Why does white cabbage crack?

Gardeners make a lot of effort to grow a rich and high-quality cabbage harvest. However, sometimes they encounter the fact that the upper part of the head of cabbage severely cracks down to the very core. Possible reasons for this are improper care and unsuitable weather conditions. It is important to find out why this happens and to minimize the spoilage of vegetables, as they become unsuitable for storage for the winter.

Why does white cabbage crack and what to do about it?

While the cabbage is growing and forming, cracking does not occur, but as soon as the head of cabbage has formed, it begins to deform.

Why do cabbage forks crack on the vine?

There are many reasons why cabbage heads on the vine may crack. Most often they are associated with the following factors:

1. Irregular watering. Cabbage is a moisture-loving plant that requires even moisture. Constantly changing irrigation regimes become the main reason for the deformation of vegetables. With abundant watering of dry beds, the growth of forks resumes, but at a faster rate. Since the crop grows from the inside (the inner leaves form faster than the outer ones), the outside of the cabbage heads cannot withstand and crack in the garden.
2. Change from dry to rainy weather. Prolonged rainy weather after a long period of drought also leads to cracking.
3. Sudden changes in temperature air. This usually happens in late August or early September, when the summer heat gives way to autumn coolness.If the air cools to +15...+18°C, leaf growth slows down. As the weather warms, cabbage heads begin to grow again and burst.
4. Late harvest. This applies to early varieties, when the above-ground part has formed, and the root system continues to supply moisture upward. As a result, overripe vegetables burst. The harvest time is chosen depending on the variety, since the ripening time of cabbage is different.
5. Planting seedlings in lowlands. This is a common mistake that leads not only to cracking of the leaves, but also to the death of the roots.
6. Varietal features. Plants intended for pickling, are more responsive to temperature changes. In this case, it is important not to be late with cutting the heads of cabbage. Harvest time is indicated by a change in the color of the outer leaves.

Heads of cabbage are considered the most resistant to cracking varieties and hybrids Marathon, Albatross, Kolobok.

If, in addition to cracking, the leaves become limp and a gray tint appears on the edges, it means, the plant is infected with vascular bacteriosis, clubroot or fusarium wilt. The development of these diseases is caused by hot and dry periods.

Deformation of late varieties in August

Late cabbage varieties are more resistant to changes in humidity and temperature. Their large and dense heads of cabbage can be stored for up to 8 months.

In August there is enough moisture in the soil to ripen the crop, even if there is no rain. However, if you continue to water the beds as before, deformation of the forks is inevitable. Therefore, it is better to stop watering 2-3 weeks before harvesting.

Reference. To prevent the soil from drying out, the heads of cabbage are covered with torn leaves.

Experienced gardeners recommend carrying out the last fertilizing no later than 3 months before harvest, otherwise the cabbage will begin to accumulate nitrates and crack.

How to Prevent Cracked Cabbage Heads

Knowing the peculiarities of growing the crop will help to avoid the appearance of cracks on the heads of cabbage. Unfavorable weather (extreme heat, sudden temperature fluctuations, prolonged rains) affects the growth and ripening of vegetables and can even ruin the long-awaited harvest.

Therefore, it is important to learn how to quickly react to the current situation and take measures, to protect plantings from the influence of external factors:

1. Organize drip irrigation. The bushes will be constantly supplied with water in the optimal amount, and when weather conditions change, the bushes will not crack. If it is not possible to arrange such irrigation, it is important not to pour water under the root or use a watering can. When sprinkling, moisture will be absorbed evenly into the above-ground part of the plant and into the root system.
2. During sudden temperature changes cover the beds with non-woven material. This will protect the upper leaves from drying out and yellowing of the tops.
3. After the drought or a long period of time between waterings, add water little by little, but in several doses, so as not to provoke active growth of the head of cabbage and its cracking.
4. During periods of heavy rain limit the access of moisture to the roots. To do this, take a shovel and cut the root system. You can lift the head of cabbage off the ground, rotate it around its axis, or tilt it to the side several times. Such actions damage some of the roots that absorb moisture.
5. Each variety of cabbage collect on time. Early ripening plants are harvested when the structure of the heads of cabbage is still loose. It is important not to overexpose them in the garden, otherwise cracks will appear.Late-ripening large and dense vegetables are harvested no later than 15 days after ripening.

What to do with cracked cabbage

They try to cut off cracked heads of cabbage as quickly as possible so that slugs and other pests did not have time to crawl into the voids. This cut cabbage is not suitable for storage, so it is used immediately: preserve, fermented, dried or frozen. Either option allows you to preserve the product for a long time.

Dry the leaves in an oven or dehydrator. Store in paper bags or glass containers.

For freezing, the heads of cabbage are washed, cut and leave to dry at room temperature. Then they are put into bags and sent to the freezer.

Processing allows you to preserve cabbage much longer, since the shelf life of cracked heads of cabbage is very low.

Conclusion

Following the rules of care will help avoid cracks in the cabbage. The correct watering regime, timely application of fertilizing and other agricultural practices will help to obtain a high-quality harvest. Adverse weather conditions can destroy vegetables, so it is important to quickly respond to these factors to protect your crops.