The vegetable heart, also known as vegetable moss, is often referred to as the "crown of vegetables" due to its unique texture and nutritional value. This versatile crop is rich in varieties and highly adaptable, making it possible to grow it throughout the year. Its popularity stems from both its flavor and its resilience to different growing conditions.
When selecting seeds, it's important to choose high-quality, disease-resistant varieties. For early maturing types, options like 4919 and 4920 are commonly used, along with the whole-year vegetable heart. Medium-maturing varieties include 60-day special green, Baoqing 60-day, and Lvfu 70-day. Late-maturing varieties such as late-heart 2, 80 Tiancao heart, and March heart are ideal for longer growth periods.
Before planting, prepare the soil thoroughly by plowing and exposing it to sunlight. Apply a base fertilizer, typically 1000-1500 kg of organic manure per mu, combined with 5-10 kg of potassium chloride or 750 kg of chicken manure mixed with 20 kg of compound fertilizer. The bed should be 1.6-1.7 meters wide, 20-30 cm high, and shaped like a turtle shell to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
Sowing should be done at the right time depending on the variety. Early-maturing types are best sown between April and August, while medium-maturing ones are suitable for September to October. Late-maturing varieties can be planted from November through March of the following year. Early and mid-maturing varieties are usually broadcasted, whereas late-maturing ones are transplanted. Sowing too late for early varieties can lead to premature bolting, small heads, and low yield, while sowing too early for late varieties may cause delayed maturity and poor quality. Avoid sowing during heavy rain or stormy weather, especially in winter or spring. A typical seeding rate is about 0.5 kg per acre.
Field management plays a crucial role in the success of vegetable heart cultivation. Seedlings should be thinned appropriately—direct-seeded plants should be thinned once or twice when they have 1-2 leaves, while transplanted seedlings are usually thinned when they have nine leaves. Spacing varies by variety: early types need 10-13 cm, medium types 17-20 cm, and late types 20-23 cm.
Fertilization should be timely and balanced. Start with light applications early in the season, using diluted manure or urea. After the third true leaf appears, apply 3-4 kg of urea or diluted manure per acre. Continue with 5-10 kg of urea and 10-20 kg of compound fertilizer every 5-7 days. At the bud stage, apply 15-25 kg of compound fertilizer per mu. After harvesting the main head, continue to top-dress to encourage the growth of side shoots.
Water management is essential for maintaining healthy growth. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. In summer, water in the morning and evening, and drain excess water after heavy rains. Before winter, irrigate to prevent freezing, but avoid flooding. Watering should be done in rows rather than by flooding.
Harvesting should be done at the right time, based on the "Qikou Period." Most early-maturing varieties are harvested only once, while others allow for multiple harvests of side shoots. When cutting the main head, leave 2-3 leaves at the base to promote regrowth. Too many leaves can result in weak, thin side shoots. If temperatures are low, harvesting can be delayed by 2-3 days, but if it's hot, timely harvesting is necessary to maintain quality.
Pest and disease control is vital for a successful crop. Common diseases like downy mildew and soft rot can be managed with fungicides such as 600 times diluted inoculation cream, thiazolycin, and manganese Zn. For bacterial infections, use 20% Longkei or 72% agricultural streptomycin. Viral diseases should be controlled by preventing aphid infestation, and treatments like virus A or phytosanitary spirit can be applied. Anthracnose can be treated with chlorothalonil or thiophanate-methyl, while black spot and white spot diseases respond well to polysulfide suspension.
Insect pests like aphids can be controlled with 10% imidacloprid at 1500 times dilution. For caterpillars such as Pieris rapae and Plutella xylostella, use Bacillus thuringiensis at 500 times dilution. Yellow striped flea beetles can be managed with 48% chlorpyrifos at 800 times or 600 times for a shot application.
By following these detailed steps, farmers can ensure a healthy, productive crop of vegetable heart, enjoying both high yields and superior quality.
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