Like any vegetable crop, white cabbage has its secrets, and they concern not only the correct planting dates, watering rates and protection of plants from pests, but also the rules that allow you to collect a good harvest at an earlier date. Someone may think that we are talking about the choice of varieties, because it is on them that the time when the head of cabbage will form and be ready for cutting depends, but in fact, we will consider the methods of experienced gardeners that allow you to speed up the development and formation of white cabbage by at least two weeks, and also touch on those techniques that cannot be done.
1. It all starts with seedlings
The primary factor influencing the timing and quality of vegetation of white cabbage crops is the proper cultivation of seedlings and their correct selection for planting in open ground.
In order for the plants to grow fully and develop in the best possible way, they must be sown at the optimal time, which, however, varies depending on the growing zone, select only zoned varieties for planting and follow all the recommendations available for their cultivation. If everything is done correctly, then by the time the seedlings are planted in open ground, young white cabbage plants should form 3-4 true leaves, have a strong tissue structure and undergo hardening. This will ensure their rapid survival and full development, will allow the ovary to form and grow in time, and grow a large head.
What if you choose seedlings at the market? It’s even easier! Consider buying only those options that have dense, elastic leaves, a glossy surface and a slightly bluish tint. The fact that the cabbage plants have undergone a period of preparation for planting in the ground will be shown by the color of their stems. If it has a purple tint, the seedlings have been hardened and they have most likely managed to grow an excellent root system. If it is light green, the plants have been overfed with nitrogen. It is better to refuse such seedlings, since they not only have fragile tissues, but will also tolerate transplantation worse.
The integrity of young cabbage is also a very important factor. If the leaves on the seedlings are broken, do not rush to buy it. White cabbage damaged at an early age will delay the formation of the head of cabbage for two weeks and form a fruit unsuitable for storage.
2. Stage of head formation
The second important period in the laying and formation of the harvest of this crop is the time of leaf growth. Many gardeners, due to inexperience, try to rid the plants of “unnecessary” foliage, thereby trying to speed up the formation of the cabbage head, but the covering leaves are “bins” of nutrients for the future harvest. They should never be torn off – they will dry out themselves when they have fulfilled their function. Removing this important part of the plant greatly delays both the formation and maturation of the head, causing the cabbage to get sick and lay new leaves. However, these leaves can be carefully tied above the forming head and in this case, the laying and development of the fruit will be significantly accelerated.
3. Secrets of agricultural technology of cabbage
The fact that the formation of a full harvest of white cabbage is impossible without careful adherence to agricultural technology of the crop is beyond doubt. Cabbage loves light, regular watering, and responds well to fertilizing. And it is precisely high-quality “feeding” that is another secret of bringing the harvest closer by about two weeks.
In order for late varieties of white cabbage to ripen faster, accumulate more vitamin C, and improve their shelf life, it is good to use growth regulators such as Gibbersib or Novosil. They are applied by spraying on the foliage and do not carry any side effects.
So, let’s sum it up
In order for white cabbage not only to ripen on time, but also to yield an earlier harvest, it is necessary to grow only zoned varieties, only from high-quality undamaged seedlings and only by fulfilling all the necessary agricultural technology conditions. In addition, at the stage of head ovary, it can be helped by lifting the leaves up or spraying with growth stimulants. All these techniques do not carry any special tricks, but they allow you to bring the harvesting time of heads of cabbage closer by about two weeks, as well as reduce the labor and time spent on achieving the set goals.
