Evaluation of Varieties and Planting Dates of Cabbage at Isabela, Puerto Rico

Abstract

A series of 12 tests planted at monthly intervals with cabbage hybrids Head Start, King Cole, Market Prize and Market Topper, and the open-pollinated varieties Surehead, Marion Market and Stein's Early Flat Dutch were conducted to evaluate their performance and seasonal effects on yield and quality. Hybrids Head Start and King Cole were the best producers with average marketable yields of 14.83 and 14.56 tons/acre, respectively, for the year. The best distribution of yield throughout the year was produced by hybrid Head Start which produced over 13 tons/acre of marketable cabbage in 10 out of the 12 trials. The average highest yields from all the varieties were obtained from January and May plantings. All the varieties produced good quality cabbage based on firmness and average head weight. According to the average number of days that elapsed from transplanting to harvest, the varieties were classified as early, intermediate and late.