How To Plant Cabbage In South Africa
Despite being a plant that can withstand frost, cabbage can suffer greatly from spring frosts. Plants that are injured will produce undeveloped heads, poor-quality leaves, and overall low-quality and little-to-no product. Depending on when we want to harvest the cabbage, we should concentrate on sowing the seeds at the right window of time. Mid-spring is when farmers start sow summer cabbage. Then, in late April, they plant autumn-winter varieties. The remaining days of summer are used to seed spring cabbages, which farmers harvest the following year.
Farmers may think about the following elements to maximize their yields and achieve high growth.
250-400g (9 to 14 oz) of seeds per hectare are sown.
20000–40000 plants per hectare are present.
2,47 acres per hectare.2,47 acres or 10,000 square meters make up 1 hectare.
The typical plant row spacing should be between 40 and 70 cm (15-27 inches) Ordinarily, rows should be spaced 60 to 90 cm apart (23-35 inches). Remember that these figures change depending on the ideal head size for each person. The size of the head that the plants generate depends on how far apart they are from one another.
In most situations, it is advantageous to reduce irrigation when cabbage plants are fully mature. According to reports, overwatering can cause cabbage heads to develop too quickly and begin splitting.
Farmers can schedule a proper plan to cultivate thriving and healthy plants by consulting local qualified agronomists.
Soil Requirements for Cabbage
Plants that grow well in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil include cabbage.Furthermore, it requires a sunny area. Before planting the seeds or transplanting the young plants, the field must be well prepared. Before transplanting or direct seeding, it is reportedly beneficial to till the soil and apply compost or well-rotted manure. Most of the time, cabbage prefers fertile soil with a pH between 6 and 6,8. Keeping the soil consistently moist is the most popular method for having flourishing plants and high-quality crops.
Water Requirements for Cabbage
Drip irrigation and fertigation are typically used (fertilization through water-soluble fertilizers that are injected in the irrigation system).
Water must be present in sufficient quantities for cabbage to grow its leafy heads. It’s crucial to maintain moist soil, but not squishy. Plants cannot tolerate soggy soil, thus we should be careful not to over-irrigate our crops. The development of cabbage, the formation of firm heads, and the production of premium leaves all require frequent, constant irrigation. We have the option of using sprinkler or drip irrigation systems when producing cabbage in the field. Farmers can cover the ground with a thin layer of mulch to keep the soil consistently moist (ask your local licensed agronomist).
When should cabbage be planted in South Africa?
Cabbage can be grown all year in South Africa, with the exception of the Highveld, where it is best to avoid sowing the crop from May to July due to the cold. In the Lowveld, it is also best to avoid sowing the crop in the summer.place where it’s extremely hot and muggy.
When do you sow the cabbage?
Planting cabbage indoors in the spring for a summer crop is advised. Directly sow seeds in the garden in early July for a fall crop. Late in the plant’s growth, cabbage can endure temperatures below freezing.
How long does it take for cabbage to fully grow?
Winter, summer, and spring sowings can all result in a year’s worth of cabbage harvests. Depending on the variety, they typically take between four and six months to achieve maturity. Once they have grown to the desired size and developed a hard head, harvest them. Use a sharp knife to cut through the stem just above the ground.
Harvesting of cabbage
Generally speaking, From planting to transplanting, the time frame varies from 18 to 38 days. The majority of cabbage types are suitable for harvesting 75 to 88 days after transplanting. There are types that mature very quickly and can be harvested 55 days after transplantation. After transplanting, some late cultivars reach maturity 95 to 105 days later. Depending on the variety, we will harvest our cabbage plants at different times. After forming a strong and sturdy head, some kinds need to stay in the field for a few more weeks. On the other hand, some varieties must be harvested as soon as they are fully mature.
