Cabbage Farming: Fiscal importance

Cabbage is a standout amongst the most well-known vegetables grown in Kenya by little, medium and substantial scale farmers for nourishment and income generation. Because of its popularity especially in the urban territories, a setback in cabbage growing consequently prompts increment in value which regularly causes an outcry by customers. Cabbage is consequently the best sort of vegetable for an agriculturist who needs profit over short timeframe with little production costs. Nutritionally, cabbages are essential source of Calcium, have moderate measures of Potassium and Sodium.

Cabbages are a moderate source of vitamin A and C and they therefore protect the body against growth assault (cancer), avert hypertension and are powerful against constipation.

Also Read: Lucrative onion farming in Kenya

Cabbage Farming: Choosing a variety

While making a choice on the variety to produce, a farmer need to consider several key factors among them the maturity duration, yield potential, tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases, good field holding capacity, uniform maturity to ensure a single harvest and preference in the market among other qualities. Bearing this in mind, through a rigorous screening for the above desired qualities, several hybrid cabbage has been relaesed in the market. These varieties easily out compete other varieties in specific market segments due to their superior and reliable qualities.

The varieties include Gloria F1, Pruktor F1, Riana F1, Queen F1 Serena F1, Karen f1, sunny fi and most recently Polo F1.

Variety Maturity in Days/After transplanting Average head weight/Kg Characteristics
Gloria F1 80-85 5

Heat torelant

Has strong root system and thick wax layer making it ideal for planting during dry season or under irrigation

It is extensively grown widely especially in Mt. Kenya, central and rich highland of Uganda
Pruktor F1 80-90 6

Medium early maturing variety

Grows in wide climatic condition

Highly tolerant to black rot.

Has perfect solid round heads that withstands long distance transportation
Queen F1 80-85 5

Widely adaptable to cool and warm climatic zones

Highly tolerant to black rot disease  and bursting
Riana F1 85-90 6

Tolerance to black rot disease

Rich in green colour

Suitable for fresh market and processing industry
Serena F1 80-85 4.5

Has well compacted heads

Excellent tolerant to black bean disease

Does well in wide climatic zones
Polo F1 70-75 4

Very early maturing variety

Has light green round shaped heads

Very uniform and tolerant to bolting
Sunny F1 70-75 3.5-4

Early maturing variety

Tolerant to humid weather patterns and ideal for coastal belt

Cabbage Farming: Seed requirement

One acre requires about 120g of seeds. Farmers are highly recommended to source seeds from a registered stockiest and get a receipt for the acquired seeds. Seedling can be raised on seed bed or seed trays for about four weeks before being transplanted to the field. Before transplanting, seedling should be hardened off to prepare them to cope with field conditions.

Also Read: Cabbage Growing In Kenya: All You Should Know