Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Sunlight
Full sun — 6+ hours daily
Water
380-500 mm per crop. Consistent moisture during head formation. Inconsistent watering causes head splitting.
Soil
Fertile, well-drained loam. pH 6.0-7.5 (slightly alkaline reduces clubroot). High organic matter.
Temperature
Optimal 15-20°C. Tolerates light frost. Head quality poor above 25°C.
Humidity
Moderate. High humidity promotes black rot and downy mildew.
Season
Cool season — 70-120 days from transplant to harvest. In tropics, grown at high elevation or during cool dry season.
Updated February 2026
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Overview
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.
Plant Health
Cabbage is susceptible to 2 known diseases. Early detection is critical — use the CuraPlant app to scan leaves and get an instant AI diagnosis.
Cabbage Black Rot
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
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.
Cultivation Guide
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
Companion Planting
Strategic companion planting reduces pest pressure, improves pollination, and can significantly increase yields.
Climate & Regions
Active climate zones for Cabbage are highlighted below.
Tropical
Suitable
Subtropical
Suitable
Temperate
Suitable
Mediterranean
Not typical
Highland
Suitable
Arid / Semi-arid
Not typical
Specific Zones & Regions
Common Questions
Cabbage grows best during the cool season — 70-120 days from transplant to harvest. in tropics, grown at high elevation or during cool dry season.. It requires optimal 15-20°c. tolerates light frost. head quality poor above 25°c. and full sun — 6+ hours daily. In tropical regions with consistent warmth, it can often be grown year-round with proper irrigation.
Cabbage is commonly affected by Cabbage Black Rot, Downy Mildew. Regular crop monitoring, good air circulation, avoiding overhead irrigation, and using disease-resistant varieties are the most effective prevention strategies.
Cabbage grows best in fertile, well-drained loam. ph 6.0-7.5 (slightly alkaline reduces clubroot). high organic matter.. For irrigation: 380-500 mm per crop. consistent moisture during head formation. inconsistent watering causes head splitting.. Maintaining proper soil moisture without waterlogging is critical — Cabbage is sensitive to both drought stress and root rot from excess water.
Cabbage grows well alongside dill, celery, onion. These companions help repel pests, improve pollination, or provide ground cover. Avoid planting near strawberry, tomato, which can inhibit growth or share susceptibility to the same pests and diseases.
CuraPlant
Scan any leaf with your phone and get an instant AI diagnosis, treatment guide, and prevention plan — even offline.
