Chives are a common vegetable with simple cultivation methods, suitable for both protected and open-field cultivation, and are grown in various regions of China. So, can chives be planted in summer? How should they be planted? Let's find out.
Can Chives Be Planted in Summer?
Chives can indeed be planted in summer, but attention should be paid to preventing drought. It's best to sow as early as possible during the summer. However, based on the characteristics of chives, summer sowing is not as ideal as spring or autumn sowing.
How to Plant Chives in Summer?
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Seed Germination Treatment: Due to the high summer temperatures and soil moisture, chive seeds are prone to rot. Germinating the seeds can accelerate germination, saving seedling time. Soak selected high-quality seeds in water at 55°C while stirring. After the water cools, soak the seeds for about 10 hours, gently rub them, then let them air dry slightly. Sprout the seeds on a damp cloth, and when they are about 70% white, they are ready for sowing.
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Planting Method: Keep the soil moist before sowing, using about 2 kilograms of seeds per acre. Prepare the soil and sow the seeds, covering them with a thin layer of soil about 1.5 centimeters deep. Then cover with plastic film.
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Avoid Harvesting: Chives can be harvested 4-5 times a year, with intervals of 25-30 days each time, but harvesting in summer is not advisable. Stop harvesting from late June to early August to promote root growth.
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Preventing Lodging: Factors such as dense planting, excessive base fertilizer, high summer temperatures, and heavy rainfall can cause chives to grow excessively, leading to lodging. Measures to prevent lodging include proper irrigation and fertilization, weed removal, trimming long leaves, and supporting chives with stakes and ropes.
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Harvesting Flower Buds: After stopping harvesting in summer, chives will grow flower buds. Harvest them promptly; otherwise, nutrients will be heavily allocated to reproductive growth, further damaging the roots.
In summary, chives can be planted in summer, but careful management is crucial due to the high temperatures and heavy rainfall. Inexperienced growers may face challenges. Therefore, it's best to plant chives in more suitable seasons like spring and autumn, which are easier to manage.
