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Experienced gardeners know many subtleties that will help grow an excellent crop of cabbage. One of the most common and rather controversial questions is whether it is necessary to cut off the lower leaves of cabbage. Everyone knows that every friend and neighbor has their own opinion on this matter. Let’s see, this point of view is correct.
The role of the cabbage leaf
Cabbage is primarily grown for the head. Why, then, are there covering leaves on the bush? They do not serve as a decoration for cabbage at all. Their role is quite significant. They are responsible for the nutrition of the bush itself. During photosynthesis, this part of the plant is able to produce certain nutrients that are simply necessary for the growth and development of the head.
Those who once tried to cut off the lower shoots know that after a while the vegetation will grow back. This is due to the fact that all the necessary elements were in the plucked root vegetation. After their removal, the bush begins to look for a new source of food. Therefore, many are interested in whether removing the lower leaves from cabbage will harm?
Much also depends on the number of covering leaves. The head of cabbage itself begins to grow only after at least 7 such leaves appear on the bush. In addition, these shoots have a special wax coating that helps the plant fight pests and various diseases. Such vegetation contains a large amount of vitamin C. Namely, 2 times more than in the cabbage itself.
Do I need to cut off the lower leaves of cabbage
Despite the listed features of covering vegetation, many still pluck it. Gardeners claim that thanks to this, the plant spends energy only on the growth of the head of cabbage itself, and not on the lower shoots. In addition, they often rot and spoil the appearance of the bush.
But do not forget that the removal of leaves is a big stress for the whole plant. By picking just one shoot, you can delay the ripening of the head of cabbage for a whole day, and if you do it constantly, then even more. From this we see that the covering vegetation of cabbage, especially young ones, cannot be plucked.
But what if the head of cabbage is already almost ripe and this will not affect its growth in any way? According to the rules of agricultural technology, such a procedure is not provided. This is explained by the fact that after removal, open wounds remain on the stem, which often become the focus of various diseases.
But there are also many supporters of the fact that shoots can and should be plucked. The main thing is to do this at a time when the head of cabbage is fully formed. Many argue that after such a procedure, the head of cabbage becomes denser. It is also important to take into account the state of such vegetation. If it is green and fresh, then there is no need to remove it. If the shoots began to rot after the rains or dried up, then, of course, it is better to carefully remove such vegetation.
In other cases, breaking off the shoots is not advised, as this may stop the growth of the head, and the root system will begin to die. Even if the plant does not die, such actions can adversely affect the size and quality of the fruit.
When can I cut off the lower leaves of cabbage
But often it is really necessary to cut off the lower leaves. Experienced gardeners have identified a whole list of cases when it is necessary to cut off the root shoots:
- Cut off with vascular bacteriosis.
- Cut off to prevent cracking of early cabbages.
- As protection against scoops and cabbage flies.
- How to prevent decay.
Now everything is in order. If the lower vegetation turned yellow and lifeless, and black veins covered the surface of the leaves, then most likely the plant fell ill with vascular bacteriosis. In this case, it is necessary not only to cut off the lower leaves, but also to remove the entire plant. If you notice the affected bushes in time and dig them out, you can protect neighboring plants. If you simply tore off the lower vegetation, then the disease can continue to spread.
There is an opinion that it is necessary to cut off the lower leaves of the cabbage if it is already ripe, but it is not possible to process it immediately. Very often, early varieties begin to crack. If you cut off the lower shoots, then you can really slow down the growth process. But experts consider this method not the best. They recommend slightly pulling the bush or scrolling it. Because of this, the root system will pull out, and growth will slow down. Thanks to this technique, the plant will be able to remain in the ground for a long time and not crack.
There are pests that settle just below the bush. These include the cabbage fly, as well as the scoop. Scoop pupae spend the winter in the ground, and when it gets warmer, they crawl out and lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves. In this case, it would be better if you immediately cut off the shoots on which the pest eggs were found.
Many have noticed that if you cut off the lower leaves of cabbage 30 days before harvesting, then the heads of cabbage will become much denser. It does work, but it’s not always necessary. With proper care, the head of cabbage will be dense. Most often, the problem of friability lies in the improper use of fertilizers. Having picked up the right top dressing in the right amount, you do not have to cut off the lower leaves.
Experienced gardeners know one secret that allows you to increase the mass of heads of cabbage. The most rapid growth of cabbage is usually observed in late August and September. In one day, the fetus can add up to 100 grams in weight. Often, gardeners prefer to tear off the basal vegetation before they begin to harvest the cabbage. But if you remove the heads of cabbage along with it, then the fetus will continue to grow until the entire supply of nutrients is over.
Some experts believe that in the fall, the lower vegetation no longer brings any benefit, but only takes away the strength of the plant. Therefore, cutting off the lower shoots is simply necessary. But this is a rather controversial issue. Nevertheless, many gardeners do not notice a significant difference between those heads of cabbage that remained untouched and those from which the lower vegetation was plucked. In addition, the leaves can shade the soil too much, which accumulates a large amount of moisture. This can cause rot.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is difficult to give an unambiguous answer to the question of whether it is possible to cut off the lower leaves of cabbage. The opinions of gardeners and specialists differed greatly. Some believe that removing the lower leaves of cabbage is simply necessary to protect the plant from pests and many diseases. In fact, it can only contribute to the spread of bacteria. To cut off or not to cut off the shoots, everyone must decide for himself. Just remember that they need to be cut off correctly. Intrusive pests can immediately flock to the allocated juice. Therefore, carefully cut or break off the lower vegetation. And do not forget that you need to cut off the vegetation from the cabbage only in extreme cases. Let the vegetables grow naturally. Still, this is not a decorative culture; it does not have to have a perfect appearance.
