This Cabbage Cultivar Trial compared 10 cultivars using 3 replicates of each cultivar. Objectives were to evaluate performance and quality characteristics of cabbage cultivars for their suitability in a southern Ohio growing season. The plots were located at the Ohio State University Enterprise Center research and demonstration plots in Hillsboro, Ohio.

Spacing: Rows were 5 feet apart, with plants set into twin rows on raised beds at 18 inch spacing between plants in the row and 16 inch spacing between double rows.

Soil Type: Haubstadt Silt Loam

Fertilizer: Applied 120 lbs N, 120 lbs P2O5 and 120 lbs K2O per acre prior to planting according to the soil test recommendations. 20-20-20, (1 lb./100 gal. 8 oz. Per plant w/transplant water)

Weed Control: 2 pt./acre Treflan 4E pre plant incorporated on June 13, 2000 hand hoed and cultivated as necessary.

Pest Management: 8 fl. Oz./a Pounce was applied on 6/27 and 7/7

4 pt/a MVP II was applied on 7/18, 8/1 and 8/15

Irrigation: June 15, 23, 30, July 18, August 1 and 15

Harvest: August 25 and September 25

There was average head formation throughout the growing season. Harvest yield and quality attributes were collected and observed.

Blue Vantage and General had the largest average head weight for the season. Blue Vantage also had the largest number of marketable heads per acre for the season. With field trials like this cabbage can fit into the production scheme for southern Ohio growers. The growing season seemed to be adequate to produce a high quality cabbage crop. The long-range goal is to utilize the existing agricultural infrastructure of southern Ohio to introduce these cabbage cultivars as an alternative crop for southern Ohio producers.

Table 1. Yields from replicated Fresh Market Cabbage trial: Ohio State University Extension Enterprise Center, Hillsboro, Ohio 2000

Table 2. Seed Company information