Vegetable production

in a nutshell

Compiled by
L. Allemann and B.W. Young
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture

Vegetable production
in a nutshell

Compiled by
L. Allemann and B.W. Young
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture

2008
2005 Third print
2002 Second print
1998 First print
Compiled by

Directorate Agriculture Information Service, Department of Agriculture

in cooperation with KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and

Environmental Affairs
Printed and published by

Department of Agriculture
Obtainable from

Resource Centre, Directorate Agricultural Information Services

Private Bag X144, Pretoria 0001, South Africa

or on the web at: www.nda.agric.za/publications

Information provided by
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs
Private Bag X9059
Pietermaritzburg
3200

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Fertilisation
Ideally, fertiliser recommendations should be based on the
results of recent soil analysis done on representative soil
samples.
Where vegetable crops are to be grown for the first time, or
only sporadically, or on virgin soil, the importance of submitting
representative soil samples for analysis and recommendations,
has to be emphasised. Analysing the soil before planting each
crop, or at least annually, is recommended. Obvious or serious
nutrient deficiencies or imbalances may then be corrected
before planting, and any lime required could be applied.
Where vegetables have been grown intensively for some time
with heavy fertiliser dressings, the soil nutrient status is likely
to be more satisfactory. While annual soil analysis would still
be beneficial, submitting soil samples for analysis every 2 or 3
years may be adequate. The objectives of such analyses are to
correct imbalances of the major nutrients and to economise on
fertiliser costs by applying only what is required for the following
crop.
Notwithstanding the above, many crops are grown without the
soil being analysed. A general fertiliser recommendation is then
necessary.
In the high rainfall areas, the soils tend to be inherently infertile
and more acid. Liming should be considered in these areas.
Because of leaching or non-availability of fixed elements,
fertiliser requirements are also likely to be high, unless intensive
cropping with adequate fertilisation has been practised for
some time.

Vegetable production in a nutshell

In drier areas, lime and potassium are less likely to be needed
in large quantities, if at all, but phosphorus will probably
be deficient in virgin soils. Where this inherent phosphorus
deficiency has been corrected by high phosphate dressings, the
fertiliser requirements are expected to be relatively low.
Taking the above factors into account, an attempt has been
made to give general fertiliser recommendations which cover
the expected nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium requirements
of the crops dealt with in the following pages.
One recommendation is made for the situation where soil
fertility is likely to be highfor example, a history of intensive
cropping with good fertiliser practicesand the other where
the soil fertility is expected to be inadequate. Obviously, on
very poor soils, crop results would be improved by even higher
fertiliser application rates.

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Beetroot
Climate
Cool-season crop, but growth is slow under cold conditions and
plants tend to bolt in spring. Optimum temperatures for growth
are 15 to 18 C. Growth is poor at temperatures below 5 C or
above 24 C

Soil
Sandy to loamy soils are best. Soils should not be acid. Fairly
tolerant to brack or saline conditions

Cultivars
Detroit Dark Red, Crimson Globe, Early Wonder

Growth period
Two to 3 months under warmer conditions. About 4 months
when cooler

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

AugFeb
JulDec, FebApr
AprSept

AugApr
All year round
FebOct

Spacing
Plant seeds 20 to 40 mm apart, later thinned to 50 to 70 mm, in
rows 200 to 300 mm apart

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Population
60 to 80 plants/m2

Seeding rate
About 10 kg/ha

Planting
Direct drilled. Thinnings are sometimes transplanted to fill gaps

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)
LAN

At planting
At 4 and 8 weeks

400
100 + 100

800
50 + 50

Pests
Nematodes, cutworm

Diseases
Mainly Cercospora leaf spot

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative: 14
Average:
18
Good:
25

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Brinjal (eggplant)
Climate
Warm-season crop, very sensitive to frost and cold. Optimum
mean temperatures are 21 to 29 C. Flowers may be shed at
temperatures above 35 C. Temperatures below 18 C may be
harmful

Soil
Well-drained loamy soils with high organic matter and at least
400 mm deep are ideal, but the crop is fairly adaptable. pH (KCl)
of 5,5 to 6,5

Cultivars
Black King, Black Beauty, Florida Market, Long Purple, Imperial
and Little Fingers

Growth period
Cropping may start 65 to 90 days after transplanting under
favourable warm conditions. Harvesting may extend for many
months, but the bulk of the crop matures over 2 or 3 months

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

SeptOct
AugOct
AugSept, JanApr

SeptDec
JulyJan
JanSept

Spacing
400 to 500 mm x 700 to 1 500 mm, often planted in tram-lines

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Population
20 000 to 30 000 plants/ha

Seeding rate
140 to 200 g for seedlings, 500 g for seedbeds and 2,0 kg for
direct sowing

Planting
Usually transplanted

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)

At planting

400

800

LAN

At 6 weeks (or split,

4 and 8 weeks)

250

150

Pests
Red spider mite, cutworm, American bollworm, nematodes (tipwilters, aphids and leaf-eating beetles)

Diseases
Bacterial wilt, Cercospora or Alternaria leaf spot, botrytis rot

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

10 to 15
20
25

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Cabbage
Climate
Frost hardy. Cool, moist conditions are ideal. Optimum
temperatures for growth are 15 to 18 C, with monthly means
between 5 and 24 C. Can withstand temperatures as low as
3 C. Great variation in tolerance to temperature extremes
between cultivars

Soil
Deep, well-drained, moisture-retentive loamy soils are preferred.
Lighter soils are less satisfactory than heavier ones (fertility and
moisture requirements are high). Effective rooting depth is 600 mm.
Optimum pH 5,3 to 5,8. Acid saturation preferably less than 2

Cultivars
Heat tolerant: Green Star, Hercules, Star 3001 and others
Cold tolerant: Conquistador, Green Coronet and many others

Growth period
Varies, usually 90 to 130 days from transplanting

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

DecFeb, SeptOct
JanMar, AugSept
FebApr, JulAug

AugFeb
All year round
FebAug

Spacing
350 to 500 mm x 500 to 700 mm

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Population
40 000 to 45 000 plants/ha

Seeding rate
120 to 200 g for seed trays, 300 g for seedbeds and 500 to 2
000 g for direct seeding

Planting
Usually transplanted

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)

At planting

500

1 000

LAN

At 6 weeks (or split,

3 and 6 weeks)

600

480

Pests
American bollworm, aphids, diamond-back moth, cabbage
webworm

Diseases
Blackleg, black rot, downy mildew, cubroot, soft rot, Sclerotinia rot

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

30
50 to 60
80+

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Carrot
Climate
Cool-season crop which can withstand moderate frost and is
fairly adaptable to high temperatures of 30 C and higher. Liable
to bolt to seed in spring if subjected to prolonged exposure to
temperatures below 5 C. Optimum temperatures for growth are
15 to 18 C with monthly means between 7 and 24 C

Soil
Deep, loose, well-drained, sandy to loamy soils, not subject to
capping. Heavy soils, more than 35 % clay, are less suitable.
Depth 600 mm, although 400 mm is acceptable, particularly
if planted on ridges. Optimum pH 5,0 to 6,0. Free of root-knot
nematodes

Cultivars
Cape Market, Fancy, Ideal Red, Kuroda and others

Growth period
Usually 90 to 120 days

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm

JanMar, SeptNov
FebMay, AugOct

SeptMar
JanNov

Hot

MarAug

FebSept

Spacing
20 to 50 mm x 200 to 400 mm

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Population
80 to 150 plants/m2

Seeding rate
2 to 4 kg/ha

Planting
Direct drilled, possibly thinned

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)

At planting

500

1 000

LAN

At 6 weeks

150

50

Pests
Nematodes, American bollworm, plusia looper, aphids,
cutworm, wireworm

Diseases
Leaf spot, soft rot, Sclerotinia rot

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

10

20
30
40+

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Chilli (hot pepper)

Climate
Warm-season crop damaged by cold. Optimum mean
temperatures are 20 to 30 C

Soil
Fairly adaptable. Loamy soils, well-drained to at least
400 mm, are ideal

Cultivars
Long Red Cayenne, Long Slim Cayenne, Thai Chilli, Serrano,
Spitfire, Super Chilli, Skyline

Growth period
The first green fruits may be picked about 70 days after
transplanting. Harvesting may continue for several months, but
the bulk matures over 2 or 3 months

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

SeptOct
AugOct
JulOct, JanFeb

SeptDec
AugFeb
JulyMar

Spacing
300 to 500 mm x 500 to 750 mm

11

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Population
30 000 to 45 000 plants/ha

Seeding rate
150 to 200 g for seed trays; 200 to 300 g for seedbeds

Planting
Transplanted

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)

At planting

400

800

LAN

At 6 weeks (or split,

4 and 8 weeks)

250

150

Pests
Mainly nematodes and red spider mite. Also American bollworm,
cutworm, aphids, beetles, thrips

Diseases
Virus and bacterial wilt. Also other wilt diseases, powdery mildew
and various fruit spots

Yield (t/ha)
Green
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

12

5 to 7
10
15

Dry
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

1,5
3
5

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Trailing cucurbits (butternuts,

gems, hubbards, pumpkins)
Climate
Warm-season crops, very sensitive to frost and low temperatures.
Optimum temperatures for growth are 18 to 30 C, with monthly
means between 10 and 32 C. At very high temperatures
(above 35 C) male flowers sometimes predominate, resulting
in fewer fruit for that period

Soil
Well-drained loamy soils. Ideally deeper than 1 000 mm, but
450 mm is acceptable. Optimum pH 6,0 to 7,0

Growth period
Gems
Butternuts
Hubbards
Pumpkins

85 to 95 days
90 to 100 days
100 to 115 days
120 to 130 days

Storing
One to 3 months when mature

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

Oct
SeptNov
AugDec

SeptDec
AugJan
JulMar

Late plantings may be infected with virus, through insect vectors,

at early growth stage, and crop will be affected adversely

13

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Spacing
Gems and butternuts: 300 to 500 mm x 1 200 to 1 800 mm
Hubbards and pumpkins: 500 x 2 000 to 2 700 mm

Seeding rate
Gems and butternuts: 2 to 3 kg
Hubbards and pumpkins: 4 to 6 kg

Planting
Direct seeded; usually 2 to 3 seeds per site, thinned to 1 plant.
Occasionally grown in seed trays

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Ferliliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)

At planting

400

800

LAN

At 6 weeks

250

150

Pests
American bollworm, pumpkin fly, ladybird, aphids, nematodes

Diseases
Powdery mildew, leaf spot, fruit rot, mosaic

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

14

12 to 15
17 to 20
25+

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Green bean (bush type)

Climate
Warm-season crop, susceptible to cold and light frost. Optimum
temperatures for growth are 15 to 21C, with monthly means
between 10 and 27 C. Temperatures below 12C or above
3C affect fruit set and quality. Cultivars differ slightly

Soil
Well-drained sandy to loamy soils, not subject to capping
(crusting). Depth 400 mm. Optimum pH 5,3 to 6,0. Very
sensitive to brack conditions. Soil must be free of root-knot
nematodes

Cultivars
Contender, Espada, Provider, Wintergreen (latter tolerates
cooler conditions)

Growth period
Usually 50 to 60 days to first pick. Pick over 10 to 15 days

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

OctNov, Jan
SeptOct, JanFeb
MarAug

SeptFeb
AugMar
FebSept

Spacing
40 to 70 mm x 450 to 600 mm

15

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Seeding rate
60 to 100 kg

Planting
Direct drilled

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)

At planting

250

500

LAN

At 3 weeks

250

200

Pests
Nematodes, American bollworm, aphids, CMR and chafer
beetles, plusia looper, red spider mite, bean flies, snails

Diseases
Rust, common and halo blights, Sclerotinia rot, root rot

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

16

5
7 to 8
11+

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Green pea
Climate
Cool-season crop. Plants can withstand moderate frost, but
flowers and young pods are sensitive. Optimum monthly mean
temperatures are 15 to 18 C. Growth ceases below 5C.
Prolonged moist spells favour foliage diseases

Soil
Cool, well-drained, medium to heavy loams are preferred, but
will grow successfully on a wide range of soil types

Cultivars
Garden peas: Cape Freezer, Dark Skinned Perfection, Green
feast, Kelvedon Wonder and Onward
Edible podded peas: Oregon Sugar Pod II is grown for its edible
pods, picked before the seeds swell. Sugar Daddy is grown for
its edible pods, picked after the seeds have swollen

Growth period
Growing period is mainly determined by prevailing temperatures.
Generally 100 to 120 days, picked at about 3 weeks

Sowing time
In most areas from May to June
In areas which experience late frost or where summers are
cool, plant in July
In cool frost-free areas plantings may start in March

17

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Spacing
For the fresh market, plant seeds 20 to 40 mm deep, and about
50 mm apart, in rows 600 mm apart. Planting in twin rows,
spaced 200 mm apart, instead of single rows, is recommended

Seeding rate
50 to 100 kg/ha

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)
LAN

At planting
At 4 weeks

250
75

500
25

Irrigation
Critical times for irrigation are at very early flowering stage and
again at pod swell. Avoid any drought stress from flowering
onwards

Pests
Various caterpillars are the major pests

Diseases
Ascochyta leaf, stem and pod rot under moist conditions, downy
mildew, mainly on young plants, powdery mildew, mainly on
bearing plants

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

18

3
5 to 6
8+

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Lettuce
Climate
Cool-season crop. Optimum temperatures for growth are
15 to 18 C, with monthly means between 7 and 24 C. Can
withstand only light frost, especially at heading stage, when
lettuce is also susceptible to sun-scald. Hot, moist conditions
favour head rots. Temperatures above about 30 C tend to
induce seeding. Cultivars differ greatly in tolerance to high
temperatures

Soil
Well-drained soils, from light sandy to heavy clay. Depth ideally
600 mm, but 400 mm is acceptable. Optimum pH 5,0 to 6,0

Cultivars
Commander, Summer Gold, Emperor (tolerates higher
temperatures), Victory, Greenway, Frosty, Winter Crisp, and
many more

Growth period
Usually 55 to 90 days from transplant

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

JanFeb, SeptOct
FebApr, JulSept
AprMay

AugMar
JanOct
MarJul

Spacing
300 to 400 mm x 400 to 600 mm

19

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Population
60 000 to 80 000 plants/ha

Seeding rate
300 to 500 g for seed trays, 500 g for seedbeds and 1 500 to 3
000 g for direct sowing

Planting
Usually transplanted, sometimes direct seeded and then
thinned

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser Application time

Fertile soil Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)

At planting

500

1 000

LAN

At 4 weeks

250

150

Pests
American bollworm, nematodes, snails, cutworm, aphids

Diseases
Downy mildew, leaf spot, soft rot, mosaic, spotted wilt

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

20

12 to 15
20 to 25
30+

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Madumbie
Climate
Tropical, subtropical and temperate areas with long frost-free
periods. Optimum temperature range for growth is 21 to 27 C.
High humidity preferred, with well-distributed summer rainfall of
1 000 mm and more, or supplemental irrigation

Soil
Fertile sandy to loamy soils, often planted along stream banks,
but is tolerant of upland conditions. High organic content
preferred, soil pH 5,5 to 6,5

Cultivar
No selections available in South Africa. Most growers store
some of their crop for replanting

Seed quality
No seed corm industry presently exists

Growth period
Matures in 200 to 270 days from planting

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

SeptOct
Sept
JulSept

SeptNov
AugNov
JulOct

Spacing
900 mm rows, 300 to 450 mm within rows, depending on
expected growth vigour

21

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Population
25 000 to 37 000 plants/ha

Seeding rate
Sprouted corms or cormels, mass of 25 to 75 g, total 1,5 t/ha

Planting
Plant in furrows to give 50 to 80 mm soil depth after covering.
If water-table is high (stream banks), plant on ridges to make
harvesting easier. Plant August to October

Special practices
Slightly ridge plants after topdressing

Fertiliser
If no soil analysis: broadcast lime before final soil preparation.
At planting apply 1100 kg 2:3:2(22)/ha in the row, topdress about
14 weeks later with 175 kg 1:0:1(36)/ha

Pests
Usually few obvious insect problems. Aphids, thrips and root-knot
nematodes can be troublesome, as can red spider mite under dry
conditions

Diseases
Leaf spots, soft rot, Sclerotium tuber rot. Dasheen mosaic virus is
likely to be present

Yield (t/ha)
Average: 5 and 10
Good:
15+

22

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Onion
Climate
Frost tolerant. Cool conditions during vegetative growth and
hot, dry conditions nearing maturity, in early summer. Optimum
temperatures for growth are 12 to 24 C, with monthly means
between 7 and 29 C. Rainy spells in late spring and early summer
reduce quality, especially keeping quality. Bulb formation is
influenced by day lengthgrow short-day cultivars only

Soil
Sandy to clayey soils suitable. Depth 600 mm if direct drilled or
450 mm for transplants. Optimum pH 5,0 to 6,0

Cultivars
Granex types, Hojem, Pyramid, Texas Grano

Growth period
180 to 230 days from sowing

Sowing time
Ideal time

Possible time

FebMar

JanApr

Early sowings tend to produce larger bulbs, but more bolters

and split bulbs. Mid-February to mid-March plantings are
advised for all areas
Transplant in May (AprJun)

Spacing
50 to 80 mm x 200 to 400 mm

23

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Seeding rate
2 to 2,5 kg for seed trays, 3 to 5 kg for seedbeds, 6 to 8 kg for
direct drilling

Planting
Usually transplanted

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)

At planting

500

1 000

LAN

At 6 to 8 weeks
(or split, 4 and
8 weeks)
300
200

Pests
Thrips

Diseases
Downy mildew, purple blotch, leaf mould, black mould, soft rot,
bulb rot

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

15 to 20
25 to 30
40+

Note: Production is best under irrigation in areas where

conditions are hot and dry during August to November

24

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Potato
Climate
Sensitive to frost. Optimum temperatures for growth 15 to 18C,
with monthly means between 7 and 24C

Soil
Well drained, well aerated and moisture retentive, with high
fertility. Sandy loam to loamy soils are preferred; high clay
content causes harvesting problems. Tolerates acid soil, pH 4,3
to 6,1. High pH promotes scab disease. Rooting depth 500 mm

Cultivars
BP1, Up-to-Date, Vanderplank, Buffelspoort, Astrid, Hovelder,
Mnandi

Seed quality
Certified seed potatoes

Growth period
105 to 150 days

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

AugOct, Jan
JulSept, Feb
MarJun

JulFeb
JunMar
FebSept

Spacing
200 to 450 mm x 700 to 1 000 mm, depending on seed size and
equipment

25

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Population
130 000 to 150 000 stems/ha for table potatoes; 160 000 stems/
ha for seed potatoes

Seeding rate
100 to 120 x 30 kg pockets/ha

Planting
Direct

Special practices
Ridging when tuber initiation commences

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)
LAN

At planting
At 6 to 8 weeks

600
500

1 200
350

Pests
Nematodes, aphids, tuber moth, millipedes, cutworm,
wireworm, black maize beetle

Diseases
Early blight, late blight, leaf roll, mosaic, common scab,
bacterial wilt, soft rot, Fusarium wilt, dry rot, black dot, silver
scurf, black scurf

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

26

16
28
45

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Sweet pepper
Climate
Sensitive to frost or cold. Optimum mean temperatures are 20
to 27C. Temperatures above 32C may cause shedding of
flowers. Growth becomes progressively poorer at temperatures
below 15C. Sunscald can be a problem. Prolonged cloudy
weather is harmful

Soil
Fairly adaptable, provided drainage is good up to a depth of
400mm. Humus-rich loams are preferred

Cultivars
California Wonder, Jupiter, Pip, Florida Resistant Giant,
Keystone Resistant

Growth period
First fruits attain full size (green) within 70 to 80 days after
transplanting. May take 3 to 5 weeks extra to reach mature
colour (red or yellow). Harvesting may extend for several
months, but is generally discontinued after about 2 months
when the bulk of the crop has been picked

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

SeptOct
AugOct
JulSept, Feb

SeptNov
AugJan
JulMar

Spacing
400 to 500 mm x 500 to 1 000 mm, usually in tram-lines

27

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Population
25 000 to 45 000 plants/ha

Seeding rate
150 to 200 g for seed trays; 200 to 300 g for seedbeds

Planting
Transplanted

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)

At planting

400

800

LAN

At 4 to 8 weeks

225 + 225

175 + 175

Pests
Mainly nematodes and red spider mite. Also American bollworm,
cutworm, aphids, beetles, thrips

Diseases
Virus and bacterial wilt. Bacterial spot, powdery mildew, other
wilts and soft rot may occur

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

28

15
25
40+

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Sweet potato
Climate
Very sensitive to frost and cold. Requires hot days and warm
nights for optimum growth, with mean monthly temperatures of
21 to 29 C

Soil
Sandy to loamy soils are preferred. Good drainage to at least
500 mm is essential. Heavy soils produce misshapen roots and
favour root rots

Cultivars
Blesbok, Bosbok, Impala, Brondal, Koedoe, Mafutha and Ribbok

Growth period
Usually 4 to 5 months. May be harvested earlier, when tubers
have attained a satisfactory size, but yields will be reduced.
Where soil temperatures remain above 0C and top growth
stays green, the crop may be left in DRY soil, and harvested as
required

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

Nov
NovDec
JanMar, AugOct

OctNov
OctFeb
AugMar

Spacing
Usually 300 mm apart in rows about 1 000 mm apart

29

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Planting material
300 to 400 mm long, healthy vine cuttings. Use virus-tested
material

Population
30 000 to 35 000 plants/ha

Planting
Best on ridges, 300 to 400 mm high. The lower half of the
cuttings should be covered by soil

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)
LAN

At planting
At 6 weeks

400
250

800
150

Irrigation
Survive dry conditions when well established, but irrigation
necessary for good yields

Pests
Nematodes are a major problem. Weevils, hawk moth larvae,
leafminers, red spider mite and soil insects can cause damage

Diseases
Virus degeneration is the main problem. Post-harvest tuber rots
of uncured tubers can cause great losses

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

30

15 to 20
30
40+

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Swiss chard (often called spinach)

Climate
Cool-season crop. Does best at temperatures between 7 and
24C. Can withstand light frost. Under high temperatures leaves
remain small and inferior. Foliage often affected by leaf spots in late
summer. Tends to run to seed in spring if subjected to winter cold

Soil
Highly adaptable, provided soils are well drained to about
500mm

Cultivars
Fordhook Giant, Lucullus

Growing period
First harvest may take place within 2 months. Harvesting can
extend for several months, but should last for 2 to 3 months

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

AugNov, Feb
JulNov, FebMar
MarAug

AugMar
JulApr
FebOct

Spacing
200 to 300 mm x 450 to 600 mm

31

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Population
60 000 to 80 000 plants/ha

Seeding rate
7 to 9 kg/ha for direct seeding

Planting
Generally direct seeding and later thinned to stand. Transplant
easily, but cropping is delayed. Thinnings often used for
transplanting

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)
LAN

At planting
At 4 and 8 weeks

500
225 + 225

1 000
175 + 175

Pests
Nematodes, cutworm, American bollworm, loopers and aphids

Diseases
Fungal foliar diseases, especially Cercospora leaf spot

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

32

10
20
30

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Table tomato
Climate
Very sensitive to frost. Optimum temperatures for growth
are 20 to 25C, with monthly means between 18 and 27C.
Temperatures below 12C and above 35C affect fruit set and
fruit quality detrimentally, as do prolonged cloudy conditions.
Cultivars differ slightly

Soil
Ideally soils should be well drained to a depth of at least
1 200 mm, although 600 mm depth is acceptable. Tomatoes
are fairly adaptable to texture, with 15 to 35% clay being ideal.
Moderately tolerant to soil acidity; ideal pH 5,0 to 6,0. Soil
should be free of root-knot nematodes

Cultivars
Floradade, Karino, Rodade, Star 9001, Zeal, Zest

Growth period
Usually about 90 days to first pick, with a picking season of
about 80 days

Sowing time
Area

Ideal time

Possible time

Cool
Warm
Hot

Oct
SeptNov
FebJul

SeptNov
AugDec
JanJul

Spacing
300 to 500 mm x 1 500 to 2 500 mm

33

Vegetable production in a nutshell

Population
12 000 to 16 000 plants/ha

Seeding rate
100 to 200 g for seed trays; 200 to 300 g for seedbeds; and 500
to 750 g/ha for direct seeding

Planting
Normally transplanted

Fertiliser (kg/ha)
Fertiliser

Application time

Fertile soil

Infertile soil

2:3:4(30)
LAN
KNO

At planting
At 3 and 6 weeks
At 6, 9 and 12 weeks

500
250 + 250
100 + 100 + 100

1 000
200 + 200
100 + 100 + 100

Ideally, the 2:3:4(30) fertiliser should be replaced with chlorinefree fertilisers

Pests
Nematodes, American bollworm, American leafminer, aphids,
red spider mite, plusia looper, mites

Diseases
Early blight, late blight, grey mould, leaf mould, powdery
mildew, fruit rot, soft rot, bacterial canker, bacterial spot,
bacterial speck, bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose,
Septoria leaf spot, mosaic, spotted wilt

Yield (t/ha)
Conservative:
Average:
Good:

34

30
40 to 50
80+