quality seeds, the sowing time of leeks is usually arranged from the time the soil thaws in winter to the autumnal equinox. The suitable sowing period is from late March to early May, especially spring sowing. Due to the climate differences between the north and the south, the sowing time needs to be determined according to the specific local temperature conditions. In order to ensure that leeks grow well before the Dragon Boat Festival and avoid affecting tillering, yield and quality, it is recommended to sow them in March and April.

In order to speed up the germination of leeks, some measures can be taken to increase the soil temperature after sowing, such as covering with white mulch or building a small arch shed. Using mulch to cover the ground can make the germination time about 5 days earlier than open-air sowing, while a small arch shed can further advance the germination time by about 10 days, which helps to extend the growing period of leeks and promote its growth.

How to plant chive seeds

1. Seed selection

Selecting healthy chive seeds with full grains is the key to ensuring successful planting. When purchasing, it is recommended to choose a merchant with high credibility to ensure the high quality of the seeds.

2. Seed treatment

Before sowing, place the chive seeds in the sun for 1 to 2 days to dry. Next, place the seeds in 40°C warm water and stir, then take them out and clean them, and then soak them in 30°C water for 8 to 10 hours. Germination should be carried out at a temperature of 18-20℃, and sowing can be carried out when the seed radicle begins to extend.

3. Sowing techniques

Sprinkle the chive seeds evenly over the prepared soil and then lightly cover the seeds with fine soil. To maintain the appropriate moisture of the soil, you can use a sprayer to gently spray water to avoid direct watering that may cause the seeds to be washed away.

4. Seedling management

When the leek seedlings grow to a certain height, thinning should be carried out to ensure that there is enough space between the plants to grow. At the same time, regular weeding, loosening the soil and watering should be carried out to provide a good growth environment for leeks.

In fact, as long as the temperature and other conditions are suitable, the sowing time of leek seeds has a wide range. Now many families use their own balconies to grow leeks.