Cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
About Cabbage
Cabbage is one of the most widely grown vegetables globally and one of the most profitable smallholder vegetable crops in sub-Saharan Africa. It is highly nutritious, providing vitamins C and K, fiber, and cancer-fighting glucosinolates. The crop grows well in cool highland conditions and can be stored for weeks after harvest. In East Africa, cabbage is the most commercially important vegetable after tomato, grown intensively in highland areas of Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Both round and flat-head varieties are popular. Cabbage can produce 30-60 tonnes/ha, making it one of the highest-yielding vegetable crops.
Growing Conditions
Full sun — 6+ hours daily
380-500 mm per crop. Consistent moisture during head formation. Inconsistent watering causes head splitting.
Fertile, well-drained loam. pH 6.0-7.5 (slightly alkaline reduces clubroot). High organic matter.
Optimal 15-20°C. Tolerates light frost. Head quality poor above 25°C.
Moderate. High humidity promotes black rot and downy mildew.
Cool season — 70-120 days from transplant to harvest. In tropics, grown at high elevation or during cool dry season.
Step-by-Step Growing Tips
Start in nursery beds, transplant 4-6 week old seedlings
Space at 60 × 45 cm for medium-sized heads, 60 × 60 cm for large heads
Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer at transplanting and side-dress at head formation
Scout for diamondback moth weekly — spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for organic control
Harvest when heads are firm and compact — cut at base leaving 2-3 wrapper leaves
Rotate with non-brassica crops for 2-3 years to manage black rot and clubroot
Disease Risks to Watch
All diseases →Cabbage black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) causes V-shaped yellow lesions from leaf margins with blackened veins. Seed-borne and spread by rain splash. Manage with certified seed, hot water seed treatment (50°C for 25 min), resistant varieties, crop rotation (2+ years away from brassicas), and copper sprays during wet weather.
Downy mildew produces angular yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces with grayish-purple fuzzy growth underneath. Caused by Peronospora or Plasmopara oomycetes, it thrives in cool wet weather. Manage with resistant varieties, preventive mancozeb or copper sprays, good air circulation, and avoiding overhead irrigation. It requires free water to infect — keep leaves dry.
Companion Planting
✅ Good Companions
❌ Avoid Nearby
Growing Zones
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant Cabbage?
Cool season — 70-120 days from transplant to harvest. In tropics, grown at high elevation or during cool dry season.
What soil does Cabbage need?
Fertile, well-drained loam. pH 6.0-7.5 (slightly alkaline reduces clubroot). High organic matter.
How much water does Cabbage need?
380-500 mm per crop. Consistent moisture during head formation. Inconsistent watering causes head splitting.
What are the most common diseases affecting Cabbage?
The most common diseases are: cabbage black rot, downy mildew. Monitor regularly and practice crop rotation.
What plants grow well with Cabbage?
Good companions include: dill, celery, onion. Avoid planting near strawberry, tomato.
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