Content
Boric acid for cabbage can be used several times per season. The main purpose is to accelerate the formation of ovaries and increase productivity. The substance is also used as a growth stimulator - seeds are soaked in a weak solution overnight. Acid can also be used as a pest prevention agent. The drug is sold in powder form; you can buy it at a pharmacy (without a prescription) or in a store for summer residents.
The benefits of boric acid for cabbage
It is recommended to feed cabbage with boric acid for various reasons. Boron is a trace element that plants require in small quantities, but it plays an important role:
- absorption of nitrogen compounds;
- growth processes;
- improving the taste of cabbage;
- stimulating the formation of ovaries;
- prevention of diseases – fungal, bacterial;
- destruction of aphids and ants;
- increasing the resistance of cabbage to adverse weather conditions, infectious diseases and pests;
- increased shelf life.
Due to boron deficiency, cabbage develops worse and growth processes slow down.The ovaries are formed in smaller quantities, and therefore the yield decreases. In general, plants become weakened and lose resistance to disease and weather. If there is practically no boron in the soil, weakened seedlings may die.
Boric acid is produced in the form of a white powder. It is moderately soluble in water, so you need to prepare a hot liquid first. Sometimes you can find acid in tablets. This is a less convenient form of release, since you first need to convert the amount into a pure substance. Therefore, it is better to purchase powder.
You can also treat cabbage and other plants with preparations such as Mag-Bor, Organo-boron or Borofoska. They must be used strictly according to the instructions, since excess boron is no less dangerous for cabbage than its deficiency. The products are diluted in water in the required amount and then watered under the root. Foliar feeding (spraying) is also carried out.
The powder can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription.
Signs of boron deficiency
It is especially important to treat cabbage with boric acid during the period when signs of a deficiency of this microelement are detected:
- The leaf blade is swollen and shaped like a dome.
- Young foliage becomes covered with spots that resemble burns.
- Leaves and shoots lose their normal shape, some of them become bent.
- The growing points die off, so the cabbage develops more slowly.
- Areas of necrosis form on leaves and shoots, they die and fall off.
- The foliage becomes thinner and may break from slight impact.
- Rust is visible on the surface of the stem.
- Cabbage heads form more slowly.
How to dilute boric acid for processing cabbage
Before using boric acid for cauliflower and other varieties of cabbage, you must prepare a solution. You need to do this:
- Prepare a small volume of hot, but not boiling water.
- Measure out the required amount of powder, for example 2.0 g.
- Pour into water and mix thoroughly until completely dissolved.
- Bring to a total volume of 10 liters and mix again.
- Water the beds or pour into a sprayer and begin processing.
How to use boric acid to treat cabbage
Boric acid is used for cabbage in different ways. It can be used for seed treatment, soil watering, and foliar application. The main applications are described in detail below.
Seed treatment
To treat seeds, prepare a solution of a standard concentration of 2 g per 10 liters. Since a smaller volume is usually required, it is reduced by 10 times - take 0.2 g of powder per 1 liter. Measurements must be carried out using a kitchen scale with an accuracy of tenths or hundredths.
Seeds are first laid out in one layer and small ones with damage and deformation are rejected. Then put it in a saline solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water) and remove those that float. Immerse in a solution of boric acid at room temperature and leave for 12-24 hours. Immediately after this they begin planting.
Watering the soil
One of the main methods of application is to pour boric acid over the cabbage, i.e. apply root fertilizer. If there are obvious signs of boron deficiency described above, you should prepare a solution of 2 g per 10 liters and water the plants at the root (500 ml for each specimen).
Before transplanting, the soil is treated with boric acid.
The same composition can moisten the soil. Liquid consumption – 10 l per 10 m2. Thus, 1.5-2 liters is enough for a small bed.
Foliar feeding
Along with watering cabbage, boric acid is also sprayed. As soon as the heads of cabbage begin to form, prepare a solution of reduced concentration of 10 g per 10 l or 1 g per 1 l. Then pour it into a spray bottle and spray each plant. It is recommended to repeat the procedure 2-3 times per season with an interval of 10 days.
Simultaneously with boron, other preparations are applied by foliar method. If you use them together, it is recommended to reduce the concentration by 2 times - i.e. 5 g per 10 l or 0.5 g per 1 l.
Spraying at the root
You can also spray cabbage with boric acid at the root. This is an optional procedure - it is carried out only if clear signs of boron deficiency are detected. For work, prepare a solution of a standard concentration of 2 g per 10 l or 0.2 g per 1 l. In the evening or early morning, spray at the root. Usually this is quite enough to compensate for the lack of a microelement.
Pest Control
The drug can also be used to control cabbage pests (flea beetles, moths, aphids and others). There are quite a few recipes, the most effective are:
- Sprinkle the powder in a small layer along the bed and in places where ants accumulate.
- Dissolve 50 g of sugar and 5 g of boric acid in 100 ml of hot water, cool and pour along the beds.
- Grind two boiled yolks with 5 g of powder, roll up peas and scatter around the beds.
- Boil three potatoes, mix with two boiled yolks, add powder and sugar (10 g each). Roll into balls and place in places where insects gather.
Boric acid is used to prevent insect infestations
Precautionary measures
The product belongs to toxicity class 3 (slightly hazardous substance). Boric acid is virtually harmless to humans, plants and pollinators. In addition, the concentration of the solution is very low, so it does not pose a danger.
You can work with liquid without special protective equipment. But it is advisable to take the powder itself with a spoon and wear gloves, avoiding direct contact with the skin. Do not allow the solution to get into the stomach or eyes. During work, keep children out of the area and do not eat or drink.
It is also recommended to spray cabbage in the early morning or late evening. If you do this on a sunny day, the leaves will get burned. Because of this, the growth rate will slow down.
Conclusion
Boric acid for cabbage is one of the most important fertilizers, without which the ovaries will not form as actively. Boron plays an important role; it ensures growth processes, improves the taste of fruits and increases yield. Therefore, during one season it is recommended to carry out at least two feedings - watering at the roots and spraying the plants.
