Most cabbage varieties in central Russia are grown by seedlings. But growing cabbage seedlings is not easy. Very often it stretches, becomes weak, unviable. To avoid these troubles, it is important to observe all the subtleties of proper cultivation.
Sowing cabbage and caring for seedlings
The main problem in growing cabbage is its need for moderate temperatures. At temperatures above +25 ° C, the state of seedlings is inhibited, it is drawn out, and it is almost impossible to correct this condition.
I tried to breed cabbage in the refrigerator, but this is only possible at the initial stage, after that the sprouts need a lot of light. Over the course of several years, I developed a certain cultivation tactic.
Soil and seed preparation
Seeds purchased from specialized gardening stores do not need to be prepared and are already ready for sowing. Seeds collected from the last crop or purchased from a neighbor are best kept in a solution of any biofungicide that will disinfect them and strengthen immunity.
Culture needs loose, fertile soil. Her tendency to various diseases requires it to be calcined in an oven. If you need a simpler option, then get universal soil in a garden store, mix it with humus (proportions 1: 1). For 10 kg of soil, add 1 tbsp. l. wood ash and 100 g perlite.
Sowing
Having filled the prepared soil into special containers, I make grooves in the soil with a depth of 5 mm. I maintain a distance between the grooves of 3 cm. I sow the seeds at a distance of 1 cm from each other and carefully sprinkle them with earth. I leave the container with seeds in a room with a temperature of +17 ° C to +20 ° C.
Shoots appear already on the 5th day after sowing. It is important not to miss this moment and immediately transfer the landing boxes to rooms with a temperature of +7 °С to +9 °С. Suitable balconies, loggias, hallways in private homes. Seedlings left in warm rooms will stretch out very quickly and be unsuitable for transplanting. At this temperature, seedlings are kept for 10 days.
Seedling Care
After the procedures described above, young shoots must be dived. Before picking, I always water the seedlings with Fitosporin. I transplant into separate cups filled with the same soil composition where I planted the seeds.
When picking, seedlings are placed in the ground to the first (cotyledonous) leaves. Usually at this time, the cabbage only has the first true leaf. The first 3 days after transplanting, the seedlings are left at a temperature of +18 ° C. Then they are transferred to cooler rooms. The recommended temperature during the day is +14 °С, at night + 12 °С.
Temperature is not the only important criterion for the full development of seedlings. Light day should not be shorter than 12 hours. With a lack of sunlight, the cabbage is illuminated with special lamps.
What to do if the seedlings stretched out
If cabbage shoots are stretched out, then the possibility of their salvation depends on the place where they are grown. In apartments without a balcony, where the temperature rarely drops below +20 ° C, it will no longer help to plant. It is better for residents of such apartments to sow seeds immediately in open ground at the end of April.
In private houses or apartments equipped with balconies and loggias, it is necessary to transplant seedlings, by cotyledon leaves, and then, after 3 days, place in a cool place. You should not have high hopes, no more than half of the seedlings can survive.
Subject to temperature conditions, the cabbage is drawn out from a lack of light. The situation can be corrected by organizing additional lighting.
From my experience, I can say that saving seedlings that have stretched out is unlikely. It is much easier to observe all the nuances of proper cultivation in order to prevent this. But, if you have your own options for helping seedlings that have stretched out, I will be happy to read about them in the comments.
Read also: The first January plantings for seedlings - with which plants do I start the new summer season
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