8/8/2019 Cabbage Cultivation

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CABBAGE AND CAULIFLOWER CULTIVATION:

NOW POSSIBLE ANYWHERE IN KERALA

Department of Olericulture

Hitherto, cultivation of cabbage and cauliflower was possible in Kerala only in

the hill tracts of Idukki and Wynad districts. But, now with the development of tropical

hybrids which can grow well under high temperature conditions, cultivation of these

crops can be done in plains of Kerala as well. Cultivation of the temperate vegetables like

cabbage and cauliflower is now thus possible anywhere in Kerala. The Olericulture

Department, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, has been

successfully cultivating these vegetables in their research fields at Vellanikkara for the

last two years. In fact, the demonstration plots of these crops at the Department are

attracting thousands of visitors from all over the state.

8/8/2019 Cabbage Cultivation

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Both cabbage and cauliflower come up well during October - March period under

Kerala conditions. Pusa Deepali, Pusa Early Synthetic, Greeshma, Atisheeghra and

Basant are potential cauliflower varieties/hybrids suitable for Kerala plains. Pusa Agathi,

Quisto and Hari Rani Gol are the cabbage varieties/hybrids which perform very well

under Kerala conditions.

Cabbage and cauliflower are raised as transplanted crops. Recommended seed

rate is 400-500 g/ha. The seedlings will be ready for transplanting in 3–6 weeks after

sowing. Main field is ploughed 2-3 times to a fine tilth and ridges are taken at a spacing

of 60-75 cm. Seedlings are transplanted in ridges at a spacing of 30-60 cm. FYM is

incorporated at the time of field preparation @ 25 t/ha. A fertilizer dose of 150:100:125

kg NPK/ha is recommended for realizing better yield. Special attention must be paid to

availability of elements like boron, molybdenum and magnesium. Earthing up is to be

carried out one month after transplanting. Optimum moisture supply is to be ensured

during the entire growth period. Very shallow hoeing is helpful to remove weeds without

causing injury to the roots.

Cauliflower is harvested when curds remain compact and smooth, attain proper

size and retain original colour. Storage of cauliflower is generally not recommended for

more than 3 weeks. Slightly immature and compact curds keep better than more mature

ones. Cabbage heads should be harvested when they attain full size. After that, they burst

or loosen. Cabbage should be handled carefully from field to storage and only solid heads

with no yellowing, decay or mechanical injuries should be stored. Before storage, all the

loose leaves should be trimmed away leaving heads with 3-6 tight wrapper leaves. The

average yield of tropical hybrids will come to 20 – 25 tons per hectare.

Black rot, downey mildew and  Alternaria blight are the serious diseases of 

cabbage and cauliflower while the serious pest is cabbage diamond back moth. However,

the crops raised in the plains are found to be relatively free from pest and disease

incidence. The black rot disease occasionally seen in cauliflower can be controlled by

spraying Pseudomonas fluorescens at 1% concentration.