Temperatures of 20-30 degrees celsius. Single monsoon season lasting four months from June to September. Rainfall amount 700 mm/year. Basaltic soil (black cotton soil).
Packet of seeds Rs. 70/- . Pack gave good harvest. Plant a seed at a time a few inches apart at one inch depth. Water once a day.
Plant all year round (avoid peak summer). Space the seeds well. Ten days from seed to germination. Two-three months from seed to first harvest. Cabbages can self-pollinate or cross-pollinate with the help of insects. 10 x 7 feet area gives 500 grams of cabbage once a week for 5 months. Market rate of total harvested produce is Rs. 500/-.
Cabbages eat a lot! It is helpful to prepare the ground with a good layer of compost prior to planting the cabbage. Alternating cabbage with a nitrogen-fixing plant like green gram is very beneficial. Treat with Jeevamrutha once a week during growth. Jeevamrutha = 1 part cow dung + 1 part cow urine + 0.2 parts jaggery + 0.2 parts pulse flour and some soil. Cover, keep in shade, mix thrice a day. Incubate and use.
Moths, butterflies and beetles like feeding on cabbage.
Cabbage is mostly water and fibre. It has some carbohydrate and protein. It is a very rich source of vitamins C and K.
We have not tried storing cabbage or the seeds. But sauerkraut and kimchi are good ways to store cabbage.
Cabbage with chana dal
In a pan, cook 250 grams of chopped cabbage + 50 grams of chana dal + half cup of water till dal is nearly cooked. In a flat-bottom pan add 1 tablespoon of oil + 2 grated garlic pods + 2 teaspoons of cummin seeds + 2 dry red chillies + a few curry leaves + cabbage and dal mix + salt + turmeric powder + chilli powder. Mix and cook for a few minutes. Serve hot with chapathis.
Cabbage with coconut
In a flat bottom pan add 3 green chillies + 1 small chopped onion and fry till transluscent + 3 cups of finely chopped cabbage. Cover and cook till cabbage is soft and nearly done. Add half a cup of grated coconut and salt. Serve hot with chapathis or rice and ghee (clarified butter).