For many years, Richard Ayo, a vegetable farmer in Janda, Zirobwe, struggled to decide which cabbage variety would give him the best returns.
With options like Blue dynasty, Victoria, and Oxylus all available on the market, Ayo had difficulty choosing the most suitable one for his land and market demands.
Like many other farmers, Ayo thought that all hybrid cabbage varieties would perform the same way. However, his experiences proved otherwise. “Sometimes I would plant a variety and the heads would not form well. Other times, the cabbages would mature when the market was not ready,” Ayo recalls.
To get better results, he consulted Henry Sekyewa, an agronomist, who guided him on the performance differences among the three hybrid varieties.
According to Sekyewa determining the best cabbage variety depends on the farmer’s goals, whether it’s size, maturity period, disease resistance, or market timing.
He says both Victoria and Oxylus are early-maturing hybrid cabbages, taking approximately 70–75 days from transplanting to harvest. This makes them suitable for farmers who want quick returns or those targeting a fast-moving market. On the other hand, the Blue dynasty takes slightly longer, about 80–85 days, but produces larger heads and often higher yields if managed well.
“If your goal is to harvest quickly and rotate your crops fast, then Victoria or Oxylus might be the better option. But if you want bigger heads for bulk sales, especially in urban markets or for export, Blue dynasty can be the better choice,” Sekyewa advises.
When it comes to size, Blue dynasty often stands out with head weights averaging 3–5 kilograms, while Victoria and Oxylus typically yield heads of 2.5–4 kilogrammes. However, Sekyewa notes that Oxylus has a strong tolerance to diseases such as black rot and Fusarium wilt, making it more resilient in areas prone to soil-borne infections.
Victoria, on the other hand, is known for its uniformity, tight heads, and sweet taste, making it a favourite in local markets and among household consumers. Farmers who focus on supplying local vendors often prefer it due to its attractive appearance and consistency.
Ayo, now better informed, has started staggering his planting with all three varieties depending on the season.
“I plant Victoria for early harvests, Oxylus when I expect a disease outbreak, and Blue Dynasty when I’m targeting high-yield seasons,” he explains.
Ultimately, the best cabbage variety depends on the specific needs of the farmer. With the right guidance and strategy, farmers like Ayo are now making better choices and earning higher profits from their cabbage gardens.
