Typical yield
12.0 t/ha
Varieties
1
Pest/Disease
4
Seasons
1
Profile
- Growth habit
- biennial
- Lifecycle (days)
- 60–120
- Primary uses
- Leafy vegetable
- Pollination
- wind
- Origin / distribution
- Temperate; widely grown in East African highlands
Environment
Climate
Temp optimal
12–22 °C
Rain optimal
500–800 mm/yr
Altitude
0–2600 m
Soil
pH optimal
6.2–7
Soil type
Fertile loam; well-drained
Farmer Guide
Row spacing
40 cm
Plant spacing
30 cm
Depth
1.5 cm
Seed rate
8 kg/ha
Nursery days
Planting: Direct seed in fine, firm seedbed or transplant sturdy plugs; thin for uniform plants.
Transplanting: Transplant at 3–4 true leaves if using plugs; avoid root damage.
Irrigation: Maintain consistent moisture; shallow frequent irrigation in light soils.
Fertigation: Split light N through early-mid growth; avoid excess late N to limit nitrate buildup.
Pest scouting: Scout for leaf miners and aphids; remove affected leaves; rotate fields.
Pruning/Training: Not required.
Harvest: Harvest outer leaves regularly; avoid damaging growing point.
Postharvest: Hydro-cool or shade-cool; bundle loosely; store cool and humid; highly perishable at ambient.
Nutrient Schedule
| # | Stage | DAP | Product | Rate | Targets (kg/ha) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basal | 0 | NPK 17-17-17 | 80 kg/ha | N: —, P₂O₅: —, K₂O: — | Band or broadcast and incorporate lightly |
| 2 | Topdress | 30 | CAN 26% N | 80 kg/ha | N: —, P₂O₅: —, K₂O: — | Irrigate after application |
Nutrient Requirements
| Nutrient | Stage | Amount | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| N | Basal | 40 | kg/ha |
| P₂O₅ | Basal | 30 | kg/ha |
| K₂O | Basal | 40 | kg/ha |
| N | Topdress | 30 | kg/ha |
| P₂O₅ | Topdress | 0 | kg/ha |
| K₂O | Topdress | 20 | kg/ha |
Images
| Name | Country | Maturity | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fordhook Giant | KE | 70 | Large leaves; vigorous regrowth |
| Stage | Product | Rate (kg/ha) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basal | NPK 17-17-17 | 80 | |
| Topdress | CAN 26% N | 80 | Split if soils are light |
| Name | Type | Symptoms | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf miner | pest | Winding mines in leaves | Remove mined leaves; monitor; IPM controls |
| Aphids | pest | Leaf curling; honeydew | Conserve predators; control ants; soft insecticides if needed |
| Leaf spots | disease | Spots on leaves reducing area | Rotation; protectants as needed; sanitation |
| Downy mildew | disease | Yellowing with downy growth | Airflow; resistant types; timely fungicide |
| System | Typical | Min | Max | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| open-field | 12 | 8 | 20 |
| Country | Region | Planting | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| KE | Highlands | Feb–Apr | Apr–Aug |
| Country | Region | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| KE | Highlands | High |
| TZ | Northern highlands | High |
| UG | Lake Victoria basin | High |