Content
White cabbage is one of the most common vegetable crops. Almost all gardeners grow it. To get a good vegetable harvest, you need to choose the right species, taking into account the climate of the growing region. Therefore, when choosing a cabbage variety for central Russia, you need to pay attention to its characteristics. Otherwise, the plants will not be able to fully develop and form heads of cabbage.
In the conditions of the central regions, cabbage can be grown in open ground and greenhouses
Climatic features of the region
The climate of central Russia is moderate continental. Due to the region's remoteness from the sea, there is a significant difference in annual temperatures. This part of the country is characterized by long frosty winters, rather short hot summers, as well as a long spring with frequent recurrent frosts and a rainy, cool autumn.
The average monthly temperature in January in the middle zone is -7-14 °C, and in July - +16-22 °C.
Spring in the central regions begins in mid-March. By the end of the month, constant positive temperatures during the day are established, but the nights remain frosty until mid-April. And only by the second half of May in the middle zone there is warm weather, allowing large-scale planting of vegetable crops in open ground. However, the probability of return frosts remains high until the beginning of June.
Summer in the middle zone is short, warm, with moderate humidity. It is not uncommon to experience hot periods when the temperature rises to +30 °C and even higher. However, Atlantic cyclones often arrive, bringing moist, cool air. Fogs in the middle zone are typical for late July and early August.
Early autumn in the region is comfortable, with slight cooling. There are still plenty of sunny days. However, already at the end of September, thick fogs and night and morning frosts begin. In autumn, there is a lot of precipitation in the middle zone. In October, the temperature drops significantly, strong winds begin, and wet snow is possible.
Frosty, snowy winters are the norm for this region. It begins in the last ten days of November and lasts until mid-March. The highest frosts, which can reach -30 °C and last more than a week, occur in January. February in the middle zone is snowy, the thickness of the cover in this month is maximum.
How to choose a variety
When choosing a variety for the central regions, you need to take into account its resistance to sudden temperature changes and possible frosts at the initial stage of growth.At the same time, drought resistance is not a prerequisite, since precipitation is not uncommon in the middle zone.
There are also no restrictions for this region on the ripening period of the vegetable. Based on the fact that favorable weather for cabbage begins in May and lasts until October, early, middle and late varieties are suitable for cultivation.
The crop does not tolerate low air humidity
The best varieties of early white cabbage for the middle zone
Early types of vegetables have a short growing season, so most of them have heads of cabbage that reach maturity in the middle zone already at the end of June, in the first half of July. The peculiarity of early varieties and hybrids is juicy, tender leaves, loose structure of the heads, so they are ideal for preparing fresh salads.
Ditmarskaya early
A new variety from German breeders. The duration of the growing season is 110 days. The heads of cabbage are round in shape, of medium density with a short stalk. Their weight varies from 1.5-2 cm. The heads of cabbage have an excellent presentation and taste. The variety is demanding on light and watering.
White cabbage Ditmarskaya (Kuuziku Varayaie) has a compact early rosette, up to 40 cm in diameter. The leaves are tender, thin with a wavy edge. In terms of taste, the variety resembles Chinese cabbage. It is resistant to common crop diseases.
Ditma early cabbage in the middle zone shows stable yield
Dita
This variety is not very susceptible to temperature changes at an early stage of growth. Forms heads in the range of 0.9-1.5 kg. The rosettes are small, no more than 40 cm in diameter and up to 35 cm in height, the leaves are light green.The heads are white in cross section. The yield of the variety reaches 3 kg or more per 1 sq. m.
Dita cabbage, when grown in the middle zone, shows high immunity to diseases, which simplifies its care. The growth period from the emergence of seedlings to technical maturity is 110-115 days. Characterized by good taste.
Dita cabbage is resistant to cracking
Dumas
The Dumas variety also shows high productivity in the middle zone. This species belongs to the ultra-early category. Its heads ripen in 50-55 days using the seedling method of cultivation. Forms rounded, leveled fruits weighing 0.9-1.5 kg. They are light green on top and creamy inside. The consistency is dense, with well-defined crispy properties.
Dumas white cabbage tolerates dense plantings well and is cold-resistant. The productivity of the species in the middle zone reaches 6-7.5 kg per 1 sq. m.
For Dumas cabbage, phased harvesting is acceptable
Zantorino
Dutch early species, the fruits of which ripen 93-100 days after emergence. Forms heads of cabbage of regular round shape, which are light green on top and creamy inside. The fruits have a medium-dense structure and do not crack even during prolonged rains. Their weight is 1.7-2.1 kg.
Zantirino cabbage prefers fertile soil
Polar region F1
An ultra-early hybrid, the harvest of which ripens in 45 days when grown using seedlings. It is distinguished by a squat rosette, 30 cm high, 40 cm in diameter.The heads of cabbage have a round shape and a short stalk. The leaves are small, thin, succulent, light green with a wavy edge.
In the conditions of the middle zone, the fruit weight of the hybrid Zapolyarye F1 is 1-1.5 kg. This species tolerates temperature changes well, but is demanding when it comes to watering.
Cabbage Zapolyarye F1 tolerates transportation well
Cossack F1
One of the most common early hybrids. Its rosette is raised, up to 60 cm in diameter and about 28 cm in height. The fruits ripen in 102-110 days.
The hybrid forms heads of cabbage of regular round shape; they have a diameter of 15.5-17.5 cm, and their weight ranges from 0.8-1.2 kg. The stalk is medium, 6-8 cm long. The outer leaves are dark green with a bluish tint, and the inside of the fruit is light cream. The consistency of the heads is moderately loose. The performance of the species in the middle zone is 3.2-4.8 kg. The hybrid is characterized by friendly fruit production.
Early cabbage Kazachok is suitable for private and industrial cultivation
June
The variety is one of the most popular among gardeners. It ripens at the end of June, which is why it got its name. Withstands frosts down to -5 °C, so it is suitable for early planting. The taste of the variety is excellent, the core of the head of cabbage is dense. The fruits develop well at a temperature of +13-18 °C.
The leaf rosette is raised and compact. The plates are round, small in size, with slight wavy edges, and light green in color. Fruit weight is 0.9-2.5 kg, yield per 1 sq. m is 3-7 kg. The variety is susceptible to clubroot and is not resistant to head cracking. It yields its harvest in unison, so it makes no sense to plant it in large quantities for private consumption.
The June variety is demanding when it comes to watering.
The best varieties of mid-season cabbage for the middle zone
Mid-season types of vegetables are not particularly shelf-stable; fruits can be stored for no more than two months if certain conditions are met. However, their harvest, unlike early varieties and hybrids, can be used for pickling, stewing, canning, and also preparing fresh salads. The fruits are moderately dense and have a sweetish taste.
Hermes
Hybrid of Dutch origin. Valued for the uniformity and evenness of the fruit, as well as the high content of vitamins and minerals. Entered into the State Register in 1993. Its fruits remain fresh on the vine for up to 1.5 months. The growing season for the Hermes variety is 107 days. The taste of the fruit is balanced.
The rosette is raised, the stalk is medium. The upper leaves are dark green with a bluish tint. The consistency of the heads of cabbage is dense; when cut, they have a light cream color. The commercial productivity of the hybrid when grown in the middle zone is 4.6-4.8 kg.
Hermes cabbage easily tolerates short-term drought
Gribovsky
A time-tested variety. Suitable for fresh consumption and canning. A compact rosette with raised leaves. Medium sized stalk. The leaf is sessile, in rare cases with a short petiole. The plate is flat, even, sometimes concave. The leaves are green in color, covered with a moderate waxy coating, and the veining is insignificant.
The heads of Gribovsky cabbage are round in shape, up to 23 cm in diameter and weighing 0.9-2.2 kg. The fruits ripen 120 days after seed germination. The productivity of the variety is 5.5-6.7 kg per 1 sq. m.
Gribovsky is prone to fusarium and vascular bacteriosis
Dobrovodskaya
A high-yielding variety of white cabbage of medium ripening, which is considered one of the best for pickling. Characterized by large round fruits weighing up to 9 kg. The growing season is 135 days. Cabbage is flattened, transports well, but is stored for no more than two months.
The rosette is of a raised type, with a diameter of 80-90 cm. The leaves are medium in size, with a smooth edge, green in color, and covered with an intense waxy coating. When cut, the heads of cabbage are white. Their consistency is moderately dense and crispy. In middle zone conditions, productivity exceeds 14 kg.
Dobrovodskaya cabbage is valued for its high content of sugars and vitamins
Siberian
The variety was specially bred for the northern regions of the country, but it is also perfectly adapted for the middle zone. Registered in the State Register since 1971. Characterized by a raised middle rosette. The leaves are transversely oval, with a short petiole. The surface of the plates is slightly wrinkled. The plates are dark green with a bluish tint, covered with a waxy coating.
The heads of Sibiryachka cabbage are round and slightly flattened. Their average weight reaches 2.6 kg. The growing season of the variety is 152 days. Productivity - 5.2-5.6 kg per 1 sq. m.
The yield of marketable fruits from Sibiryachka in the middle zone is 95%
Present
An ancient variety of white cabbage, which was registered back in 1961. Its fruits are ready for harvesting in 115-135 days, that is, at the end of August, at the beginning of September.
Raised type leaf rosette, medium size.The plates are wrinkled, oval or round, light green in color with an intense waxy coating. Medium sized stalk. The weight of the heads of cabbage is 2.5-4.5 kg. Performance since 1Q. m – 9-10 kg.
The ascorbic acid content of the Podarok variety reaches 26-41 mg per 100 g of fresh vegetable
Late varieties of white cabbage
These varieties of white cabbage have a long growth period. However, their harvest can be stored for up to 6-7 months. Moreover, the taste of the fruit improves over time. When growing late white cabbage, harvesting is recommended at the end of October. These types of vegetables are ideal for processing and are characterized by a high content of dry matter, sugars, vitamins and minerals.
Morozko
This variety appeared relatively recently - in 2007. It is characterized by high resistance to diseases, easily tolerates transportation and short-term drought. It is also not picky about soil composition. The duration of its growing season is 180-185 days. Morozko white cabbage produces round fruits with a dense consistency.
A raised rosette with a diameter of up to 70 cm. The leaves are green, have a leveled surface, and are slightly wrinkled. The upper plates are green in color and covered with a waxy coating of medium intensity. When cut, the fruits are snow-white. The average weight of heads of cabbage is 3.-3.5 kg. And the productivity of the variety in the middle zone reaches 10 kg per 1 sq. m.
Even with a lack of sunny days, the heads of Morozko cabbage do not become loose
Marathon
A late-ripening hybrid with a growing season of 140 days. Forms round fruits with a high level of density.Their weight varies between 3-4 kg. The leaf rosette is raised, up to 80 cm in diameter. The plates of Marathon cabbage are dark green with numerous veins, covered with a thick waxy coating. The storage period of the crop exceeds seven months, while the color of the fruit does not change. The effectiveness of the hybrid with proper care in the middle zone reaches 9-10 kg per 1 sq. m.
Marathon cabbage is distinguished by its versatility
Albatross
This hybrid is also known as Meridor. Suitable for mechanized harvesting. The fruits reach technical maturity in 139-142 days. The rosette is compact, raised, up to 45 cm high and about 80 cm in diameter. The leaves are slightly elongated, rich green in color with a thick waxy coating.
The fruits of Albatross cabbage have a dense consistency, they are white in cross-section, weighing 2.3-2.6 kg. The stalk is elongated, which prevents rotting of the lower leaves even at high humidity. The yield is 8-9 kg per 1 sq. m.
Albatross cabbage has increased light requirements
Bingo
Dutch hybrid, recommended for growing in the middle zone. Valued for the evenness of the fruits, which do not crack even during periods of prolonged rain. The heads of cabbage are round, smooth, semi-closed. They are green on top and snow-white in cross section. The covering leaves are slightly bubbly. The fruit weight of Bingo cabbage is 1.5-1.7 kg.
The growing season is 168-170 days. The hybrid is distinguished by friendly yield. The fruits retain their consumer properties well for up to six months and can easily be transported.
Bingo cabbage shows high productivity on all types of soil
Quartet
A Russian hybrid of white cabbage, which was approved for cultivation in 1997. It is resistant to heat. Its growing season is 166 days. Suitable for mechanized assembly.
The heads of cabbage of the Quartet hybrid are round, weighing 1.9-2.1 kg. On the outside they are yellow-green, but when cut open they are light. The stalk is long. The yield is 5.2 kg per 1 sq. m. The hybrid is distinguished by friendly fruit production. Harvesting in the middle zone should be carried out in the second ten days of October.
Cabbage Quartet is immune to bacteriosis and fusarium
Conclusion
When choosing cabbage varieties for central Russia, it is necessary to take into account the climate of the region. This means that they must be well adapted to it and show high productivity even with sudden temperature changes.
