Dear Farmers,

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is one of the most important and widely grown vegetables in India. Known for its nutritional benefits, cabbage is rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fibre, and has significant medicinal properties. 

It is an essential crop in various states including Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with detailed information on cabbage cultivation to help you achieve the best possible yield and quality from your efforts.

Nutritional Information

• Nutrients

 

Calories	27%
Fat	0.1%
Carbohydrates	4.6%
Protein	1.3%

 

• Elements 

Cabbage is a rich source of essential minerals, including calcium (39 mg), iron (0.8 mg), magnesium (10 mg), sodium (14.1 mg), potassium (114 mg), and phosphorus (44 mg). It also contains significant amounts of vitamins and nutrients such as β-carotene (provitamin A), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), riboflavin, niacin, and thiamine. The ascorbic acid content in cabbage ranges from 30-65 mg per 100 g of fresh weight.

 

The flavour of cabbage leaves is attributed to the glycoside sinigrin. Additionally, cabbage contains goitrogens, which can cause the thyroid gland to enlarge.

Climate and Soil Requirements

Ideal Climate for Cabbage

Cabbage thrives in a cool and moist climate. The optimal temperature range for cabbage cultivation is between 15-20°C. It can tolerate frost and cold weather, making it suitable for regions with mild winters. This adaptability allows cabbage to be grown in various parts of India throughout different seasons. However, extreme temperatures and water stress can adversely affect growth and head formation, so it is crucial to maintain a stable climate during its growth period.

Soil Conditions

Cabbage prefers sandy to heavy soils that are rich in organic matter. Light soils are suitable for early crops, while heavier soils are better for late crops due to better moisture retention capabilities. The ideal pH range for cabbage cultivation is 6.0-6.5. Ensuring that your soil meets these conditions will promote healthy plant growth and robust yields. Proper soil preparation includes ploughing and incorporating organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.

Nursery and Field Preparations

Nursery Bed Preparation

1. Size and Layout: Create raised nursery beds of size 3 x 0.6 meters and 10-15 cm in height.
2. Soil Enrichment: Add 2-3 kg/m² of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) to enrich the soil.
3. Disease Prevention: Drench the beds with a fungicide such as Bavistin (15-20g/10 litres of water) to prevent damping-off disease.

Proper nursery bed preparation is crucial for healthy seedling growth. Ensure that the beds are well-drained and free from disease-causing pathogens. Regularly monitor the seedlings and maintain optimal moisture levels to promote vigorous growth.

Field Preparation

1. Ploughing and Levelling: Perform deep and shallow ploughing followed by planking to prepare the field. This helps in breaking clods and ensuring a fine tilth.
2. Bed Formation: Create beds of size 3m x 1.5m with provisions for irrigation.
3. Planting Methods: Use the ridge method for early planting and furrow planting in saline soils. Ridge planting helps in better root development and drainage.

Field preparation is vital for ensuring that your cabbage plants have the best possible start. Proper ploughing and bed formation help in efficient water management and disease control. Additionally, applying a basal dose of organic matter during bed preparation can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Cabbage Varieties

Choosing the right variety of cabbage is essential for successful cultivation. Different varieties have varying growth durations, resistance to pests and diseases, and climatic adaptability. Here are some recommended varieties:

1. Golden Acre: Known for its early maturity, compact, and small heads, making it suitable for home gardens. It has a tender texture and mild flavor.

 

1. Pusa Drum Head: Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), this variety is resistant to various pests and diseases. It has large, firm heads and is suitable for late-season harvesting.

 

1. Pride of India: This variety is noted for its adaptability to Indian climatic conditions. It produces medium-sized heads and is favored for its flavor and storage qualities.

 

1. Mitra: An Indian variety known for its uniform and compact heads. It is resistant to black rot and other common diseases, making it a reliable choice for farmers.

 

1. Copenhagen Market: A popular early variety with solid, round heads. It is known for its excellent taste and good market value due to its uniform size and shape.

 

1. Pusa Mukta: Another IARI-developed variety, Pusa Mukta is characterized by its resistance to black rot. It has medium-sized, dense heads and is suitable for growing in various Indian climates.

 

1. Pusa Synthetic: Known for its hybrid vigor, this variety combines traits from multiple parents to offer high yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to different growing conditions.

 

1. Midseason Market: As the name suggests, this variety is ready for harvest in the midseason. It produces large, firm heads and is valued for its consistent quality and taste.

 

1. September Early: An early-maturing variety, September Early is appreciated for its tender texture and mild flavor. It is well-suited for fresh market sales.

 

1. Early Drum Head: A variety that matures early with large, flat heads. It is known for its robust flavor and suitability for early-season markets.

 

1. Late Large Drum Head: This variety matures later in the season and produces very large, dense heads. It is often preferred for its excellent storage capabilities and heavy yield.

 

1. K-1: A hybrid variety known for its high yield and resistance to common cabbage pests and diseases. It has uniform, dense heads and is suitable for both fresh market and processing purposes.

Select varieties based on your local climate and soil conditions to ensure the best results.

Seed Sowing and Transplanting

Sowing Time and Seed Rate

• Sowing Time: Mid-March to April
• Seed Rate: 500-600 g/ha

Transplanting

• Transplanting Time: 1st week of May
• Spacing: 30 x 45 cm, 45 x 45 cm

Seeds are sown in lines at a distance of 10 cm and covered with a fine mixture of sand, soil, and compost. Light irrigation is given immediately after sowing. Transplanting is done when seedlings are 40-45 days old, preferably on a cloudy day or in the evening. Proper spacing ensures good air circulation and reduces the risk of disease. Transplanting during cooler parts of the day minimizes transplant shock and promotes better establishment.

Manures and Fertilizers

Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

• FYM: 10t/ha (applied during field preparation)
• Nitrogen: 150 kg/ha (half at sowing, half 30 days after transplanting)
• Phosphorus: 60 kg/ha
• Potash: 60 kg/ha

Incorporate 15-20 tonnes of well-decomposed FYM into the soil about 4 weeks before transplanting. Apply 80-120 kg N, 60-100 kg P₂O₅, and 60-120 kg K₂O for optimal yield. Balanced fertilization is key to healthy plant growth and high yields. Regular soil testing can help determine the exact nutrient requirements and avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plants and the environment.

Intercultural Operations and Irrigation Practices

Weed Control and Hoeing

Perform 2-3 intercultural operations. Avoid deep hoeing and do not hoe when plants start forming heads. Use black polythene mulch and soil to control weeds and conserve moisture. Regular weeding and hoeing are essential to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Mulching not only controls weeds but also helps in retaining soil moisture and regulating soil temperature.

Irrigation

Cabbage requires continuous moisture for uniform growth and head development. Irrigate at 5-6 day intervals depending on soil type and planting time. Maintain proper soil moisture during head initiation and development stages. Efficient irrigation practices will help ensure optimal plant growth and yield. Drip irrigation or sprinkler systems can provide uniform moisture and reduce water wastage.

Maturity Standards and Harvesting Techniques

Cabbage is ready for harvesting when the heads are firm but tender. Avoid delay in harvesting to prevent cracking and rotting. Harvest heads by tilting the plant and cutting with some wrapper leaves to protect it from bruising. Timely harvesting is crucial to maintaining the quality of the produce. After harvesting, store the heads in a cool, shaded area to reduce the risk of spoilage and maintain freshness.

Plant Protection Measures

Common Diseases and Management

Damping Off

• Cause: Fungi (Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani)
• Control: Proper drainage, avoid thick sowing, and drench nursery beds with formaldehyde (25-30 ml/litre).

Club Root

• Biological Control: Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens (10 g/kg of seeds), seedling dip (5 g/l), and soil application (2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM).
• Chemical Control: Dip seedlings in Carbendazim solution (2 g/l) for 20 minutes, and drench soil with Carbendazim (1 g/l).

Leaf Spots, Leaf Blight, Ring Spots, and Downy Mildew

• Control: Spray Mancozeb (2 g/litre) or Carbendazim (1 g/litre).

Regular monitoring and timely intervention are crucial to managing pests and diseases effectively. Use an integrated pest management approach to minimize the use of chemical pesticides. Biological control agents and cultural practices such as crop rotation and proper sanitation can help reduce disease incidence.

 

Pest Management

 

Cabbage Aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae)

• Symptoms: Colonies of small, green aphids on the undersides of leaves and young shoots.
• Control: Spray neem oil (5 ml/litre) or insecticidal soap. Predatory insects such as ladybirds can also help control aphid populations.

Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella)

• Symptoms: Small, white larvae feeding on leaves, causing holes and skeletonization.
• Control: Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray, neem oil, or spinosad. Regular monitoring and removal of infested leaves can reduce moth populations.

Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris brassicae)

• Symptoms: Large, white caterpillars feeding on leaves, causing significant damage.
• Control: Handpick caterpillars and destroy them. Use Bt spray or neem oil. Introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps to control caterpillar populations.

Effective pest management involves regular monitoring of the crop, using traps or visual inspections, and employing a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods. Maintaining crop hygiene and removing plant debris can also help reduce pest infestation.

Expected Yield

Cabbage yield depends on variety, soil fertility, climate, and management practices. On average, the yield ranges from 25 to 35 tonnes per hectare. Proper cultivation practices, including timely irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, can significantly enhance the yield and quality of cabbage. By following the guidelines provided, you can achieve high productivity and profitability.

Post-Harvest Handling and Storage

Handling

After harvesting, handle the cabbage heads carefully to avoid bruising and damage. Use clean, sharp knives for cutting and avoid dropping the heads. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves before storage.

 

Storage

Cabbage can be stored for several weeks under optimal conditions. Store in a cool, humid environment with temperatures between 0-4°C and relative humidity of 90-95%. Proper storage conditions help maintain freshness and extend the shelf life of cabbage.

Transportation

Transport the cabbage heads in well-ventilated containers to prevent overheating and moisture loss. Avoid stacking too high to reduce pressure damage. Proper handling during transportation ensures that the cabbage reaches the market in good condition.

Conclusion

Dear Farmers,

Cabbage cultivation in India, when managed properly, can be highly productive and profitable. By following the detailed guidelines for climate, soil requirements, nursery preparation, field management, and plant protection, you can achieve successful cabbage farming with high yields and good-quality produce.

We hope this comprehensive guide will assist you in your cabbage farming endeavours. For further assistance or any queries, please feel free to reach out to your local agricultural extension experts.

Wishing you a bountiful and prosperous cabbage harvest!

Warm regards,

Agrigo 24/7