Cabbage Farming in Kenya Made Simple: Best Practices for Profits

1. Why Grow Cabbages in Kenya?

Cabbages are a high-yield crop with strong market demand across Kenya. They are rich in nutrients, easy to grow, and adaptable to most agro-ecological zones. Whether you’re in the highlands of Central Kenya, parts of Rift Valley, or Western Kenya, cabbage farming can earn you a steady income if done right.

2. Cabbage Varieties Suitable for Kenya

Choosing the right variety is crucial for maximizing yields. Popular varieties include:

• Gloria F1: Uniform heads, excellent for long-distance transport.
• Blue Jays F1: Early maturing, tolerant to diseases.
• Pretoria F1: Known for its large, compact heads and high yields.
• Pruktor F1: Highly resistant to black rot and downy mildew.

Select your variety based on altitude, rainfall, maturity period, and disease resistance.

3. Land Preparation

Proper land preparation sets the foundation for a productive cabbage farm.

a) Site Selection

Choose a site with:

• Well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter.
• pH between 6.0–6.5 (slightly acidic).
• Adequate sunlight and water supply.

b) Ploughing and Harrowing

• Deep plough the land 4-6 weeks before transplanting.
• Harrow 2 weeks before transplanting to create a fine tilth.

c) Spacing

Recommended spacing:

• 60cm x 60cm for large-headed varieties
• 45cm x 60cm for medium-headed varieties

1 acre accommodates approximately 14,500 plants.

4. Establishing a Cabbage Nursery

a) Preparing the Nursery Bed

• Raised beds: 1m wide and any convenient length.
• Mix topsoil with well-decomposed manure in 1:1 ratio.
• Treat soil with wood ash or neem powder to reduce soil-borne diseases.

b) Sowing Seeds

• Sow seeds in rows 10–15cm apart.
• Lightly cover with soil and mulch.
• Water gently every day.

c) Hardening Off

Start reducing water one week before transplanting. This toughens seedlings for field conditions.

5. Transplanting

Transplant when seedlings have 4-6 true leaves (3-4 weeks old).

a) Timing

• Transplant in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.

b) Manure and Fertilizer Application

• Apply 10,000kg well-rotted manure per acre.
• Use DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) or NPK (23:23:0) at a rate of 80kg per acre.

Water seedlings immediately after transplanting.

6. Crop Management

Proper crop care ensures high yields and healthy cabbage heads.

a) Irrigation

Cabbages need 25–40 mm of water per week.

• Use drip irrigation or furrows to maintain consistent moisture.

b) Top Dressing

• CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) at 50kg per acre, applied 3 weeks after transplanting.
• Apply a second dose after 6 weeks.

c) Weeding

Weed regularly (every 2-3 weeks). Avoid damaging roots.

d) Mulching

Use dry grass or straw to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate temperature.

7. Pest and Disease Control

Common Pests:

• Diamondback moth – Use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), Belt, or Duduthrin.
• Aphids – Apply Karate or Confidor.
• Cutworms – Apply soil insecticides before transplanting.

Common Diseases:

• Black rot – Rotate crops, use certified seeds, and avoid overhead irrigation.
• Downy mildew – Apply copper-based fungicides.
• Clubroot – Maintain soil pH and improve drainage.

IPM (Integrated Pest Management) is highly encouraged.

8. Harvesting

a) Timing

Harvest 3 months after transplanting, when heads are firm and compact.

b) Method

• Use a sharp knife to cut the head at the base.
• Leave a few outer leaves to protect the head.

c) Yields

A well-managed acre can produce 12,000–15,000 heads of cabbage.

9. Marketing and Value Addition

a) Marketing Channels

• Local open-air markets
• Supermarkets and groceries
• Cabbage traders (Marikiti)
• School feeding programs
• Processing companies

b) Value Addition Ideas

• Pre-cut and packaged cabbage
• Kimchi and sauerkraut production
• Supplying institutions with bulk orders

Tip: Time your planting to harvest during off-peak periods (e.g., dry season) for higher prices.

10. Budget Breakdown (1 Acre – Based on Real Data)

Startup Cost (Seedling Nursery) – KSh 7,437

• Seed (Blue Jays F1) – KSh 4,200
• Manure, fertilizer, pesticides – KSh 537
• Labour – KSh 2,700

Transplanting Costs – KSh 23,500

• Land preparation, manure – KSh 17,200
• Fertilizer, labour – KSh 6,300

2 to 4 Weeks After Transplanting – KSh 19,000

• Top dressing, foliar feeding – KSh 2,800
• Insecticides/fungicides – KSh 7,600
• Labour – KSh 8,600

5 to 8 Weeks After Transplanting – KSh 15,700

• Nutrition and spraying – KSh 12,100
• Labour – KSh 3,600

9 to 12 Weeks After Transplanting – KSh 12,000

• Spraying and nutrition – KSh 11,400
• Labour – KSh 600

Harvesting – KSh 1,500

• Labour – KSh 1,500

Total Cash Required – KSh 79,137

11. Income Projections

• Expected Yield: 14,500 heads
• Selling Price: KSh 20/head (can go higher in dry season)
• Gross Income: KSh 290,000
• Net Profit: KSh 210,863

12. Tips for Success

• Use certified seeds and high-yield varieties.
• Plan your planting season strategically.
• Practice crop rotation and good hygiene to reduce disease.
• Monitor market prices and sell when demand is high.
• Keep records of expenses and yields for future planning.

13. Challenges in Cabbage Farming

• Pests like diamondback moth and aphids.
• Market price fluctuations.
• Weather unpredictability without irrigation.
• Labour shortages during peak periods.

Solution: Plan ahead, invest in training, and adopt modern practices.

14. Final Thoughts

Cabbage farming in Kenya offers a real opportunity to make money consistently with proper planning, management, and market targeting. Whether you’re starting with a small plot or scaling to commercial acreage, this guide can help you avoid common mistakes and maximize profits.