Leaf mustard is one of the most diverse and widely cultivated types of mustard. While a few varieties are consumed fresh, the majority are grown as vegetables. In recent years, with the adjustment of agricultural industrial structures, the area dedicated to growing and processing leaf mustard has gradually expanded. However, to improve yield and enhance the quality of the produce, it's essential to focus on several key practices.
First, selecting the right sowing date is crucial. Leaf mustard thrives in cool and mild climates, with an optimal growth temperature of 15–20°C. Large or head-forming varieties that require strict cooling are typically sown in autumn, around early September, and harvested by December. Varieties that tolerate high temperatures can be sown earlier, such as in August, and harvested around November. Late-bolting varieties are usually sown in late autumn, around October, and harvested in March of the following year. For virus-susceptible varieties, it's better to delay sowing, while those resistant to viruses can be sown earlier. Some varieties that grow quickly and are suitable for small plants can be sown between February and September, with harvests occurring 30–60 days later. In colder regions or mountainous areas, sowing should be done earlier, while in warmer areas or where rice is grown, sowing can be delayed. Early-maturing varieties are best suited for early planting, while late-maturing ones should be sown later.
Second, cultivating strong seedlings is vital. Most seedlings are raised in nurseries, but some smaller plant varieties can be directly sown. For early autumn sowing, use well-fertilized and watered soil as the seedbed, while ensuring proper drainage for late autumn sowing. After plowing the seedbed, expose it to sunlight, apply sufficient organic fertilizer, and ensure the soil is fine. Sow about 50 grams of seeds per 67 square meters, with a planting density of 1333 square meters. Cover the seeds with 1–2 cm of soil. In early autumn, cover the seedbed with grass to keep it moist, and remove it once the seedlings emerge. Water carefully before and after germination. At the 2–3 true leaf stage, the seedlings should be 3–6 cm tall, and a diluted human manure solution can be applied. It's also important to monitor and control aphids during this stage.
Third, timely transplantation is essential. To protect the soil from drought and maintain fertility, it’s best to prepare loamy soil with a width of 1.2–1.4 meters. Prepare the site by applying manure before transplanting. Seedlings should be 12–15 cm tall with 5–6 true leaves when transplanted. The ideal age for early seedlings is 25 days, 30 days for regular sowing, and 40 days for late autumn sowing. Spacing should be 33–40 cm in rows of 330 cm for early varieties, and 40–45 cm in rows of 33–30 cm for mid-to-late maturing types. During transplantation, avoid damaging the roots, twisting them, or leaving gaps.
Fourth, field management plays a key role. Within 2–3 days after planting, ensure proper irrigation for early autumn sowing and good drainage for late autumn. Nitrogen-based fertilizers are primarily used, with potassium applied at the seedling stage to boost disease resistance. Apply livestock manure 4–5 times after the plants establish, starting light and increasing gradually. Early autumn sowing requires timely top-dressing, while late autumn sowing should avoid fertilizing before spring, as excessive nutrients can make the plants soft and prone to frost damage. Once spring begins, growth accelerates, so more nitrogen is needed to promote leaf development and improve quality. Lack of nitrogen, dry soil, or weak plants can lead to premature bolting. Therefore, early winter management, including watering and fertilizing, is critical. Proper nutrition is an effective way to increase both yield and quality. For processing purposes, top-dressing should be done in the first half of the harvest season, combined with weeding and cultivation.
Brassica flowering doesn't always require low temperatures, but it does need long daylight hours. Autumn-grown mustard rarely bolts under short days, while spring-grown varieties tend to bolt more easily. Some varieties require higher temperatures for vernalization, while others have less strict requirements. Even if they go through vernalization, some may develop flower buds slowly due to cold, and even if they bolt, they may not flower. However, pickling vegetables harvested during bolting do not lose quality; in fact, they often yield more. Additionally, the flower buds of mustard are thick, tender, and fleshy before flowering, making them suitable for processing.
Diseases mainly include viral infections, which should be treated at the nursery stage and early growth phase. A spray of 40% dimethoate diluted 1000 times should be applied every seven days. Root-feeding larvae can be controlled by applying 20–25 kg of ammonia water per acre.
Finally, timely harvesting is essential. Early autumn sowing is generally harvested around December. Early maturing varieties sown in autumn or late autumn are harvested in March, while late maturing varieties are harvested in April. Leaf stripping can also be done during the 5–6 leaf stage. After leaf stripping, top-dressing and harvesting can be done at any time. For food use, harvesting can occur 40 days after planting. Early autumn sowing yields 1500–2000 kg per mu, autumn sowing 2000–2500 kg, late autumn sowing 3500 kg, and spring or summer sowing 1000 kg.
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