Edible citron, also known as Toona sinensis, is a high-quality, perennial vegetable that has been cherished in traditional Chinese cuisine for centuries. The edible part of the plant is the tender sprout from the woody citron tree, which consists of new stems and leaves, commonly referred to as axillary buds or citron heads. This plant is rich in nutrients, including high levels of carotene and vitamins B and C. It is known for its cooling properties, detoxifying effects, ability to stimulate digestion, and its natural antibacterial and insecticidal qualities.
In 2000, the city began introducing the "Taihe Hongyou" variety, which proved to be highly adaptable and brought significant economic returns. Over the past four years, farmers have developed effective cultivation techniques, which are summarized below:
First, seedling preparation. The ideal environment for growing seedlings is warm, humid, and well-lit, with deep, loose, and fertile soil rich in calcium. The groundwater level should be at least 1.5 to 2.5 meters below the surface, and the area should be sheltered from strong winds. Soil that has not been used for solanaceous crops is recommended for seedbeds. For each acre, 4,000 to 5,000 kg of manure, 50 to 60 kg of superphosphate, and 40 to 50 kg of ammonium bicarbonate are applied as base fertilizer. The soil is then plowed and raked into beds 1 to 1.5 meters wide.
Before sowing, seeds are first soaked in warm water (25–30°C) for 24 hours, then rinsed and wrapped in 3–4 layers of damp gauze. They are kept at a temperature of 20–25°C for germination. The seeds should be rinsed daily with warm water and turned regularly to ensure even warmth. After 7–10 days, when a small number of seeds begin to sprout, they can be sown.
Sowing is typically done in spring, between mid-March and mid-April. Seeds are sown in rows spaced 20–30 cm apart, with trenches 3–4 cm deep. After sowing, fine soil is lightly covered, about 1–1.5 cm thick. Each seedling pot contains two seeds, and the seeding rate per acre is 3–5 kg.
Seedling management begins 5–7 days after sowing. By day 10–15, care must be taken to prevent soil compaction. Newly emerged seedlings are delicate and may need partial shade. When the seedlings have 1–2 true leaves, the first thinning is performed, followed by a second thinning when they have 3–4 true leaves. The final density is maintained at around 10,000 seedlings per acre.
Transplanting to open fields usually occurs in June, and seedlings are nurtured until April. From July to August, the plants grow rapidly, entering a fast growth phase. During this time, they require more nutrients, mainly nitrogen-based fertilizers such as urea (10–15 kg per mu) or 1,000 kg of composted human waste, applied 2–3 times. Loosening the soil during watering and applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizers helps promote lignification.
For greenhouse-grown seedlings, single shoots are preferred, and topping is avoided during the growing season. Lateral branches are allowed to develop, while in the later stages, older lower leaves are removed to encourage trunk growth. However, care must be taken to prevent legginess and control plant height effectively.
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