Spinach is a biennial herb and one of the most popular leafy green vegetables. It has a thick, fleshy main root that is pale red, sweet, and edible, while the lateral roots are underdeveloped. The leaves grow on short stems, with an arrow-shaped or oval egg-like shape, dark green color, soft texture, and longer petioles. These leaves are the primary edible part of the plant.
Spinach is a cold-tolerant crop that thrives in cooler conditions, capable of surviving temperatures as low as -6°C. However, it should avoid high temperatures, with optimal growth occurring between 15-20°C. Seeds begin to germinate at 4°C, but their germination potential declines above 20°C, and poor growth occurs when temperatures exceed 25°C. As a long-day plant, spinach requires longer daylight hours to promote growth, and soil drought can hinder its vegetative development. It prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 6 to 7. Spinach requires a significant amount of nitrogen fertilizer, along with moderate amounts of phosphorus and potassium. When nitrogen is sufficient, the leaves become more lush, leading to higher yields.
(1) Seeding: Spinach is commonly cultivated using direct seeding methods such as broadcasting, drilling, or spot sowing. The varieties selected are typically round-leaved types known for their quality. Autumn planting is the most common, usually taking place from late July to early September, with harvests possible within 30-40 days. Heat-resistant and early-maturing varieties like Union No. 1 are often used for autumn sowing. Autumn and winter planting is done in October and November, while spring planting generally occurs from late February to late March. Spring varieties should be chosen for their resistance to bolting and lack of spines, and planting should not be too early to prevent premature bolting.
In early autumn, sowing takes place during the summer heat, which can make emergence difficult. Using short-dormancy varieties or seeds from two years ago is recommended. If using fresh seeds, they should be pre-treated by soaking in water for 12 hours, then kept at 4°C for 24 hours before germinating at 15-20°C. Alternatively, seeds can be soaked in well water to encourage germination. Once sprouted, they should be planted after 3-5 days. Due to the hot climate and dry conditions in early autumn, seed rates should be increased—about 10-15 kg per 666.7 m² (mu). After September, when temperatures drop, no pre-soaking is needed, and the seeding rate can be reduced to 4-5 kg per 666.7 m².
(2) Site Preparation: Choose fertile, moisture-retentive, slightly acidic soil. Apply base fertilizer before sowing, perform deep plowing, and create raised beds of 1.5-2 meters. Water the soil before sowing and cover it with a layer of moist soil.
(3) Field Management: In early autumn, high temperatures require topdressing combined with irrigation. A 20% diluted solution of fermented manure can be applied, and later, a 50% concentration of human urine can be used. For wintering spinach, apply fertilizer before spring to prevent early bolting. After each harvest, apply nitrogen fertilizer. Spinach grows slowly, so weeds must be removed early. About 15 days before harvesting, spraying with 0.0015% gibberellic acid can promote early maturity and increase yield. Combining this with topdressing can further enhance yield.
(4) Pest Control: Common diseases include downy mildew and anthracnose, which damage the leaves. Insect pests such as leafminers and aphids also pose threats. Agricultural practices like crop rotation, proper spacing, and timely removal of diseased plants can help prevent these issues. Chemical control includes spraying with 64% antiviral at 500 times dilution, 52.5% fast-eliminating net at 1500 times, and 70% thiophanate-methyl at 700 times. For pests, use 75% insecticide at 3000-4000 times, 0.5% Hisun at 2500 times, or 15% insecticide at 1500-2000 times.
(5) Harvesting: Autumn spinach can be harvested 30 days after sowing, with subsequent harvests every 20 days. Spring sowing usually ends with a single harvest.
Frozen Fish,Frozen Bonito Tuna,Frozen Mackerel Fish,Fresh Frozen Mackerel Fish
ZHEJIANG RETRONX FOODSTUFF INDUSTRY CO.,LTD , https://www.retronxfoods.com