What is a Cabbage Variety?
Cabbage, comprising several cultivars of Brassica oleracea, is a leafy green, red, or white biennial plant grown as an annual vegetable crop for its dense-leaved heads.
Best Cabbage Variety To Grow In Kenya
| Cabbage Variety | Production per Acre (Tons) | Maturity Period (Days) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria F1 | 45-69 | 80-90 | Round, compact head, white flesh, good flavor |
| Gloria F1 | 40-50 | 75-80 | Round, medium-sized head, green flesh, good flavor |
| Pruktor F1 | 50-60 | 70-75 | Round, large head, white flesh, good flavor |
| Pretoria F1 | 45-55 | 80-85 | Round, medium-sized head, green flesh, good flavor |
| Zawadi F1 | 40-50 | 70-75 | Round, small head, white flesh, good flavor |
| Queen F1 | 45-55 | 80-85 | Round, large head, green flesh, good flavor |
| Karen F1 | 40-50 | 70-75 | Round, medium-sized head, white flesh, good flavor |
| Kiboko F1 | 45-69 | 80-90 | Round, large head, white flesh, good flavor, resistant to black rot |
| Triperio F1 | 55-80 | 80-90 | Round, large head, green flesh, good flavor, resistant to black rot |
| Amigo F1 | 50-60 | 80-90 | Round, large head, white flesh, good flavor, resistant to black rot and diamondback moth |
| Riana F1 | 45-60 | 80-90 | Round, large head, blue-green flesh, good flavor, resistant to black rot and tip burn |
| Oxylus F1 | 45-60 | 80-90 | Round, large head, white flesh, good flavor, resistant to black rot and clubroot |
| Santa F1 | 45-60 | 80-90 | Round, large head, red flesh, good flavor, resistant to black rot and clubroot |
| Ruby Ball F1 | 45-60 | 80-90 | Round, large head, red flesh, good flavor, resistant to black rot and clubroot |
| Quisor F1 | 45-60 | 80-90 | Round, large head, white flesh, good flavor, resistant to black rot and clubroot |
| Blue Dynasty F1 | 45-60 | 80-90 | Round, large head, blue-green flesh, good flavor, resistant to black rot and clubroot |
Cost of Cabbage Production Per Acre In Kenya
The cost of cabbage production in Kenya can vary depending on several factors such as the scale of production, location of the farm, input cost, labor involved, and farm management practices.
- Land Preparation:
- Land clearing and preparation: This includes costs associated with clearing vegetation, plowing, and harrowing the land. The costs can range from Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 20,000 per acre, depending on the initial condition of the land.
- Seeds and Planting Materials:
- Cost of cabbage seeds: High-quality cabbage seeds can cost between Ksh 3,000 and Ksh 6,000 per kilogram, depending on the variety and supplier.
- Seedling production (if using transplants): If you opt for transplant production, consider costs associated with seed trays, nursery beds, potting soil, and labor for raising healthy seedlings.
- Fertilizers and Soil Amendments:
- Soil testing: Conducting soil tests to determine nutrient deficiencies typically costs around Ksh 1,000 to Ksh 3,000 per soil sample, depending on the laboratory.
- Fertilizers: The cost of fertilizers depends on the soil nutrient requirements determined through soil testing. Budget for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrient fertilizers. The estimated cost for fertilizers can range from Ksh 15,000 to Ksh 30,000 per acre.
- Crop Management:
- Irrigation: The cost of irrigation systems, including pipes, sprinklers, or drip irrigation equipment, varies based on the size of the farm and water source. Budget for installation and maintenance costs.
- Weed control: This includes costs for herbicides, manual labor for weeding, or mulching materials. Allocate around Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 10,000 per acre for weed control.
- Pest and disease management: Budget for insecticides, fungicides, and labor costs associated with pest and disease monitoring and control. Expenses can vary widely based on the severity of pest and disease pressure.
- Labor:
- Labor costs can vary depending on the size of the farm, cultivation practices, and local wage rates. Budget for activities such as land preparation, planting, weeding, irrigation, pest and disease management, and harvesting. Labor costs can range from Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 60,000 per acre, depending on the farm size and labor availability.
- Miscellaneous Expenses:
- Miscellaneous expenses may include costs for farm equipment, transportation, and administrative expenses.
Q: What are the best cabbage varieties for commercial farming in Kenya?
A: Popular cabbage varieties for commercial farming in Kenya include Copenhagen Market, Gloria F1, Pruktor F1, and Green Challenger, as they offer high yield potential and disease resistance.
Q: Which cabbage variety is suitable for small-scale farming?
A: Farao F1, Delight F1, and Green Challenger are good cabbage varieties for small-scale farming in Kenya due to their adaptability, yield potential, and market demand.
Q: Are there cabbage varieties suitable for warmer regions in Kenya?
A: Yes, certain cabbage varieties like Pruktor F1, Farao F1, and Green Challenger have good heat tolerance and can be grown successfully in warmer regions of Kenya.
Q: Which cabbage variety has excellent disease resistance?
A: Gloria F1 and Farao F1 are known for their strong disease resistance, making them suitable choices for farmers who want to minimize the impact of diseases on their crops.
Q: What cabbage variety is recommended for long-term storage?
A: Delight F1 is known for its excellent holding ability and storage capacity, making it a preferred choice for farmers who require long-term storage of their cabbage produce.
Q: Which cabbage variety has a shorter maturity period?
A: Copenhagen Market and Green Challenger are varieties that have relatively shorter maturity periods, typically around 70-80 days, making them suitable for farmers looking for quicker harvests.
Q: Can I find hybrid cabbage varieties in Kenya?
A: Yes, hybrid cabbage varieties like Gloria F1, Pruktor F1, Farao F1, and Delight F1 are readily available in Kenya and are favored by many farmers for their improved traits and higher yields.
Q: Are open-pollinated cabbage varieties suitable for organic farming?
A: Yes, open-pollinated cabbage varieties such as Green Challenger and Copenhagen Market can be suitable for organic farming practices, as they do not require specific hybrid seed inputs.
Q: What cabbage variety is recommended for export markets?
A: Pruktor F1 and Farao F1 are popular choices for export markets due to their uniformity, market acceptance, and good keeping qualities during transportation.
Q: Where can I find cabbage seeds of different varieties in Kenya?
A: Cabbage seeds of various varieties can be obtained from reputable seed suppliers, agricultural input stores, or through agricultural extension services in Kenya. It’s advisable to choose certified seeds from reliable sources.