In agriculture, it is essential to optimize crop yield, and that is why most people who want to venture into cabbage farming ask, "How many cabbages per acre can be grown efficiently?" This query helps farmers know about spacing, climate factors, soil fertility and cultivation techniques that influence cabbage production.
In modern Kenyan homes, cabbage is a prevalent food. It is loved because it’s healthy, can last for a long time, and serve many people, thus being cost-effective. All these make cabbage farming in Kenya profitable because it's always in high demand.
How many cabbage seedlings per acre?
Cabbages are typically grown in seeds widely available across agro-stores in Kenya. The one variety that's particularly well-suited for the Kenyan climate is the Gloria F1 cabbage. The Gloria F1 cabbage is resistant to pests and diseases and grows quickly. This means it's reliable and produces high-quality yields.
The seeds are propagated in a nursery and transplanted when the seedlings are about 10-12 weeks old.
What is the spacing for cabbage in Kenya? An acre of land can hold around 12,000 and 15,000 seedlings with a spacing of 60cm by 60 cm.
How much money does cabbage make per acre in Kenya?
Gloria F1 cabbage per acre can give you returns of Ksh. 220,000 after deducting all the production expenses. If you get 15,000 heads assuming 100% efficiency and sell each at Ksh. 20, you'll make a gross profit of Ksh. 300,000. But contract farming or selling the cabbages in kilograms will yield more returns.
Note that cabbage prices vary depending on the season; there's always an overabundance of crops for sale late in the rainy season. But you can farm using irrigation to have cabbages for sale in the dry season when prices are up.
In addition, the production expenses for cabbages include seeds, labour, chemicals, farm equipment, land preparation, soil and water testing, crop protection, and fertilizer.
The best month to plant cabbages in Kenya
When farming Gloria F1 cabbages, it's crucial to consider timing. The best time to plant cabbages in Kenya is during the dry and warm months of October and November. Plus, you should know that cabbages are heavy feeders, so you must add plenty of fertilizer and organic matter to the soil before planting.
Best soil requirements for growing cabbages in Kenya
Well-drained loamy soil with an adequate rooting depth of approximately 600 mm is recommended in cabbage farming. The optimal soil pH range should be between 6 and 6.5. The soil should be thoroughly and deeply prepared before planting.
Post-handling and storage of cabbages in Kenya
The post-handling and storage processes are vital as they help maintain the quality of the cabbages, which means you'll sell them at a higher price. First, you'll have to separate the cabbages by size and remove any damaged leaves.
Put the cabbages in crates of baskets and store them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. If you can control the temperatures, keep it between 10-15 degrees. Ensure the cabbage doesn't come in contact with water, as it can cause mould growth or spoilage.
In addition, check your cabbages regularly for spoilage and remove any spoiled cabbages immediately to prevent them from contaminating others. Proper cabbage post-handling and storage will maximize your chances of selling at a significant profit.
Final word on cabbage farming in Kenya
Farmers who want to venture into cabbage farming ask, "How many cabbages per acre can be grown efficiently?" Today many people opt for cabbage farming because cabbages are in high demand, thus profitable. But to reap huge profits, you must effectively follow the production processes.
Tuko.co.ke has shared an article on the most profitable crops per acre to grow in Kenya. Farming is a great venture that offers high chances of success in many third-world countries. However, embracing farming isn't just about growing crops; you must be specific and pick profitable crop types. This article lists the best crops to grow in Kenya; check it out if you want the best farming ideas.
