Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a highly nutritious and economically significant vegetable in India. Known for its versatility in culinary applications, cabbage is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants. It is widely consumed as fresh vegetables, salads, cooked dishes, and processed products.
Cabbage is cultivated extensively in cool-season climates, thriving in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. Major cabbage-producing states in India include West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. With increasing demand for both domestic consumption and export, Indian farmers are adopting high-yielding, hybrid, and disease-resistant varieties to boost production.
This article explores more than 10 top cabbage varieties in India, their characteristics, regions of cultivation, and uses.
1. Golden Acre
Golden Acre is a popular early-maturing variety preferred by Indian farmers.
- Head Shape: Compact, round
- Head Color: Light green
- Maturity: 65–75 days
- Regions: West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- Early maturity with a good yield
- Tolerant to black rot and splitting
- Average head weight: 1.5–2 kg
- Uses: Fresh consumption and local markets
2. Pusa Drumhead
Pusa Drumhead is a widely grown variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
- Head Shape: Large, flat-round
- Head Color: Dark green
- Maturity: 90–100 days
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal
- Characteristics:
- Suitable for late cultivation
- Good resistance to black rot and pest attacks
- Average head weight: 2–3 kg
- Uses: Fresh consumption and storage
3. Copenhagen Market
Copenhagen Market is an early-maturing variety with uniform heads, ideal for quick harvests.
- Head Shape: Round and compact
- Head Color: Light green
- Maturity: 65–70 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- High market acceptance due to uniform size
- Average head weight: 1–1.5 kg
- Uses: Fresh markets and salads
4. Green Express
Green Express is a hybrid variety known for its early maturity and disease resistance.
- Head Shape: Round and compact
- Head Color: Dark green
- Maturity: 60–65 days
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal
- Characteristics:
- Early maturity with uniform heads
- Resistant to fusarium wilt and black rot
- Uses: Fresh consumption and early market sales
5. Pride of India
Pride of India is a late-maturing variety with large, high-quality heads.
- Head Shape: Large and flat-round
- Head Color: Light green
- Maturity: 90–100 days
- Regions: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- Good yield potential
- Resistant to splitting and pest attacks
- Uses: Fresh markets and storage
6. Pusa Mukta
Pusa Mukta is an improved variety developed for resistance to black rot and leaf diseases.
- Head Shape: Compact, round
- Head Color: Dark green
- Maturity: 80–90 days
- Regions: Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- High disease resistance
- Uniform head size and shape
- Uses: Fresh consumption and processing
7. Kaveri
Kaveri is a hybrid variety suitable for early and mid-season cultivation.
- Head Shape: Round
- Head Color: Dark green
- Maturity: 70–75 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Good yield potential with uniform heads
- Resistant to pest and disease attacks
- Uses: Fresh vegetables and culinary uses
8. Bahar
Bahar is a widely cultivated hybrid variety with excellent yield and uniformity.
- Head Shape: Compact and round
- Head Color: Green
- Maturity: 65–70 days
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- High resistance to splitting and black rot
- Average head weight: 1.5–2 kg
- Uses: Fresh markets and domestic consumption
9. Sri Ganesh Gol
Sri Ganesh Gol is an indigenous variety grown for its large heads and high yields.
- Head Shape: Round and compact
- Head Color: Light green
- Maturity: 80–90 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- Heat-tolerant variety
- Good yield potential under varied conditions
- Uses: Fresh consumption
10. Kashi Kanchan
Kashi Kanchan is a high-yielding variety developed by the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR).
- Head Shape: Round and uniform
- Head Color: Green
- Maturity: 70–80 days
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal
- Characteristics:
- Tolerant to diseases and pests
- Suitable for multiple growing seasons
- Uses: Fresh vegetables and local markets
11. Unnati
Unnati is an improved hybrid variety preferred for its consistent yield and disease resistance.
- Head Shape: Round and compact
- Head Color: Dark green
- Maturity: 65–75 days
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- High productivity and uniform head size
- Resistant to black rot and powdery mildew
- Uses: Fresh consumption and processing
FAQs
Q1: Which cabbage variety is best for early harvesting?
A: Golden Acre, Copenhagen Market, and Green Express are ideal for early harvesting due to their short maturity periods (65–70 days).
Q2: Which variety of cabbage has the largest head size?
A: Pusa Drumhead and Pride of India produce large, flat-round heads ideal for fresh markets.
Q3: What is the best climate for cabbage cultivation?
A: Cabbage thrives in cool and humid climates, with an optimal temperature range of 15°C to 20°C.
Q4: Which cabbage variety is disease-resistant?
A: Varieties like Pusa Mukta, Green Express, and Unnati are resistant to diseases like black rot and fusarium wilt.
Q5: Which state produces the most cabbage in India?
A: West Bengal is the leading producer of cabbage in India, followed by Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
Cabbage is a staple vegetable in Indian households and markets, with varieties like Golden Acre, Pusa Drumhead, Kaveri, and Bahar offering high yields and disease resistance. By selecting the right variety based on climate, purpose (early or late maturity), and resistance to pests and diseases, Indian farmers can maximize their productivity and profitability.
