Crop production in KwaZulu-Natal/Annotated Bibliography/Cabbage

Allemann, L. and Young B.W. 1998. Vegetable Production in KwaZulu-Natal: Cole crops. KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture. Republic of South Africa, Pietermaritzburg. PDF The cole crops are of the plant family Cruciferae; the commercially important crops all belong to the genus Brassica, hence the reference to brassica crops or simply brassicas. This document deals with the most important commercially grown brassicas in KwaZulu-Natal. These are: cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata); cauliflower - (B. oleracea L. var. botrytis); sprouting broccoli or calabrese (B. oleracea L. var. italica); and Brussels sprouts (B. oleracea L. var. gemmifera). Being closely related these crops have similar climatic requirements, and are usually attacked by a similar range of pests and diseases. However, their requirements (even those of different cultivars within each crop) are not identical, making cultivar choice an important step. Characteristics that vary include shape, colour, length of growing season, compactness of head, tolerance to heat or cold, and tolerance to specific diseases. Production details discussed include environmental requirements, cultural aspects, fertilizers, irrigation, weed control, pest and disease management, harvesting, and marketing.