Table of Contents
Introduction
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a popular leafy vegetable known for its dense, compact head formed by overlapping thick leaves around a central stem. Cabbage was introduced to India by the Portuguese and has since become an essential part of Indian kitchens and farms alike.
Cabbage is widely used in Indian cuisine from fresh salads and stir-fries to traditional dishes like stuffed cabbage rolls and pickles. Its versatility extends to global recipes too, including sauerkraut, coleslaw, and cabbage soup.
The vegetable’s distinct flavor comes from sinigrin, a sulfur-containing glucoside. Beyond taste, cabbage is low in calories and rich in vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.
Cabbage is widely cultivated across India during the cooler months, with leading production in states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. Whether you have a small garden or a large farm, growing cabbage can be both productive and rewarding.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to cultivate cabbage in 7 simple steps from seed selection to harvest so you can grow your own healthy, high-yielding crop with ease.
Step 1: Climate, Soil, and Season for Sowing Cabbage Seeds
Climate for Cabbage Cultivation
Cabbage grows best in a cool and moist climate, making it an ideal crop for winter in most parts of India. The optimal temperature range for healthy growth is between 15°C and 22°C. Growth slows down significantly if the temperature rises above 25°C.
For an early crop, sandy loam is considered best. For a late crop, heavy soils like clay loam and silty loam are preferred.
Soil for Cabbage Cultivation
Cabbage can adapt to various soil types. For early harvesting, well-drained sandy loam is considered best. For late-season crops, heavier soils like clay loam or silty loam are preferred. A soil pH of 6 to 6.5 is considered ideal.
Season for Cabbage Cultivation
Cabbage is primarily a cool-season crop and is best grown during the Rabi season in most parts of India. In cooler regions like Nashik, Ooty, and parts of Kerala, cabbage may also be grown as a Kharif crop.
Step 2: Selecting the Right Cabbage Variety
Various factors such as time to maturity, size, shape, colour, climate, and local market preferences need to be considered while selecting a cabbage variety. For your convenience, a few cabbage varieties are listed below.
Step 3: Procuring Quality Cabbage Seeds
For successful cabbage farming, selecting high-quality seeds is essential. Even with the best cultivation practices, poor-quality seeds can result in low yields and weak plant health.
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Step 4: Land Preparation for Sowing Cabbage Seeds
For successful cabbage cultivation, the land should be well-prepared to a fine tilth. This can be achieved by giving 4 to 5 ploughings, which help loosen the soil and remove weeds. Apply 2.5 tonnes of FYM per hectare of land during the final ploughing.
Step 5: Sowing Cabbage Seeds
Seed Rate: Generally, 100 to 120 grams of cabbage seeds are required per acre of land. However, the exact seed rate varies based on spacing, method of sowing, and various other factors.
Seed Treatment: Generally, seeds sold by private companies are pre-treated with chemicals. However, if the seeds are not pre-treated, treat them with Bavistin at a rate of 2 grams per kilogram.
Cabbage is usually grown by transplanting seedlings rather than direct sowing. Seeds are first sown in a nursery, and after about 25 to 30 days, healthy seedlings are carefully transplanted into the main field.
The nursery soil is prepared to a fine tilth, and raised beds are made to a height of 10–15 cm. Generally, an area of 60–80 sq. m of nursery is sufficient for one acre. In nursery beds, seeds are sown in lines, and 6 to 7-week-old seedlings are transplanted.
Seedlings are generally transplanted in the evening. A spacing of 75 to 90 cm row-to-row and 45 cm plant-to-plant is commonly followed. However, the exact spacing may vary based on the sowing method and other factors.
If cabbage is sown directly, heads are generally formed earlier than in transplanted crops. For direct sowing, usually two seeds per hill are drilled at a spacing of 60 x 30 cm, and thinning is done when plants reach a height of 10 to 12 cm.
Step 6: Care After Sowing Cabbage Seeds
Water Management:
After transplanting, cabbage fields should be irrigated immediately to help seedlings establish. Subsequent irrigation should be done at 10 to 15-day intervals, depending on the season, weather, and soil moisture.
It is also important to stop watering when the heads mature, as excess water at this stage can cause the heads to split or burst. On average, cabbage requires 6 to 8 irrigations during the entire growing period.
Weed Management:
Manual weeding can be done at regular intervals, depending on weed intensity.
Step 7: Harvesting Cabbage
Cabbage is harvested when the heads are firm and fully grown. Delaying the harvest can lead to splitting of the heads and a loss in quality. In the plains, harvesting is usually done between December and April, while in hilly regions, it takes place during June and July.
Generally, early varieties are ready for harvest 60 to 80 days after transplanting, while late varieties mature in 100 to 120 days.
Common FAQs Related to Cabbage Seed Sowing
Q. What climate is best for growing cabbage?
A. Cabbage grows best in a cool and moist climate, ideally with temperatures between 15°C and 22°C. It is mainly cultivated during the winter season in most parts of India.
Q. Which soil is best for growing cabbage?
A. Cabbage can be grown in a variety of soils, but well-drained sandy loam is ideal for early crops, while clay loam or silty loam is preferred for late crops. The optimal soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.5.
Q. What is the seed rate of cabbage per acre?
A. The recommended seed rate for cabbage is generally 100 to 120 grams per acre, depending on the variety, spacing, and sowing method.
Q. When can cabbage be harvested?
A. Cabbage is harvested when the heads are firm and fully formed. Early varieties are ready in 60 to 80 days after transplanting, while late varieties take 100 to 120 days.
Q. What is the scientific name of cabbage?
A. The scientific name of cabbage is Brassica oleracea var. capitata.
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