Varieties

Spacing and Seeding

Cabbage grown for fresh market should be planted to stand 12” to 15” apart within rows and 24” to 36” between rows. With most early or midseason varieties the closer spacings will give larger yields and more desirable size for fresh markets. Where direct seeding is used, two to four seeds should be dropped and then thinned to a single plant. Seeding depth is 1/2” to 3/4”. One-half to 1 lb of seed will be required per acre (1/8 to 1/4 oz per 100 feet of row) depending on cultivar, seed size, and spacing. Thin seedlings to desired stand when plants are 2” to 4” tall. Do not allow plants to become crowded.

Cauliflower should be planted to stand 15” to 18” apart within rows and 30” to 36” between rows. Broccoli should be spaced according to market. Large, single bunch heads can be achieved by a 15” to 18” spacing. Three head bunches require close spacing for 5” to 6” heads with small stalks. Plant double row beds with 36” between beds and 10” to 12” between rows within beds. Space 6” to 9” between plants, depending on cultivar. Early varieties usually require closer spacing. Southern grown plants can be purchased for transplants, but insect and disease problems often accompany them. Cauliflower and broccoli can be direct seeded to stand, with precision type planters. Raised beds of 4” are recommended. For cauliflower this will require about 4 oz/acre (1/16 oz per 100 feet of row); and for broccoli about 1/2 to 1 lb/acre (1/8 to 1/4 oz per 100 feet of row) 

Irrigation

The availability of water can be critical for successful production. Adequate soil water must be maintained during seedling or transplant establishment and the period of rapid vegetative growth that follows. This is extremely critical prior to head initiation for cabbage, since excessive water applied after cabbage heads have formed can result in split heads. When harvest periods of broccoli and cauliflower occur during times of high temperatures, light irrigation (1/3” to 1/2”) can be used to cool plants and help maintain quality.

Lime

Apply lime according to soil test to maintain soil pH at 6.5 to 6.8. Maintain a high level of calcium to minimize tip burn.

Fertilizer

The best method to apply a small amount of boron is as an additive to the fertilizer. For example, if the level of boron in the soil is low, apply 3 lb of boron (15 lb Solubor, or 30 lb Borax)/A before planting broccoli and cauliflower, and 2 lb/A for cabbage. See Table 2.

Less nitrogen fertilizer will be needed if manure or legume sod was plowed down (see Nitrogen Credits).

If using transplants, use of a liquid starter fertilizer at planting time is beneficial, especially with cool soil conditions. Use a high phosphorus starter fertilizer mixed at a rate of 3 pounds per 50 gallons of water. Apply 8 fluid ounces (1 cup) per transplant.

Harvest

Harvest cabbage as soon as the head has reached full size for the cultivar grown. Many varieties will stand in the field for considerable periods of time after heading without serious deterioration. Harvest should not be delayed unnecessarily as plants become more susceptible to disease and to splitting.

In order to produce the attractive white curd in most cauliflower varieties, it is necessary to blanch the head. When the head is 2” to 3” in diameter, gather the large outer leaves loosely over the head and tie with twine or rubber bands. Tie every two to three days with different colored bands to help coordinate harvest dates. Hot, humid, rainy weather after tying can result in a rotting curd. The head should be ready to harvest 5 to 15 days after tying. Harvest when head is compact, clear white and about 6” in diameter.

Broccoli is harvested when heads are dense, 3” to 6” in diameter and before individual flower buds are distinguishable or yellow flowers can be seen. Cut 8” to 10” of stem with the head. Broccoli should be cooled as rapidly as possible and stored under cool conditions after harvest to slow down flower development. Side heads develop rapidly following removal of the terminal head, unless the cultivar used is a nonsprouting type. Harvesting may continue for several weeks.