Headed Cabbage - Seeding Cabbage Methods

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Seeding Cabbage methods and techniques is the subject of the following article, which is contained in the lamentable series of articles devoted to cultivation of this so popular leafy vegetable whith endless scientific name Brassica oleracea var. capitata.

And we have to say that we call the series lamentable because, after the completion of the tribute, we have the solid, firm belief that Cabbage will not be lost, at least, its popularity, as opposed to ‘Kalliergeia’ site, that will lose even those few brave – first degree relatives and friends – readers who have left.

As with any other plant, such as Headed Cabbage, the available space of seed trays both affects the creation of a rich root system and the general development of seedlings.

Seeding Cabbage Methods

Seeding Cabbage methods – Cabbage sowing – is carried out in two ways: either by direct seeded into the field at the definitive sites of the crop or by sowing it in specially protected spaces in a controlled environment – cold frames, hotbeds, hothouses and greenhouses – followed by transplantation of the seedlings in the field.

Each of these seeding Cabbage methods has advantages and disadvantages. Listed below are generally the advantages and disadvantages thereof.

Headed Cabbage – Seeding Cabbage Methods

Seeding Cabbage Methods - Direct Seeded Pros & Cons

Cons of Direct Seeding

Cabbage’s direct seeding requires aperfect flat form of the field – the field must be nearly level
By Cabbage’s direct seeding is more difficult weeds control and that increasing the production costs of either conventional or organic crop cultivation
Direct seeding requires optimal stands formation using special mechanical equipment – e.g. precision seeders – to control depth of planting and in-row spacing.

Pros of Direct Seeding

Cabbage crops started by direct seeding mature, regardless of variety, 15 to 20 days earlier
Early harvesting also entails an increase in income for the producer.

Headed Cabbage – Seeding Cabbage Methods

Seeding Cabbage Methods - Protected Seedbeds Pros & Cons

Cons of Seeding in Protected Seedbeds

The sowing of Cabbage in protected seedbeds requires the existence of special spaces – constructions and farm building projects
Depending on the type of the protected seedbed, the corresponding equipment is also required
The sowing of Cabbage in protected seedbedsincreases the production costs of either conventional or organic crop cultivation

Pros of Seeding in Protected Seedbeds

Exploitation of the very low and inadequate temperatures period for unprotected Cabbage sowing and therefor extend the growing season
The transplanted Cabbage seedlings develop a richer and strongest root system
Weed control is easier and more cost-effective for the producer

Headed Cabbage – Seeding Cabbage Methods

Direct Seeding of Cabbage in the Field

The first of seeding Cabbage methods gives remarkable results in fields whose soil is mainly sandy and have a permanent irrigation system. It is applied throughout the year in climatically favorable areas of this type of sowing, while in cold climates the direct sowing of Cabbage is carried out in the summer or autumn.

The seed of Cabbage is sown at a depth of 1 to 2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) followed by watering. If the soil is heavy, roller is required to bring the seed into contact with the soil.

According to researches, the best results – produced yields and head weights similar or higher – have been given by the precision seeding of one seed per hill and at 30 cm in-row, compared to the usual practice of sowing per 10 cm apart and thinned to 30 cm.

The amount of seed required is 2 to 5 kg/ha.

Headed Cabbage – Seeding Cabbage Methods

Seeding Cabbage in Cold Frames

Sowing of Cabbage in cold frames is a practice with remarkable results mainly for the spring cultivation of the cabbage.

If the cold frame consists of a soil substrate, then its preferred composition is 2 parts of black peat, 1 part compost (or disinfected manure) and 1 part of perlite.

The seed is sown in March or April (depending on the climatic conditions of each region). After sowing, the seed is covered with the soil mixture up to 1 to 2 cm, pressed gently and then watered.

The required amount of seed is 1.4 to 1.6 g/m².

If the cabbage is sown in seed trays, which will then be placed in the cold seedbed, then the soil mixture is proposed to consist of 2 parts of black peat and 1 part of perlite.

Headed Cabbage – Seeding Cabbage Methods

Seeding of Cabbage in Hotbeds - Greenhouses

By sowing cabbage in hotbeds and hothouses, seedlings are produced during the winter.

This method of course presupposes the existence of the space, the necessary means and equipment as well as a certain basic, at least, level of knowledge and skills on the part of the producer.

And in this case the Cabbage is sown in seed trays whose soil mixture also consists of 2 parts of black peat and 1 part of perlite.

Once plants have 4 to 6 leaves, they are hardened (3-10 days) and after the risk of frost has passed, they are transplanted into the field.

Headed Cabbage – Seeding Cabbage Methods

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