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Typically, summer residents prefer cabbage varieties with high yields and disease resistance. Ease of care is of considerable importance. Few varieties of cultivated plants have such characteristics, and among them is Sugarloaf cabbage. In addition, it has become popular due to its resistance to drought.
Description of cabbage Sugarloaf
This variety belongs to the late-ripening group. On average, it matures completely in 3 months. The rosette of cabbage is powerful, grows slightly spreading, the diameter reaches 80 cm. The leaves of the crop are large, their shape is round, slightly wavy at the edges. The Sugarloaf's color is usually green, but there is a bluish tinge. A photo of Sugarloaf cabbage is presented below.
The head of the Sugarloaf variety is large and dense
The heads of cabbage grow beautiful and even, have a spherical shape. The weight of an ordinary head of cabbage is about 3 kg, but sometimes larger specimens are found. After harvesting, the heads of cabbage continue to ripen for one to two months. Then they are eaten, because by that time they acquire a sweetish, pleasant taste.
Advantages and disadvantages
According to summer residents, the advantages of the Sugarloaf cabbage variety include:
- high level of sweetness (much higher than other known varieties);
- absence of hard veins;
- presence of many vitamins and microelements;
- long shelf life, during which all nutritional qualities are preserved;
- resistance to prolonged drought;
- excellent germination of material for sowing;
- resistance to diseases and pests.
The most significant disadvantages of Sugarloaf cabbage are:
- demand for changing the planting area;
- the need for good lighting (cannot be planted in shaded areas).
The considerable popularity of Sugarloaf is dictated by the obvious predominance of advantages over disadvantages.
Productivity of white cabbage Sugarloaf
This variety gives a fairly high yield, reaching 6 kg per 1 m2 of plantings. The weight of a regular head of cabbage is approximately 3 kg. The latter is characterized by high density.
Planting and caring for Sugarloaf cabbage
It is recommended to grow the variety using seedlings. Its preparation begins in April. Seed material requires separate pre-sowing procedures. It is left in a solution of potassium permanganate for 12 hours, then washed with water and dried.
The land for future planting can be prepared on your own. For this purpose, mix turf, peat, sand in equal proportions. Peat pots are ideal as containers for plants.
Pots should be placed in a bright place without drafts or direct sunlight.The temperature in the room should be within 21-25 C°.
Seedlings are planted in fertilized soil
At the beginning of summer, after four leaves appear, Sugarloaf cabbage seedlings are planted in beds in prepared soil. An ash solution is used as fertilizer. Choose an area with good lighting.
During growth, the crop needs feeding. To do this, use an aqueous solution of manure. It is used 2 times.
The root system is strengthened as a result of hilling the bushes, which is carried out provided that 10-12 leaves are formed. This procedure will additionally help form lateral roots.
Watering is performed 1-2 times for 3 weeks. During the period of head formation, the need for water increases.
Watering cabbage is done as the soil dries out.
Caring for Sugarloaf also includes periodically loosening the soil around the plants and timely removal of weeds.
Diseases and pests
Sugarloaf cabbage is resistant to diseases, but still insufficient care of plants can provoke the occurrence of some diseases. Among the most common are the following:
- Bacteriosis. There is yellowing of the outer parts of the leaves with further darkening and falling off. To prevent such a disease, use high-quality seed material, observe the necessary crop rotation, and carry out prophylaxis with Fitolavin.If an infection has already occurred, Planriza will help.
- Downy mildew. A white coating appears on the surface of the leaves. As a preventive measure: on the eve of sowing, the seeds are kept in warm water for 25 minutes, the plants are healed with ammonium nitrate. When the disease spreads, spraying with a solution of copper sulfate helps.
- Cabbage butterfly. Infected leaves turn pale and plants die over time. Sowing dill and parsley near the cabbage bed significantly reduces the likelihood of the disease spreading.
- Fusarium. When infected, yellow spots appear on the leaves. In order to prevent the disease, it is recommended to treat the crop with copper sulfate or a special agent “Agate”. Affected plants should be removed from the garden immediately.
- Kila. Occurs when a pathogenic fungus appears. Subsequently, the growth of the crop slows down or stops, and sometimes the plants die. Liming the soil, maintaining proper crop rotation, and treating with potassium permanganate on the eve of planting will help prevent the spread of the fungus. Infected cabbage specimens must be destroyed.
The most dangerous pests for Sugarloaf cabbage:
- Aphid. Usually sticks to the sheets from the reverse side. High activity of aphids is observed at the end of the summer and throughout the autumn.
- Cruciferous bugs. They spread over the surface of cabbage leaves and feed on its juices.
- Thrips. They cannot be seen with the naked eye. If charged, the plant loses color and soon dies.
Effective insect control products:
- "Iskra M"
- "Fury";
- "Bankol."
They are also used for spraying the soil around plants.
Application
Cabbage dishes have a pleasant taste
Since this variety has good taste and contains more useful substances than other types, it is often used for everyday cooking and pickling. This cabbage preserves well, which significantly extends the period of its fresh use for cooking.
Storing Cabbage Sugarloaf
All top leaves are removed from the heads of the harvested crop and then dried. It is impossible to keep the crop wet; in such conditions it will quickly rot. Be sure to inspect the cabbage coils for any damage. Slightly damaged copies are stored in a separate box. The rest of the cabbage is sorted.
The place for storing crops should be dry, dark, equipped with a ventilation system. Suitable storage temperature is in the range from -1 C° to +4 C°, permissible humidity is 90-95%. Under the right conditions, Sugarloaf cabbage does not spoil until spring and does not lose its taste.
Conclusion
White cabbage Sugarloaf belongs to varieties with late ripening. She is completely undemanding in care and has good immunity to dangerous diseases. This healthy and tasty product is suitable for regular consumption, as it contains a lot of nutrients beneficial to the body. They keep well even for a long time.
