Cabbage is grown from seed. Eight weeks before planting, remove all weeds on the land. Plough the soil immediately before planting with a disc harrow or other suitable implement to a depth of between 450mm and 600mm. If necessary, fumigate the soil two weeks before planting to control nematodes.
Planting
Plant by direct seeding or transplanting seedlings.
Direct seeding requires 2kg of seed/ha. Transplant the seedlings as soon as they reach the desired size; only well hardened, young, stocky plants should be used. Transplanting is done on moist soil.
Firm the soil around the roots and irrigate as soon as possible after the seedlings are set.
In wet areas, plant the seedlings on raised beds or ridges to reduce waterlogging and stem or root rot diseases.
Cabbages form smaller and slightly more pointed heads when spaced closely.
In the case of a large-headed variety, plant at a density of 40 000 plants/ha to 45 000 plants/ ha; plant a medium headed cultivar at 55 000 plants/ ha to 65 000 plants/ha; and plant baby cabbages at 80 000 plants/ha to 100 000 plants/ ha.
Large-headed cultivars should be planted with an inter-row spacing of 600mm to 700mm, and 450mm apart in the row. Smaller headed varieties are planted with an inter-row spacing of 600mm, and 300mm apart in the row.
Fertilisation
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