CABBAGE AGRONOMY GUIDE (KENYA)

📋Crop Overview

Crop Name: Cabbage
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Crop Type: Cool-season leafy vegetable

Economic Importance:
Cabbage is one of Kenya’s most important vegetable crops, widely grown for fresh markets, institutions, and urban supply chains. It is a reliable cash crop for smallholder and commercial farmers due to high demand, short production cycles, and adaptability to different agro-ecological zones.

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📋Agro-Ecological Suitability (Kenya AEZ)

Cabbage performs best in cool to moderately cool zones with reliable moisture.

Best Counties:
Nyandarua, Kiambu, Nyeri, Meru, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kericho, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia

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📋Optimal Growing Conditions

• •Altitude: 1,000–2,500 m above sea level
• •Temperature: 15–20°C (optimum); stress above 25°C
• •Rainfall / Water Requirement: 450–650 mm per growing season
• •Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
• •Soil Type: Well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter

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📋Recommended Varieties (Kenya)

Early Maturing (60–75 days)

• •Copenhagen Market
• •Gloria F1

Mid-Season (75–90 days)

• •Blue Dynasty F1
• •Green Challenger F1

Late Maturing (90–120 days)

• •Danish Ballhead
• •Riana F1

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📋Nursery Management

• •Seed Rate: 250–400 g per hectare
• •Sowing Method: Rows 10 cm apart or broadcasting
• •Sowing Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• •Germination: 4–7 days at 20–25°C
• •Transplanting Age: 4–5 weeks (4–6 true leaves)

Best Practices

• •Use raised nursery beds
• •Ensure good drainage
• •Avoid overcrowding
• •Harden seedlings 5–7 days before transplanting

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📋Land Preparation & Transplanting

• •Land Preparation: Deep ploughing and harrowing
• •Organic Manure: 20–30 tons/ha (well decomposed)
• •Transplanting Time: Late afternoon or cloudy days

Spacing

• •Early varieties: 45 × 45 cm
• •Mid / Late varieties: 60 × 60 cm

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📋Nutrient Management

Total Nutrient Requirement (per hectare)

• •Nitrogen (N): 120–180 kg
• •Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 60–80 kg
• •Potassium (K₂O): 80–120 kg
• •Boron: Critical for head formation

Fertilizer Schedule (Guide)

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📋Water Management

• •Critical Stage: Head initiation to head filling
• •Irrigation Frequency: Every 5–7 days depending on soil and weather
• •Method: Drip or furrow irrigation
• •Avoid: Water stress and waterlogging

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📋Pest Management (Integrated Approach)

Major Pests

• •Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)
• •Aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae)
• •Cutworms (Agrotis spp.)
• •Cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni)

Management Principles

• •Regular scouting (weekly)
• •Early intervention at larval stages
• •Rotate insecticide modes of action
• •Use biological options where possible

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📋Disease Management

Key Diseases

• •Black rot: Seed hygiene, crop rotation, preventive sprays
• •Downy mildew: Common in cool, humid conditions
• •Clubroot: Manage soil pH (lime to pH 6.8–7.2)
• •Alternaria leaf spot: Preventive fungicides and sanitation
• •Fusarium wilt: Resistant varieties and crop rotation

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📋Weed Management

• •Critical Period: First 4–6 weeks after transplanting
• •Methods:
  • •Pre-plant field sanitation
  • •Shallow hand weeding
  • •Mulching (organic or plastic)

Avoid deep cultivation to prevent root damage.

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📋Growth Stages

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📋Harvesting & Post-Harvest Handling

Maturity Indicators

• •Firm, compact heads
• •Desired market size achieved
• •Outer leaves still green

Harvesting

• •Harvest during cool hours
• •Use sharp knife
• •Leave 3–4 wrapper leaves

Storage

• •Temperature: 0–5°C
• •Relative Humidity: 95–98%
• •Storage life: 3–4 weeks

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📋Expected Yields (Kenya)

• •Average management: 30–45 tons/ha
• •Good management: 45–60 tons/ha
• •Excellent management: 60–70 tons/ha

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📋Key Yield-Limiting Factors

1. •Diamondback moth infestation
2. •Black rot during wet seasons
3. •Clubroot in acidic soils
4. •Boron deficiency (hollow stem)
5. •Water stress during head formation
6. •Poor weed control
7. •Excess or insufficient nitrogen

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📋Key Success Factors

• •Disease-free seedlings
• •Correct spacing for variety
• •Balanced nutrition (especially Boron & Potassium)
• •Consistent moisture supply
• •Soil pH management
• •Integrated pest management
• •Timely harvesting