Ornamental Cabbage. Growing Seedlings

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

The technology of growing ornamental cabbage has its own characteristics, unlike other types. The correct approach to this issue will help to get beautiful "heads" in flower beds, strong, high-quality seedlings in the early stages

Advantages

Unlike food varieties, ornamental cabbage has undeniable advantages:

1. Retains "marketable" appearance for a long time (July-October).

2. Resistant to cracking because it does not form heads of cabbage.

3. Absence of negative reaction to unfavorable growing conditions (broccoli turns into color instead of growing heads).

4. Withstands frosts in the seedling phase up to - 3, adult specimens - up to - 10 degrees.

5. After light autumn frosts, the colors become brighter.

6. Well tolerates transplanting at any time with abundant watering (up to 3 times per season with a large clod of earth).

7. Can be used as a home option, as a pot, indoor decoration.

8. Hard leaves are less damaged by pests.

9. Bouquet varieties stand in a vase for up to 10 days without loss of quality.

10. Universal application: food, decorative in flower beds, bouquet in a vase.

In order for these advantages to manifest themselves on the planted variety, it is necessary to properly prepare the planting material.

Sowing

Ornamental cabbage has a long growing season. Therefore, it is grown through seedlings. This method helps to quickly "show yourself to the world" in all its glory.

In mid-March, they are preparing for sowing. Peat, humus, sand, garden soil are mixed in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 2. Add a glass of ash to the bucket. The soil is laid out in separate cups or medium-sized cassette cells.

Too small containers quickly fill up with the root system, the plants will lack nutrients. Individual "packaging" will allow you to transfer the seedlings to a permanent place in the open ground without injury. Reduces the time to adapt to new conditions by 2 weeks.

At the bottom of the cups, holes are made to drain excess moisture. Spill medium concentration with a solution of potassium permanganate. Seeds are spread to a depth of 0.7 cm. Sprinkle with soil. Cover with glass or foil.

After 4-6 days, seedlings appear at a temperature of 22-25 degrees. Gradually, the shelter is removed. They put additional lighting in the evening and morning. Transfer to a cooler place to avoid pulling out the seedlings.

A glazed loggia on the south side with a cover of cups through arches at night with a film, the most suitable option in an apartment. A private house uses a veranda with large windows. The boxes are placed closer to the inner wall. They control the room temperature using a thermometer. Keep track of weather forecasts. With the threat of severe frost, they are brought into the warmth for the night.

Keep the seedlings at minimal watering to avoid blackleg damage. Instead of water, a weak solution of potassium permanganate is used. Top dressing once every 2-3 weeks with Zdraven fertilizer. Norm a small pinch on the tip of a knife for 1 liter of liquid.

There is a second option for obtaining strong seedlings by sowing directly into the beds. Inside the greenhouse in late March - early April, part of the soil is shed with hot water. They loosen the earth with a hoe, harrow with a rake. Cut grooves 1 cm deep. Lay out the seeds individually at a distance in a row every 2-3 cm, between grooves 15-20 cm. Install arcs, cover with foil. Seedlings appear in 7-10 days. Further care is the same as at home. Watering is 2 times less frequent than indoors.

At the beginning of May, the seedlings are transferred in cups for hardening from the house to a cold greenhouse, an additional shelter is removed in the greenhouse. After 4 days, they are planted in a permanent place.

We will consider planting, care in the open ground, and getting our own seeds in the next article.