When to plant Savoy cabbage for seedlings and how to do it right
Savoy cabbage is undeservedly forgotten by gardeners and is rarely grown. But these interesting heads of cabbage with shriveled leaves are tastier than white cabbage and contain more calories. Of course, you won't be able to ferment it, but the salads are juicy and satisfying. Be sure to try setting aside a couple of beds for this variety. It is not difficult to grow, just like other related species - by the seedling method. Today we will tell you how and when to plant Savoy cabbage for seedlings.
Preparing seeds for planting
- first immerse them in hot water for 15-20 minutes;
- then pour cold water for a day and take it to an unheated room.
Such a contrast treatment will not only accelerate germination, but also increase the resistance of the seedlings themselves, especially to low temperatures.
If using dyed seeds from the store for planting, you can skip the preparation procedure. Such planting material has already been processed.
When to plant Savoy cabbage for seedlings
The growing season is slightly different depending on the variety of Savoy cabbage. From sowing to planting seedlings in the garden, it takes from 30 to 50 days. Therefore, the sowing dates are determined by the ripening of the crop, as well as taking into account the local climate and weather conditions.
In general, savoy cabbage can be sown for seedlings, focusing on the following dates:
- early March - early varieties;
- mid-March - late maturing species;
- late March - early April - late varieties.
How to plant seeds for seedlings
For growing seedlings, it is convenient to use separate pots at once. Cabbage seeds are large enough to plant easily. In addition, this method will avoid picking and simplify the growing procedure. The soil must be prepared nutritious and loose, on a peat basis. Cabbage grows well in such a soil mixture:
- 3 parts of peat;
- 1 part of sod land;
- some sand and humus.
To protect against fungal diseases and as an additional fertilizer, you can add wood ash.
Savoy cabbage seedlings need to be illuminated, otherwise they will stretch out. At first, until shoots appear, it should be kept in a warm room (up to 20 ° C). When the seeds have sprouted, the seedlings must be moved to a cooler place. The daytime temperature should not exceed 15 °, and the nighttime temperature should not exceed 10 °. With this mode, the seedlings will be strong and will not stretch out. For more active growth, cabbage is fed at least 3 times using mineral fertilizers. In open ground, seedlings can be planted in May. By this time, the bushes should form at least 4 dark green leaves and grow up to 15 cm in height.