Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is typically grown in high altitudes. The cool temperate climate there is ideal for healthy growth. This vegetable is a highland crop, but technological advances have now produced cabbage breeds that can adapt to the environment, similar to lowland cultivars such as KK Cross, Summer Autumn, Good Season, and US Hybrids.

However, all these cultivars also have their habits, for example, Summer Autumn is more suitable for growing in humid areas. At the same time, Good Season and KK Cross are more ideal for dry areas. All these cabbage cultivars have a maturity period of between 68 - 72 days after planting, and yield between 15.16 - 18.51 tons/ha. The average weight of each cabbage does not differ significantly, ranging between 1.0 and 1.09kg.

Cabbage is grown either by direct sowing on the ground or by culture in a nursery for 4 - 5 weeks before transplanting. Some farmers prefer to cultivate this crop under a net structure or rain cover to protect the crop from the adverse effects of rainwater. At the nursery level, fertilisation and irrigation are two essential aspects.

Before planting, the border should be built. Typical dimensions for the border are 120 cm in width and 30 cm in height, with the length adjustable according to individual preference. Each border is 50cm apart. The soil in the border is sprinkled with basic fertiliser, which is generally processed chicken manure at a rate of 8 - 10 tons/ha, along with 1 - 2 tons of dolomite. The seedlings are then given 15g of NPK fertiliser/tree.

After planting, at the ages of 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks, the seedlings are supplemented with the same NPK fertiliser at a rate of 30g/tree, depending on the cultivar. Each border is planted with two rows of seedlings, so that an area of one hectare will contain 25,000 seedlings. The border should be wrapped with a shiny black plastic cover to control weeds and also reduce insect pests.

Sixty-five days after planting in the garden, harvest can begin. To check if the cabbage is ripe, use your fingers to press on it gently. If it feels firm, then it is time to pick. Each cabbage should be picked with a few outer leaves to protect it from damage during transport to the market. The cabbage is then wrapped in paper or plastic and transported to the market for sale.

 

Source of information:

Lim Lee Lee, Growing cabbage as a commercial crop in the lowlands, Sarawak State Agriculture Department

This article was published in Info Pertanian, Issue November 2024

This article was published in Malay and the article was translated into English by JK Website ITAFoS UPM.

 

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writers. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ITAFoS.

 

By: Dr. Fatma Azwani Abdul Aziz

Date of Input: 15/08/2025 | Updated: 15/08/2025 | noorbaiti