Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) 

Origin and Area of Cultivation

• Origin: Cabbage is believed to be native to the Mediterranean region of Europe.
• Area of Cultivation: Cabbage is grown widely across the globe, especially in temperate regions. In India, it is cultivated in states like Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and other northern and hilly regions.

Climate and Soil Requirements

• Climate:
  • Cabbage is a cool-season crop. It grows best in moderate temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C.
  • It does not tolerate high temperatures above 30°C for extended periods, as this can affect the head formation.
  • It is ideally suited for winter and early spring cultivation in regions with cool temperatures and mild winters.
• Soil:
  • Cabbage requires loamy, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.
  • Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.5.
  • Soil should be fertile, with adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root diseases.

Improved Varieties of Cabbage

• Green Cabbage:
  • Golden Acre: A small and early-maturing variety with compact heads.
  • Stonehead: A medium to late-maturing variety that produces solid, round heads.
• Red Cabbage:
  • Ruby Ball: Known for its deep red color and firm texture.
  • Red Express: Early maturing with tight heads.
• Savoy Cabbage:
  • Winter King: A late variety with wrinkled leaves, good for cooking and salads.
  • Savoy Ace: Compact and wrinkle-resistant with deep green leaves.

Seed Rate

• Seed Rate:
  • The seed rate for cabbage is approximately 500-700 grams per hectare for direct sowing.
  • For nursery sowing, approximately 25-30 grams per square meter of nursery bed is sufficient.

Time of Sowing

• Nursery Sowing: Cabbage seeds are sown in nursery beds about 6-8 weeks before transplanting.
• Direct Sowing (in regions with favorable climatic conditions): Seeds can be directly sown in the field at the appropriate spacing.
• Transplanting: The ideal time for transplanting seedlings is when they have 4-5 true leaves and are 6-8 weeks old. This typically occurs in February to March in cooler regions.

Transplanting Techniques

• Preparation of Seedbed: Prepare the seedbed with fine tilth, ensuring it is free of weeds and well-drained.
• Transplanting:
  • Transplant seedlings carefully to avoid damage to their roots.
  • For early varieties, the recommended distance is 45 cm × 45 cm between rows and plants.
  • For late varieties, the spacing is typically 60 cm × 60 cm.

Planting Distance

• Spacing:
  • For early varieties: The distance is about 45 cm × 45 cm.
  • For late varieties: The distance is 60 cm × 60 cm to allow for larger head development.

Fertilizer Requirements

• Base Fertilization: Before planting, incorporate well-rotted farmyard manure (15-20 tons/ha) into the soil.
• Nitrogen: Cabbage requires 60-90 kg/ha of nitrogen in split doses. The first dose should be applied at transplanting, and the second dose after about 30 days of planting.
• Phosphorus: Apply 50-60 kg/ha of phosphorus as superphosphate.
• Potash: 50 kg/ha of potassium is also necessary for healthy growth.
• Micronutrients: Applications of boron and zinc are recommended in deficient soils.

Irrigation

• Watering: Cabbage requires consistent moisture, especially during the head formation stage.
  • Drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation is ideal, ensuring uniform water distribution.
  • Cabbage should not be over-irrigated as waterlogging can cause root rot.
  • Frequency: Irrigate regularly but avoid saturation; a weekly irrigation schedule is common.

Weed Management

• Weeding: Regular weeding is essential to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
• Mulching: Mulch the field with straw or dry grass to reduce weed growth and conserve moisture.
• Herbicides: Pre-emergence herbicides like pendimethalin can be used to control weeds.

Pest and Disease Management

• Pests:
  • Cabbage worms, aphids, and diamondback moths are common pests that can damage cabbage.
  • Use insecticides like malathion or quinalphos to control these pests.
  • Regular spraying with neem oil or insecticidal soap can also help.
• Diseases:
  • Clubroot, downy mildew, and black rot are common cabbage diseases.
  • Crop rotation is important to prevent soil-borne diseases.
  • Ensure proper drainage to avoid conditions that promote diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvesting Time:
  • Early varieties take about 60-70 days to mature, while late varieties take 90-120 days.
  • Harvest when the head is firm and compact. The leaves should be tightly packed around the head.
• Harvesting Method:
  • Use a sharp knife to cut the head off at the base, leaving the roots in the ground.

Yield

• Early Varieties: Yield ranges from 15-20 tons per hectare.
• Late Varieties: Yield ranges from 25-30 tons per hectare.

Cultivation of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)

Cauliflower is a cool-season vegetable grown for its edible flower heads, commonly referred to as curds. It thrives in a variety of climates but requires specific conditions to produce high-quality curds. Below is a detailed guide to the cultivation of cauliflower.

Origin, Area, and Distribution

• Origin: Cauliflower is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region.
• Global Distribution: It is cultivated in temperate climates worldwide, with significant production in countries like India, China, Italy, and the USA. In India, it is grown extensively in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.
• Indian Distribution: In India, cauliflower is cultivated mainly in the cooler regions, as it is sensitive to high temperatures.

Climate Requirements

• Ideal Temperature: Cauliflower requires cool temperatures between 15–20°C for optimal growth. Temperatures above 25°C can cause premature flowering (bolting) and poor curd formation.
• Humidity: A relative humidity of around 75–80% is ideal.
• Frost Sensitivity: Cauliflower is sensitive to frost and should not be exposed to freezing temperatures.

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile, loamy soils with good organic matter content are ideal. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
• Soil Preparation: The soil should be deep, with good water retention and drainage properties. Before planting, the soil should be plowed thoroughly, and well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) should be incorporated to improve soil fertility.

Improved Varieties of Cauliflower

Some commonly cultivated improved varieties of cauliflower are:

• Pusa Snowball: A popular variety known for its round, white, compact curd.
• Pusa Hybrid-1: High-yielding and suitable for early sowing.
• Early Snowball: Grows well in cooler regions with a shorter growing season.
• White Cloud: Known for producing large, uniform heads with excellent quality.

Seed Rate

• Seed Rate: Around 400–500 grams of seeds are required per hectare.
• Seed Spacing: The seeds should be spaced 5–10 cm apart during sowing, and later thinning should be done to maintain adequate plant spacing.

Time of Sowing

• Rabi Season: For the rabi (winter) season, sowing should be done from September to October.
• Kharif Season: For the kharif (monsoon) season, sowing is generally done from June to July in cooler areas.
• Seedlings: Cauliflower is typically grown from seedlings. Start seeds in a nursery bed about 6–8 weeks before transplanting them into the main field.

Transplanting Techniques

• Transplanting Time: Transplant seedlings at around 4–6 weeks when they have 4–5 true leaves.
• Spacing: Maintain 45–60 cm between rows and 30–45 cm between plants within a row, depending on the variety.
• Soil Preparation: Before transplanting, the land should be well-prepared with raised beds and ample organic matter.

Planting Distance

• In-row distance: 30–45 cm.
• Between rows: 45–60 cm.

Fertilizer Requirements

• Base Fertilizer: Apply 30–40 tons per hectare of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) at the time of field preparation.
• Nutrient Requirements:
  • Nitrogen (N): 100–120 kg per hectare (split into three doses: one at planting, one at 30 days, and one at 60 days).
  • Phosphorus (P): 50–60 kg per hectare (apply at planting).
  • Potassium (K): 60–80 kg per hectare (apply at planting).
  • Micronutrients: Apply zinc or boron if there is a deficiency.

Irrigation

• Watering: Cauliflower requires regular watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Irrigation should be provided frequently during the initial stages and then reduced as the plant matures.
• Methods: Drip irrigation or flood irrigation can be used, but drip irrigation is preferred to avoid waterlogging and to conserve water.

Weed Management

• Weeding: Weeds should be removed regularly, especially during the early growth stages.
• Mulching: Applying mulch around the plants can help in controlling weeds and maintaining soil moisture.
• Herbicides: Pre-emergence herbicides like pendimethalin can be used to control weeds before transplanting.

Harvesting

• Time to Harvest: The time from transplanting to harvest is typically 70–100 days, depending on the variety and environmental conditions.
• Signs of Maturity: The curd should be firm, compact, and white, without any visible yellowing or splitting. Harvest when the curd reaches 15–25 cm in diameter, depending on the variety.
• Harvesting Method: Use a sharp knife to cut the heads, leaving a few leaves attached to the curd for protection.

Yield The average yield of cauliflower ranges between 20–30 tons per hectare, depending on the variety, soil fertility, and management practices.

Cultivation of Knol-khol

Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes), commonly known as kohlrabi, is a unique member of the cabbage family (Brassicaceae), grown primarily for its edible swollen stem. The plant has a mild, crisp texture and a flavor similar to cabbage or broccoli stems. It is a nutritious vegetable and is often used in salads, soups, or stir-fries. Below is a detailed overview of the cultivation of Knol-khol:

Origin and Area of Cultivation

• Origin: Knol-khol is believed to have originated in Europe, where it has been cultivated for centuries.
• Area of Cultivation: It is widely cultivated in temperate regions of the world, particularly in Europe, Asia, and parts of the Mediterranean. In India, it is grown in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of West Bengal.

Climate

• Temperature: Knol-khol thrives in cool climates and requires moderate temperatures for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range for growing knol-khol is between 15°C to 20°C.
• Light: It requires full sun for better bulb development. However, it can also tolerate partial shade.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity is beneficial, but excess moisture can lead to diseases and poor root development.

Soil

• Soil Type: Knol-khol grows well in loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. Well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 are ideal.
• Soil Preparation: The soil should be well-worked, and compost or well-rotted manure should be incorporated before planting. Proper soil drainage is essential, as knol-khol is sensitive to waterlogging.

Improved Varieties

Several varieties of knol-khol are cultivated, and their characteristics vary in terms of size, color, and resistance to diseases. Some popular varieties include:

• White varieties: Commonly grown for their round and smooth bulbs.
  • Pusa Kesar: Known for its high yield and better taste.
  • Jyoti: A high-yielding variety with smooth bulbs.
• Purple varieties: These are also grown for their attractive color and are rich in antioxidants.
  • Purple Vienna: Known for its crisp texture and purple-colored bulbs.

Seed Rate The seed rate for knol-khol is approximately 8-10 kg per hectare. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1-1.5 cm.

Cultivation Practices

Time of Sowing

• Sowing Time: In temperate regions, knol-khol can be sown in early spring or late summer. In tropical areas, it can be sown during the cooler months (October to December).
• Seedling Transplanting: Seeds are often sown in nursery beds and transplanted when they reach about 3–4 weeks old, typically when the seedlings have 3–4 true leaves.

Transplanting Techniques

• Spacing: Transplant seedlings with proper spacing to allow adequate root development. The recommended spacing between plants is 25–30 cm apart, with rows spaced 30–45 cm apart.
• Transplanting: Transplant the seedlings during early morning or late afternoon to reduce transplant shock. Handle the seedlings gently to avoid root damage.

Planting Distance

• Row-to-row distance: 30–45 cm.
• Plant-to-plant distance: 25–30 cm for optimal bulb development.

Fertilizer Requirements

• Before planting: Apply 15–20 tons of farmyard manure per hectare to improve soil fertility.
• Fertilization during growth:
  • Apply NPK fertilizers in a 2:1:2 ratio (e.g., 100 kg nitrogen, 50 kg phosphorus, and 50 kg potassium per hectare).
  • Side-dress with half the nitrogen at 4–6 weeks after transplanting and the remaining half at 8 weeks.

Irrigation

• Watering: Knol-khol requires regular watering. Irrigation should be moderate and frequent—overwatering can cause root rot, while under-watering can result in stunted growth and poor bulb formation.
• Irrigation Practices:
  • Drip irrigation is highly effective for ensuring consistent moisture levels.
  • Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.

Weed Management

• Weeding: Regular weeding is necessary to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Hand weeding or the use of shallow cultivation can be done to control weeds.
• Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base of the plants to suppress weed growth, retain soil moisture, and maintain temperature stability.

Pest and Disease Management

• Knol-khol is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
  • Aphids: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
  • Cabbage caterpillars: Handpick caterpillars or apply biological insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
  • Downy mildew: Preventive spraying with copper fungicides can help.
  • Clubroot: Ensure proper soil drainage and practice crop rotation to manage clubroot disease.

Harvesting

• Time of Harvest: Knol-khol is ready for harvest in about 60-90 days after transplanting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
• Harvesting Method: Harvest the bulbs when they reach the desired size, typically when they are 7–10 cm in diameter. The bulbs should be firm, smooth, and crisp.
  • Care during harvesting: Handle the bulbs carefully to avoid bruising.

Yield The average yield of knol-khol varies depending on the variety, climate, and soil conditions. On average, a well-maintained crop can yield 20–30 tons per hectare.

Physiological Disorders

• Bolting: Premature flowering due to high temperatures or stress. This can cause the plant to produce small, woody, and inedible bulbs. Prevention: Grow knol-khol in cool conditions and avoid stress.
• Tipburn: Caused by calcium deficiency, leading to the browning and death of leaf tips. Management: Apply calcium fertilizers to improve calcium availability.
• Yellowing of leaves: This may occur due to nitrogen deficiency or over-irrigation.
  • Solution: Apply nitrogen fertilizers and maintain proper irrigation practices.