Cabbage farming in Kenya has become one of the most reliable agribusiness ventures for small- and large-scale farmers alike. With Kenya’s growing population and increasing demand for fresh vegetables, cabbage is not only a staple food but also a cash crop that guarantees good returns if done correctly.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about cabbage farming in Kenya — from varieties, climate requirements, planting tips, to harvesting and marketing.
Why Cabbage Farming is Popular in Kenya
- It matures relatively fast (3–4 months depending on the variety).
- It has a steady demand in both rural and urban markets.
- It can be grown in most parts of Kenya, especially the cool highland regions.
- With good management, an acre of cabbage can yield 15,000–20,000 heads.
👉 If you’re interested in other profitable vegetables, check out our guide on tomato farming in Kenya.
Best Cabbage Varieties in Kenya
When choosing cabbage varieties, consider disease resistance, market demand, and your region’s climate. Some of the best-performing varieties in Kenya include:
- Gloria F1 – Known for uniform, firm heads and high yields.
- Pruktor F1 – Strong against black rot and can grow in warmer areas.
- Riana F1 – Popular with farmers due to its large size and good shelf life.
- Queen F1 – Resistant to pests and perfect for both fresh market and storage.
👉 Looking for high-quality seedlings? Visit our page on vegetable seedlings in Kenya.
Climate and Soil Requirements
Cabbage thrives best in cooler regions with temperatures between 15–20°C. Highland areas like Kiambu, Nyeri, Kericho, and parts of Rift Valley are perfect.
Soil requirements:
- Well-drained loamy soils.
- pH of 6.0–6.5 (slightly acidic).
- Rich in organic matter.
Tip: Before planting, prepare the land with enough manure or compost. You can also apply lime to correct soil acidity.
👉 Learn how to prepare your soil in our guide on seedbed preparation techniques.
Planting and Spacing
- Nursery preparation – Start with a nursery bed and ensure it’s weed-free, raised, and well-fertilized.
- Transplanting – After 3–4 weeks, when seedlings have 4–5 leaves, transplant them to the main field.
- Spacing – Use 60 x 60 cm spacing for medium-sized varieties or 75 x 75 cm for larger ones.
This spacing ensures good aeration, reduces disease spread, and gives plants enough room to form firm heads.
👉 Need help managing seedlings? Check out our article on seedling care tips.
Fertilizer and Watering
- Apply DAP fertilizer during transplanting.
- Top-dress with CAN or urea 3–4 weeks later.
- Incorporate organic manure for healthier growth.
- Cabbage requires consistent watering, especially during head formation.
Pest and Disease Management
Cabbages are prone to common pests like aphids, diamondback moths, cutworms, and diseases like black rot and downy mildew.
Control methods:
- Practice crop rotation.
- Use recommended pesticides responsibly.
- Encourage natural predators like ladybirds.
- Keep fields weed-free.
👉 See our guide on organic pest control methods.
Harvesting and Marketing
Cabbages are ready for harvest when heads are firm and compact (about 75–90 days after transplanting). Cut the heads with a sharp knife and avoid bruising them.
Marketing options:
- Open-air markets.
- Schools and institutions.
- Hotels and supermarkets.
- Export markets (for certain varieties).
Pro tip: You can earn more by planting in off-peak seasons, when prices are higher.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage farming in Kenya is a rewarding agribusiness venture if done with proper planning and management. With the right variety, soil preparation, pest control, and marketing strategy, you can enjoy high yields and profits.
At Klenny Nurseries, we provide high-quality vegetable seedlings, practical farming tips, and agribusiness support to help you succeed.
👉 Don’t miss our related guides:
