How and when to plant cabbage for seedlings and in open ground

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that requires proper cultivation. To get a rich harvest with large and strong heads of cabbage, first determine the scheme and time of planting, the rules for watering and feeding. Any mistake made when growing this vegetable leads to a slowdown in growth, and in some cases to the death of the plant.

From the article you will learn about planting and caring for white cabbage in the open field.

How to plant seedlings at home

To get strong cabbage seedlings, it is important to follow all the recommendations for growing this vegetable.

These include:

1. Selection of the most suitable variety. In total, there are 3 main types - early ripening, mid-ripening and late-ripening. The first 2 are suitable for fresh consumption and preparing salads for the winter, the late ones - for long-term storage.
2. Soil preparation. This needs to be taken care of in the fall. The optimal soil for obtaining strong seedlings is a mixture of soil from the site, humus and turf in a ratio of 1: 1: 1. For fertilization and disinfection of the soil, add 1 tbsp. wood ash per 1 sq. m. Before planting seeds, the soil is treated with antiseptic agents. For this, a strong solution of potassium permanganate is most often used.
3. Seed preparation. Select seed that is even, free from mold and other damage. Then soak it in an antiseptic solution for 10 minutes. For this, various fungicides are used. For example, "Maxim", "Vitaros" or "Fitolavin".
4. The last step is hardening, for which the seeds are first kept in warm water, then in cold water. Treatment with growth stimulants, for example, "Immunocytophyte", "Epin" or "Zircon", will help to increase germination.

Before emergence and several days after that, the optimum temperature for seedlings is + 20 ° C.

Sowing scheme

How to plant correctly:

1. The soil must be moist... Place no more than 2 seeds per 1 cm. You can grow seedlings in peat tablets, with 1 pc. there are 2 seeds.
2. Seed material is immersed in the ground by no more than 1 cm. Then the boxes with future seedlings are covered with cling film or glass and removed to a warm, dark place.
3. After the emergence of shoots (after 4-5 days), the shelter is removed, and the box is moved to the windowsill. In this case, the seedlings are protected from direct sunlight, otherwise they may get burned.

Care features

So that the cabbage does not die, it is carefully looked after. For this, the following recommendations are observed:

1. Temperature conditions. The first days after emergence and before the formation of the first true leaf, the air temperature should be + 6 ... + 8 ° C. Then it is increased to + 16 ° C during the day and up to + 8 ... + 10 ° C at night. This will prevent the seedlings from pulling out and harden them.
2. Light mode. Optimal for cabbage is a 12-hour day, therefore, it is provided with backlighting in the morning and evening.
3. Loosening and watering. Cabbage seedlings are watered 1-2 times a week, avoiding waterlogging. Loosening prevents the appearance of a crust on the surface of the soil and protects the roots of the seedlings from rot and black leg.
4. Antiseptic treatment... 7 days after germination, the soil is treated with copper sulfate or potassium permanganate solution.
5. Picking. When 2 true leaves appear, the seedlings need to be thinned out. When picking, the seedlings are seated in separate cups or placed in one box at a distance of 5-6 cm from each other.

Before planting in open ground, the seedlings are prepared for a change of location. To do this, perform a number of actions:

1. Watering is stopped a week before planting. 2 hours before this, the seedlings are well filled with water so that during planting they do not damage the root system.
2. For 14 days, seedlings are fed with mineral fertilizers.
3. 2 weeks before moving the seedlings to a permanent place, the hardening procedure begins. To do this, they are taken out into the open air. It is recommended to start from 20 minutes, gradually increasing to several hours.

When planting cabbage in the ground

The timing of planting a plant in a permanent place depends on the variety of cabbage and the region. To calculate the exact time, 45 days are counted from the moment of planting the seeds.

Sowing cabbage in open ground

Before planting seedlings in open ground, choose a place, a suitable time and prepare the soil.

When to sow

Seedlings must be completely ready for moving into open ground:

• the height of the seedlings is at least 20 cm;
• the hardening period has passed;
• from 4 to 8 true leaves appeared;
• The seedlings are healthy, without signs of disease and pests.

Experienced gardeners recommend planting cabbage seedlings after the bird cherry has faded. In this case, the air temperature should be at least + 8 ... + 10 ° C, and the soil temperature - + 10 ° C.

What soil does white cabbage like?

Properly prepared soil is one of the main conditions for obtaining a good harvest. White cabbage requires neutral or slightly acidic soil, saturated with organic matter.

A mixture of humus, turf and ash will be optimal. All components are taken in equal parts and mixed with the soil in the hole.

It is also important to observe crop rotation... Cabbage is grown after peas, beets, bow, carrots, cucumbers, legumes and potatoes.

Where is the best place to plant cabbage

Cabbage is a very light-loving plant, therefore it is grown in a well-lit area, avoiding the proximity of tall plants.

Immediately after planting, it is covered with a covering material so that the seedlings grow stronger and do not suffer from direct sunlight and wind. Adult plants tolerate it calmly, so they do not need special protection.

Sowing scheme

To get a good harvest of cabbage, it is imperative to follow the planting scheme, which directly depends on cabbage varieties.

How to plant:

• late varieties - 70 x 45-70 cm or 60 x 45-50 cm;
• mid-season - 60 x 40-60 cm or 70 x 50 cm;
• early ripe - 50 x 50 cm, 70 x 30-35 cm or 60 x 35-40 cm.

If you plant the seedlings too close, the formation of the heads will slow down or they will not appear at all.

Outdoor cabbage care

After planting in open ground, cabbage is provided with proper care, which consists in timely watering, loosening and the introduction of mineral and organic dressings.

Fertilize cabbage in 3 stages:

1. Not less than 2 weeks after planting the seedlings in a permanent place. They are watered with a solution of bird droppings, mullein (1 tbsp. Per 10 liters of water) or ammonium nitrate (15 g per 10 liters of water).
2. 20 days after the first feeding. To do this, use a mixture of potassium chloride, superphosphate and ammonium nitrate in proportions 1: 2: 1. For 1 bush 1 liter of funds.
3. After another 20 days. Top dressing is done only in case of problems with the appearance of ovaries. To do this, a handful of wood ash is brought under each bush and mixed with the soil.

To protect the plant from diseases and pests, it is periodically treated with antiseptic compounds.

Important! Cabbage loves moisture, so the soil should not be allowed to dry out. It is optimal to water it at least once a week.

Conclusion

When growing cabbage, it is very important to choose the right seed, soil and optimal planting time. Care measures include timely watering, loosening and fertilizing. Compliance with all recommendations guarantees a good harvest.