The optimal temperature for celery seed germination is generally between 15 to 25°C, and it becomes difficult for seeds to germinate when temperatures exceed 30°C. Two methods can be used to treat seeds to promote uniform germination. Proper management is also crucial during hot seasons to ensure the normal growth of celery.
How to Germinate Celery Seeds in Hot Seasons? What Are the Management Points?
Germination Method 1: High Temperature Treatment
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Before sowing, dry the seeds for one day, soak them in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water every 8 hours. Then rub the seeds, rinse them with clean water until all impurities are removed. Wrap the seeds in gauze, squeeze out excess water, and place them in a refrigerator at around 5°C. Rinse the seeds with clean water twice a day, morning and evening, for two days. Afterward, spread the seeds in a well-lit area and continue rinsing them twice a day. After each rinse, use an electric fan to blow on the seeds for 5-10 minutes to remove excess water and prevent insufficient oxygen, which affects germination. Generally, germination occurs after 5-6 days.
Germination Method 2: Cold Treatment
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After soaking the seeds using the first method, wrap them in gauze, squeeze them dry, and hang them in a deep well about 40-50 centimeters above the water surface. Rinse the seeds with clean water twice a day and use an electric fan to dry the seeds after rinsing to increase oxygen around the seeds. Then wrap them up and hang them in the well. After 6-8 days of this treatment, the seeds are ready for sowing. Before sowing, mix the seeds with a new high-fat film to keep them warm, moist, and expand, increasing seed germination rate and seedling vigor. This also helps repel underground pests and isolate virus infections. It can also be mixed with seed dressings.
Celery Management Techniques in Hot Seasons
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Shade Net Cover: Celery cultivation during hot seasons, whether in original greenhouse sites or open fields, requires shade net cover. For greenhouse sites, remove the greenhouse top film and skirt film, and replace them with shade net cover. For open fields, small arches can be constructed, with widths ranging from about 1 meter to 4 meters, covered with shade netting.
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Fertilization and Irrigation Management: Soil moisture must be maintained throughout the entire growth period. It's best to use micro-sprinkler facilities for irrigation. If manual watering is used, it should be done in the morning or evening and avoided during the midday heat. During the mid-growth stage, apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer appropriately, followed by potassium chloride or compound fertilizer, applying around 15 kilograms per mu, depending on soil fertility and plant growth.
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Pest and Disease Control: Major pests and diseases of celery in summer and autumn include leaf blight, leaf spot, aphids, etc., which should be promptly treated.
These are the germination methods and field management points for celery seeds in hot seasons, which can be referenced according to actual conditions.
