Complete Guide to Cabbage Farming in Kenya

Cabbage is one of the most widely grown and consumed vegetables in Kenya. It is a high-value crop with a ready market in local markets, supermarkets, and for export. If grown correctly, cabbage farming can be highly profitable. This guide covers everything you need to know about cabbage farming in Kenya, from land preparation to harvesting and marketing.

1. Selecting the Right Cabbage Variety

The choice of cabbage variety depends on factors such as climate, soil type, resistance to diseases, and market demand.

Popular Cabbage Varieties in Kenya

• Gloria F1 – High yielding, resistant to pests, matures in 75-85 days.
• Queen F1 – Grows well in warm climates, large head, and resistant to diseases.
• Pruktor F1 – Fast-growing hybrid with high resistance to black rot and fusarium wilt.
• Copenhagen Market – Traditional variety, medium-sized heads, suitable for cool climates.
• Sugarloaf – Long, conical heads with sweet taste, suitable for fresh market sales.

2. Ecological Requirements

Cabbage grows best under the following conditions:

• Altitude: 800-2,500m above sea level
• Temperature: 15-20°C (cool climates are ideal)
• Rainfall: 500-1000mm per season (consistent moisture is needed)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy-loam soil with high organic matter
• pH: 6.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

3. Land Preparation

Steps to Prepare Land for Cabbage Farming

1. Clear the land – Remove weeds and previous crop residues.
2. Ploughing & Harrowing – Deep plough (30cm depth) and harrow to break soil clumps.
3. Add Organic Matter – Incorporate well-rotted manure (1-2 tons per acre).
4. Soil Testing – Test for nutrient levels and pH. Apply lime if pH is below 6.0.

4. Seedbed Preparation & Transplanting

Raising Seedlings in a Nursery

1. Make nursery beds – 1 meter wide, raised 15 cm, and well-drained.
2. Prepare fine soil – Mix soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
3. Sow seeds – Make shallow rows 1 cm deep, spacing seeds 2-3 cm apart.
4. Water Regularly – Keep soil moist, but avoid waterlogging.
5. Mulching – Use dry grass to conserve moisture and prevent soil erosion.
6. Hardening off – Reduce watering 1 week before transplanting to strengthen seedlings.

Transplanting to the Main Field

• Transplant after 4-6 weeks when seedlings have 4-5 true leaves.
• Spacing: 45cm x 45cm (for small heads) or 60cm x 60cm (for large heads).
• Transplant in the evening or on a cloudy day to reduce transplanting shock.
• Apply DAP fertilizer (50-100 kg per acre) at planting to promote root growth.

5. Crop Management

Watering

• Cabbages require consistent moisture (25-30mm per week).
• Drip Irrigation​ is the most efficient method, but furrow irrigation can also be used.

Weeding

• Keep the field weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Use mulching to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Fertilizer Application

Organic Option: Use compost manure or foliar feeds like seaweed extract for sustainable farming.

Pest and Disease Control

Common Pests

1. Diamondback Moth (DBM) – Causes holes in leaves. Control with Bt-based biopesticides or pyrethroids.
2. Aphids – Suck sap from leaves, causing curling. Use neem extract or insecticidal soap.
3. Cabbage Looper – Eats leaves, reducing yield. Control using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
4. Cutworms – Attack young seedlings. Use wood ash or carbaryl dust around the base.

Common Diseases

1. Black Rot – Yellowing and wilting of leaves. Control by planting resistant varieties and using copper-based fungicides.
2. Downy Mildew – White fluffy growth on leaves. Use fungicides like Ridomil Gold.
3. Clubroot – Causes swollen roots. Prevent by liming soil and rotating crops.

6. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

When to Harvest

• Cabbages mature between 75-120 days depending on the variety.
• Harvest when heads are firm, compact, and reach market size.
• Avoid overmature cabbages as they may split or rot.

Harvesting Process

• Use a sharp knife to cut at the base, leaving some outer leaves for protection.
• Handle carefully to avoid bruising and damage.
• Store in a cool place before transport to retain freshness.

Yield Per Acre

• Hybrid varieties: 20,000 - 30,000 heads per acre
• Traditional varieties: 10,000 - 15,000 heads per acre
• Average weight per head: 1.5 - 4 kg
• Potential income: Ksh 300,000 - 800,000 per acre, depending on market prices.

7. Marketing and Selling Cabbages

• Local markets – Open-air markets and roadside vendors.
• Supermarkets – Requires high-quality cabbages with consistent supply.
• Hotels & Restaurants – Supply fresh cabbages directly to hotels.
• Export Market – Requires good packaging and adherence to quality standards.
• Online Platforms – Use social media and online marketplaces to reach buyers.

8. Profitability of Cabbage Farming

Estimated Cost per Acre

Potential Revenue

• Selling price per cabbage: Ksh 30 - 80
• Average production: 20,000 heads per acre
• Revenue: Ksh 600,000 - 1,600,000 per acre

Profit per acre: Ksh 500,000 - 1,000,000 depending on market prices and costs.

Conclusion

Cabbage farming in Kenya is a lucrative agribusiness when done correctly. Choosing the right variety, proper land preparation, irrigation, fertilization, and pest management are key to success. With a good marketing strategy, farmers can earn high profits from cabbage farming.