Cool moist climate is the most ideal climate for growing cabbages. Sandy loam soil is considered best for early crop of cabbage. If high yields are desired, clay loam soils are the best. Optimum pH range for cabbage is between 5.5 and 6.5. Acidic soils should be avoided.
Seeds are sown in pre-treated nursery beds in August-September for the early crop and in September-October for late crop. In the hills seeds are sown from March to June for fresh vegetables and in July and August for seed production. Seed rate varies from 200-250 g per acre for the early crop to 300 g for the late crop. Seedlings are transplanted when four to six weeks old, depending on the season in a well-prepared field.
Cabbage crop requires heavy manuring for its healthy growth. Research studies reveal that 50-ton yield per hectare of cabbage removes 220 kg of nitrogen from soil. So in order to get a good yield of crop, it is recommended that 200 to 250 quintals of farmyard manure (per one hectare of land area) or compost should be incorporated in the top soil about three weeks before transplanting to enhance soil fertility.
First application of fertilizers may be done @325 kg of ammonium sulphate and potash per hectare 2-3 weeks before transplanting. Second application of fertilizers may be done @325 kg of ammonium sulphate as top-dressing about five to six weeks after the first application.
Cabbage requires regular irrigation throughout its growth. Once heads are formed, light irrigation should be followed because a heavy irrigation may cause bursting of heads. Hoeing and manual weeding are recommended for weed control. Weeding should be done in between irrigations. Deep hoeing is not recommended as it may damage cabbage roots. Cabbage is harvested when the heads reach a suitable size for consumption. Cabbage heads at the time of harvesting should be firm but tender. Size of Head and Quality are two important criteria that are considered while grading cabbages. Yield varies from 30 to 35 tons per hectare (15-20tons/acre) for the early crop and 35 to 45 tons for the late crop.
Optimum Storage Temperature: Optimum storage temperature is 00 C at 90-95 % relative humidity.
Cabbage Diseases: Two major cabbage diseases are black leg and yellowing. A detailed account of these diseases is given below:
- Black Leg: It is caused by a fungus called Phoma lingam and it destroys the base of the stem and roots resulting in plant wilt. Cabbage seedlings are more susceptible to this disease. It can effectively be controlled by crop rotation, and seed treatment and hot water treatment of seeds before sowing.
- Yellowing: It is caused by a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum. Affected plants turn yellowish soon after transplanting. Plant growth remains stunted and defoliation occurs. It can effectively be controlled by cleaning and sterilization of seed-beds and by growing resistant varieties.
Seed Production in Cabbage: There are three methods of seed production in cabbages such as head intact method, core intact method, and the stump method.
- Head intact method: Head remains intact and only a cross-cut is given to the head in order to facilitate the emergence of the flower stalk.
- Core Intact Method: In the core intact method, only the outside leaves are removed and the central portion is kept intact so that the flower stalks come out from here. Once flowering is over, seeds are collected and stored for further use.
- The Stump Method: In this method, the head is removed and only the stump is left
Seed Yield: Seed yield per hectare is about 500 to 650 kg
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