Cabbage Production Guidelines

What to Consinder When Growing cabbages 

 Courtesy of sunshine seedling service

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The optimum temperatures for cabbage production range from 15ºC to 20ºC with minimum temperatures as low as 0ºC. Cabbage can handle mild frost but temperatures below –10ºC can cause blind heads to be formed. Higher temperatures and moisture experienced in summer can lead to higher incidence of black rot and club root. The growing period for winter cabbage is approximately 120 days and summer cabbage takes approximately 80 days.

CABBAGE CULTIVAR CHOICE

There are many factors that determine cabbage cultivar choice. These can vary from the time of year you wish to plant, to the type of market you will be supplying. The size and shape of cabbage also varies according to the variety. Consult your nurseryman for specific details on different varieties.

CROP PRODUCTION

TILLAGE

As a general rule the number of land operations should be kept to a minimum. The previous crop should be ploughed in followed by ripping (very sandy soils – once a year, soils with clay 20% need only be ripped once every 2 – 3 years) After ripping the land should be ploughed, fertiliser spread, disced and then draw lines with a harrow or some sort of tine implement. To maintain and reduce deterioration of soil structure, at least 5 tons of chicken litter or pig manure can be ploughed in.

FERTILISATION

As a general rule, complete soil analysis should be done before planting to determine your specific soil requirements. A good general recommendation is as follows:

• N = 150 to 200 kg.ha-1. 70 to 90 kg.ha-1 incorporated preplant. Top dress the balance using LAN as follows: Winter 14, 28, 45 days after transplanting (no later)
• P = 50 kg.ha-1 incorporated preplant
• N = 120 kg.ha-1 incorporated preplant

The soil pH should be approximately 6 – 6.8

SPACING AND PLANT POPULATIONS

Cabbage plant populations vary according to the target market for that particular crop. The ideal plant population per ha-1 for a crop destined for the bagging market would be 40 – 45 000 plants. This would produce firm heads with an average head mass of 2 – 2.5kg. For the hawker market 30 – 35 000 plants ha-1 is more suitable. This would produce larger and heavier heads with an average mass of 2.5 – 3kg. The most popular spacing for cabbage production is 50cm in the row and 60cm between the rows. A staggered planting regime is recommended to reduce competition between plants.

Fig 1 Staggered Planting

TRANSPLANTING

The soil should be irrigated b before transplanting so as to reduce plant stress. Cutworm sprays and herbicides can be applied pre-= or post-planting depending on the farmers preference. When planting a hole should be made with a sharp tool or stake. The seedling must be placed upright in the hole. The hole must be deep enough to allow at least 2 ½ cm of soil to cover the top of the plug. The plug should be covered with soil and tamped down carefully by hand so as not to damage the seedling.

CROP ROTATION

Good crop rotation is one of the most important aids to intensive vegetable production. There are many different reasons for crop rotation, the most important being the reduction of carry-over effects of diseases and pests from previous crops. In general the following principles apply:

• Alternate deep and shallow rooted crops
• Alternate crops supplying organic matter with those that utilize
• Vegetables should be grown in rotation with field or pasture crops.
• Never follow up crops of the same family

Beans   →  cabbage   →  butternut  ->   green mielies

PRODUCTION PROBLEMS

DISEASES AND THEIR CONTROLL

Cabbages are susceptible to a number of bacterial and fungal diseases. Most of the more common problems occur over the summer months where high rainfall is experienced. Some cabbage varieties offer disease resistances against specific problems such as Black rot and Black leg. There are however no chemicals registered for the control of Club root. For the general control of pests such as Diamond back moth or Loopers, a pyrethroid can be used. . For more information on available chemicals contact your local chemical supplier.