As a leafy green vegetable, the cabbage is a well-known cultivar of the species Brassica Family. The leafy head, or more accurately, the spherical cluster of juvenile leaves, excluding the partially unfurled outer leaves, is the sole portion of the plant that is typically consumed. Due to its inherent spice, cabbage is utilized in a wide range of recipes. Many people eat the so-called "cabbage head" uncooked, cooked, or preserved in a wide range of cuisines. A great source of vitamin C is cabbage. Additionally, glutamine, an amino acid with anti-inflammatory effects, is present in substantial concentrations.
Cabbage is particularly hardy to frost and thrives best in a cool, damp area. Its leaves have a tendency to be more clearly petiole in locations with relatively dry climates than in areas with higher levels of humidity. It loses a lot of its delicate flavor and loses its quality in a hot, dry environment. Its germination performs best on soil that is between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not suitable for temperatures that are either below or above this. In any case, toughened seedlings can endure temperatures between 20°F and 25°F. It is mostly planted as a rabi crop in the winter. However, it is also grown as a Kharif crop in and around Nasik (Maharashtra), Ootacamond (Madras), and in semi-rural areas of Kerala.
Best Suited Soil for Cabbage Production:
Sand, clay, and other types of soils are all used to cultivate cabbage. A pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 is necessary for greater production. Additionally, it flourishes best on soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Field Preparation for Cabbage Plantation:
The land is prepared by three or four plowings. Bulky organic manures should be dispersed across the field after the first plowing, which should be done using a soil-turning plow. Then the area should be plowed, leveled, and beds with the proper dimensions and irrigation canals should be created.
Cabbage Seed Rate and the Best Time of Sowing:
For one acre, about 120 grams of seeds are needed. Apply 480 kg of dry manure to a 160 m2 seedling bed before scattering the seeds there. This should generate enough seedlings for a field that is an acre in size. During the winter (Sept.–Oct.), cabbage is primarily planted as a Rabi crop; but, in the Nasik region of Maharashtra, it is also grown as a Kharif crop.
Cabbage plant spacing and transplanting: About 25 days after sowing, transplant the seedlings when they have four to five genuine leaves. On each bed that is 90–100 cm wide, we typically space them 45 cm apart in double rows that are 45–60 cm apart.
- Early maturity – Row to Row: 45 cm, Plant to Plant: 30 cm.
- Late Maturity – Row to Row: 60cm, Plant to Plant: 45 cm.
Water requirement of Cabbage Plants:
Maintain a steady flow of moisture. Install a drip system that includes a main and sub-main and space your inline laterals 1.5 inches apart. In the lateral system, space the drippers at a distance of 50 cm for 3.5 LPH or 60 cm for 4 LPH. Place the laterals in the middle of each elevated bed that is 120 cm wide and 30 cm apart. The time between two irrigations is influenced by the weather, the soil, and plant development. It is adequate to irrigate during the winter at intervals of 8 to 10 days. Drought is intolerant to cabbage. So irrigation needs to be administered regularly and uniformly, especially during the head-growing stage. Following the application of the first and second side dressings, irrigation should be used. It is improved.
Pruning and weed control of Cabbage Plants:
The side shoots must be taken out as soon as possible. Hoeing must be used to get rid of weeds as soon as feasible without damaging the roots. The latter portion of the growth season is not the time to hoe. In the field of cabbage, herbicide can be used to control weeds.
Fertilizers and Manures requirement for Cabbage Production
Where the soil is relatively acidic, urea is preferable to ammonium sulphate. Before preparing the land, 5–10 kg/ha of borax should be applied if the soil is boron deficient. Manure should be sprayed into the rows before chemical fertilizer when using basal fertilizer. Chemical fertilizers: The amount of fertilizer needed depends on the soil's fertility. 25:50:60 kg/acre of NPK should be used as a base application before transplanting. First top dressing: 25:50:60 NPK kg/acre 10-15 days after transplanting. 20 to 25 days after the initial top dressing, apply a second time with 25:00:00 NPK kg/acre. Third application: 25:00:00 NPK kg/acre, 10-15 days after the second application. At the button stage, boron and molybdenum should be sprayed.
Harvesting Techniques of Cabbage:
Normal harvesting of cabbage occurs when the heads are fully developed and firm. Harvesting of cabbage is based on market need as well as head maturity. Normally, heads are harvested when they are solid. Harvesting is done earlier when heads are small and loose heads are cut with a knife with minimal stem and some leaves if market prices are high. Before heads are sold, proper grading is carried out.
The yield of Cabbage:
Usually Hills: 70 – 80 t/ha in 150 days. Plains: 25 – 35 t/ha in 120 days. The yield of cabbage depends upon the variety, growing season and management practices.