Explore essential facts about cabbage cultivation, from soil requirements to harvesting tips. Test your knowledge on best practices and common challenges in growing healthy cabbage crops.
What is the preferred soil pH range for optimal cabbage growth in horticulture?
Explanation: Cabbage grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH of 6.0–6.5, ensuring nutrient availability and healthy development. A pH of 4.0–4.5 is too acidic and may cause nutrient deficiencies. 7.5–8.0 is overly alkaline and less suitable for cabbage. 5.0–5.2 is more acidic than recommended and can hinder growth.
When is the most suitable season for planting cabbage in temperate climates?
Explanation: Early spring provides cool conditions optimal for cabbage development, minimizing heat stress and pest pressure. Mid-summer temperatures are usually too high and can cause bolting. Late autumn may not allow enough time before frost. Peak winter is often too cold for seedling survival and growth.
If cabbage leaves turn purple, which nutrient is most likely deficient?
Explanation: Purple coloration in cabbage leaves often signals phosphorus deficiency due to its role in energy transfer. Potassium deficiency usually causes leaf edge scorch. Nitrogen shortages typically show as general yellowing. Calcium lack leads to tip burn rather than purple coloring.
What is the recommended plant-to-plant spacing for cabbage to ensure proper head formation?
Explanation: A spacing of 45–60 cm allows cabbages room for head development and good air flow. 10–15 cm is too crowded, leading to small, poor-quality heads. 80–100 cm is unnecessarily wide, wasting space. 25–30 cm is still tight and may restrict head formation.
Which pest is known for causing significant leaf damage to cabbage plants by creating holes?
Explanation: Cabbage loopers are caterpillars that feed on cabbage leaves, creating numerous holes and reducing yield. Aphid flies are generally beneficial predators, not leaf eaters. Corn borers mostly attack corn and related crops, not cabbages. Tomato hornworms are a pest of tomatoes, not typically of cabbage.