Cabbage

Dry or Bulk Fertilizer: Apply, and incorporate, 50% of required dry fertilizer prior to planting.  In general, cole crops will require from 100-150 units of nitrogen, with broccoli needing about 30-40 units more than cabbage and cauliflower.  Based upon specific soils, apply 100 units of phosphate and up to 200 units of potash, and at least 10 units of sulfur.  Applications of both nitrogen and potash should be split applied for optimum efficiency.  (if using liquid N, apply 8 fluid ounces of PhytoGro Xtra per gallon of 28% or 32% liquid N, to aid with overall N efficiency.)  All nitrogen applications should be completed prior to heading.

NOTE: This program is presented as a guideline only.  With the wide variances possible from both soil types and environmental conditions present during any particular season, your actual recommendation can vary from what is presented.  It is always advisable to discuss management practices with your local representative.

Preplant: Prior to bedding, or seeding, 16 fluid ounces MetaboliK HV-1, and 32 fluid ounces PhytoGro Xtra.

Transplant Solution: If transplanting by hand, target approximately one cup of solution per plant.  Objective is to help transplants get “settled” into the new environment with soil contacting root ball, and to aid with new root development.  It is highly recommended to irrigate lightly following transplanting to increase probability of soil/root contact.

Per 100 gallons of transplant solution – approximately 2,500 plants: 5-8 pounds 10-45-10,8 fluid ounces MetaboliK SB (Seed Boost), and 16 fluid ounces PhytoGro Xtra.

Notes: The more aggressive growers are always observing all aspects of plant development, and of course any outbreak of pests or disease.  Although this provides a wealth of information, it is recommended that tissue tests be taken to monitor actual nutrient uptake and potential deficiencies.  The first tissue sample should be taken four weeks after transplanting, then again two weeks later.

Use the following as targets from your lab results: N – 4.5-6%, P – .5-6%, K – 4-5^, Ca – 2.5-4%, Mg – .8-1%, S – .2-.3%, B – 50ppm, Zn – 50ppm, Mn – 100ppm, Fe – 100-300ppm, and Cu – 20ppm.  Boron is especially important on cole crops, so watch closely.

Although it is usually a separate test, silicon should be at 3,500ppm.  Weather and time of day that samples are collected will have an impact upon your lab results.  If sunny and in the morning when you collect your first sample, then take all remaining samples in the morning on sunny days.

Fertility rates are based upon “after transplanting” for a 75-day maturity group cabbage & cauliflower with a population of 9,680 plants per acre, broccoli at 14,520 plants per acre.  Following transplanting, ensure that transplants receive a minimum of 1” of water per week for the first two weeks, then increase as necessary.