Baby food, also known as mini cabbage or doll vegetable, is a fast-growing crop with an approximate growth cycle of 50 days. It typically reaches a height of about 20 cm, has a diameter of 8–9 cm, and weighs around 200 grams per head. The ideal growing temperature ranges between 5°C and 25°C. Below 5°C, it is prone to freezing damage, while temperatures above 25°C can lead to viral diseases. Its tender texture and mild flavor make it popular in the market, especially due to its small edible portion, which gives it a unique appeal.
Due to its shallow root system, baby food requires well-drained, fertile soil—preferably sandy loam to clay loam. Since its growth period is short, it's important to apply sufficient base fertilizer. Organic compost should be used in large quantities, along with 10–15 kg of compound fertilizer per acre. In calcium-deficient or alkaline soils, adding 15–20 kg of superphosphate can help improve calcium absorption. Raised beds are recommended for summer planting to enhance drainage, with a width of 1–1.2 meters.
The environmental requirements for baby food include:
1. **Temperature**: It thrives in cooler conditions, with optimal germination at around 25°C. Seedlings can tolerate higher temperatures, but leaf and head development occur best between 15–20°C. Growth slows below 10°C or above 25°C, so sowing or planting should not occur when temperatures drop below 13°C to avoid stunting.
2. **Light**: Baby food is a long-day plant and can complete vernalization without prolonged cold exposure. It tends to bolt and flower under high-temperature, long-day conditions.
3. **Moisture**: It prefers a humid environment, but its weak root system makes it sensitive to drought. Insufficient water can cause tough, fibrous leaves and poor quality. However, excessive moisture can hinder nutrient uptake and lead to root issues.
4. **Soil**: Well-structured, fertile, and well-draining soil is essential. A pH of 6.5–7.5 in loamy soils is ideal for healthy growth.
5. **Nutrition**: It has high nutrient demands. Nitrogen is crucial in the early stages, followed by phosphorus. During the head formation stage, both nitrogen and potassium become more important.
For seed selection, varieties like Beijing Jiya Liye’s Asian Mini Yellow, Orange Mini, Winter King Mini, and Winter Mini are recommended for their adaptability and resistance. Imported seeds tend to have higher precision, with approximately 3,500 grains per package. Planting density is usually 8,000–10,000 plants per acre, requiring only 3–4 bags per mu, which is half the amount needed for other varieties.
Planting seasons vary depending on the region. In North China, baby food is commonly planted in spring, autumn, and during protected cultivation periods. Timing varies: spring greenhouses start in mid-January, while spring sheds begin in early February. Direct sowing in spring dew areas occurs from late March to early April, and summer-autumn crops are sown in mid-August and mid-October. Autumn-winter greenhouse planting takes place from late September to early November, with harvests extending into the following February.
Sowing and planting can be done year-round in protected facilities, but care must be taken in spring to avoid low-temperature stress. In summer, shade nets and insect nets are used to manage heat and prevent virus transmission. Sowing methods include broadcasting or transplanting seedlings. In favorable weather, precise sowing (1–2 seeds per hole) is common, and transplanting is done when seedlings have 3 true leaves, spaced 20×30 cm apart.
Field management is relatively simple. After 2 weeks of growth, weeding and thinning are necessary. Fertilizer and irrigation should be carefully managed to promote healthy growth. Maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging is key, especially during the head formation stage, where 10 kg of urea per acre is recommended.
Harvesting occurs when the plant reaches 30–35 cm in height and the head is compact. The entire plant is uprooted, excess leaves are removed, and the base is trimmed before packaging in plastic wrap. For greenhouse cultivation, seedbeds are prepared with 65–80 square meters per mu, using 30–40 grams of seed. Organic fertilizer is applied at 2,500 kg per hectare, and ridges are made with a spacing of 50–55 cm. Seedlings are transplanted after 5–7 true leaves, with proper spacing and careful watering to avoid overwatering.
During field management, night temperatures should stay above 13°C, and ventilation is adjusted based on temperature changes. Fertilizer application is done twice—once after seedling emergence and again during the head formation stage. Leaf spraying with 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 0.5% urea helps improve quality. Weeds are controlled regularly, and harvesting is done when the head reaches 100–150 grams, ensuring optimal size and quality.
Finally, baby food should be packaged and transported under refrigeration to maintain freshness and extend shelf life. This ensures that the product remains appealing and marketable upon arrival.
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