CABBAGE

Cabbage Production Guide

Site Selection
Soils can be medium to heavy with good water holding capacity. Sandy soils tend to require
more frequent irrigation cycles and require higher levels of fertilization. PH levels should be
between 5.5 and 6, so soil samples need to be taken prior to planting. Cabbages respond very
well to compost enriched soils. Levels of 20 to 30 tons per hectare of well-prepared compost
will benefit and reduce levels of fertilizer. Manure and Chicken litter can also be used but must
be well broken down and composted or root burn will occur. Manure 10 to 20 tons per hectare
and Chicken litter 2 to 5 tons per hectare. Ploughing should be done to a depth of 30 – 35cm
making sure the old plough pan is broken up. Ripping then discing is also a way to prepare a
tilth for planting. Final tilth must not be too cloddy or too fine. It is recommended that you dip
you seedlings in a solution of Actara to give the plants 6 weeks protection from Aphids and
Whitefly. Also apply a foliar spray of Bion to the seedlings to activate the plants own defence
mechanism against bacterial and virus attack.

Spacing
Planting can be done on beds during the rainy season which helps with drainage and on the
flat during the winter period. If beds are made they should be 1.5metres centre to centre. 2
rows on the top of the bed between 50 to 60cm apart and planting stations 30 to 35cm in row.
Planting on the flat rows can be 50 to 60cm apart and planting stations 35 to 40cm in row.
Plant populations should be between 33,000 – 40,000 depending on market requirements.
Higher plant populations tend to give smaller head sizes.

Fertilizers
A balanced basal Compound type fertilizer of either “A”, “B” or “C” should be applied prior to
planting. This can be done using a Vicon spreader if growing on the flat or a ridger type
applicator if planted on beds. Cupping with fertilizer cups by hand into the planting hole can
also be done but the fertilizer must be well mixed in the hole to prevent root burn. On soil
analysis results and soil types, rates of fertilizer can be applied ranging from 600kg – 1,000kg
per hectare. Cabbages will require around 400kg a hectare of AN split into 3 applications
between weeks 2 and 8 after transplanting. During the rainy season if the crop is planted on
lighter soils an extra top dressing might be needed after heavy leaching rains.
Seedlings
Planting with seedlings is the most practical method as seedlings which are strong and healthy
at transplanting is the base for a uniform crop helping with reduced costs at harvest. Plant
around 10% more plugs per hectare of your selected plant population, this should ensure good
seedling selection. When using seedlings or speedlings as they are also known, at
transplanting make sure good plug to soil contact is made so the root system can leave the
plug and quickly enter into the fertilizer enriched soil. Plant the Speedlings as soon as possible
after pulling them from the trays to avoid the tiny hair roots drying out. Plant into pre irrigated
soils in which the soil has been made up to field capacity. After transplanting a light settling in
irrigation is required to remove air pockets between the plug and the soil. It is recommended
that you dip your seedlings in a solution of Actara to give the plants 6 weeks protection from
Aphids and Whitefly. Also apply a foliar spay of Bion to the seedlings to activate the plants own
defence mechanism against bacterial and virus attack.

Varieties
Selections of a variety depends on where it is to be marketed. Cabbage varieties vary in size
from 2.2kg up to 7kg per head. Varieties must be selected if to be grown in Summer or Winter.
Summer varieties must be “Black Rot Tolerant”; this disease comes in during hot humid
weather and can decimate a crop if not resistant to “Black Rot”. Varieties need to have a waxy
layer to deter “Diamond Back Moth” from damaging the crop. A good “self-wrapping” type of
cabbage is necessary to retain quality and freshness. Colour of the head is important for the
market and also the shape. Contact a Prime Seed Agronomist for advice of which variety to
plant and at which time of the year. Also for market advice. Prime Seed has a variety of
cabbage called Escazu F1 which is resistant to Diamond Back Moth, as well as Black Rot.
Corton F1 is an excellent Black Rot resistant for large cabbages +5kgs.

Harvesting
Cabbages are ready for harvest when the head is firm to the touch when pressed and the veins
on the outside leaves just begin to crack. Ideally about 60% - 70% of the heads should be
cut at first harvest, ensuring maximum yield potential. Depending on variety selection and time
of year Cabbages mature from about 80 – 130 days after transplanting.

Irrigation
During the dry winter months irrigation is essential. Overhead sprinkler irrigation is the most
common, followed by flood and more recently “drip” irrigation. During Summer production
being able to apply irrigation during long dry spells will ensure a good even viable crop.
Approximately 600mm – 750mm of irrigation should be allowed for to produce a good crop of
Cabbages. So planning water usage from, dams, rivers, and boreholes can be worked out to
match hectares to be planted. As the plant increases in size and leaf area, the amount of water
required also increases. Irrigation should be planned on a weekly basis and the soil depletion
area checked regularly to plan for the next irrigation cycle. The use of an “Evaporation Pan”
should help with this. On medium to heavy clay soils irrigation should be given when
approximately 25% of available water has been used.
 Cabbage Spray Guide

Stage Nursery Transplanting & Rapid Leaf Growth Floret Formation Floret/Head Harvest
Establishment Expansion
Days: 0-30 30-35 40-60 50-70 65-105 105-135

Pest Problems

Soil Pests & Aphids

Cutworms
Karate Zeon / Ampligo

Diamond Back Moth Ampligo / Match / Karate Zeon/ Proclaim

General Caterpillars Ampligo / Match / Karate Zeon/ Proclaim

Aphids
Actara Soil drench Actara / Ampligo / Polo

Disease Problems
Damping off & Black Leg
Apron Star Seed Dress

Bacterial Black Rot Bion / Copper Oxy

Downy Mildew
Revus / Ridomil / Folio Gold / Bravo

Club Root
Quintozene

Alternaria
Amistar Top/Bravo / Ortiva / Score

Weed Problems
Before planting - post
Touchdown
emergence perennials
Before planting - post
Gramoxone / Touchdown
emergence annuals
Pre-emergence: grasses
Dual Magnum

Post-emergence: grasses
Fusilade Forte

Nutgrass (Yellow)
Dual Magnum