Cabbage Farming in Japan

Overview

• Focus on quality over quantity due to limited agricultural land.
• Use of small machinery to process farms efficiently.

Cabbage Cultivation Process

• Optimal Conditions:

  • Grows well in cold weather, particularly in four-season countries like Japan.
  • Typically planted at the end of summer and harvested in spring.

• Growth Timeline:

  • Takes 80 to 180 days from seed to harvest, depending on the cabbage variety.
  • Growth stages: Germination, Seedling, Vegetative, Flowering.

Stages of Growth

1. Germination Stage:

   • Use of a "Smith" treated area to hold cabbage seeds (128-200 seeds).
   • Seeds germinate in 3 to 4 days.
   • Requires nutrients, sunlight, humidity, and temperatures between 65°F to 70°F.

2. Preparation of Land:

   • Soil is loosened with a tractor.
   • White plastic mulch is used to prevent weeds and assist in harvesting.
   • Some farmers prefer not to use plastic mulch, leading to exposed cabbage.

3. Nursery Stage:

   • Lasts 10 days to 2 weeks.
   • Seeds are planted in prepared land.
   • Tractors help in planting seeds quickly.

4. Vegetative Stage:

   • Cabbage grows larger, develops true leaves, roots, and stems.
   • Farmers provide nutrients through liquid fertilizer and maintain the surrounding land.

5. Flowering Stage:

   • The final growth stage where cabbage matures and produces flowers.
   • Farmers harvest before flowering for vegetable use; flowering is for seed production.

Harvesting

• Methods:
  • Most farmers use tractors for efficiency, controlled by one person with assistance for manual tasks.
  • Some farmers harvest manually for exclusive markets.
• Harvesting is typically done in the morning; cabbages are packed into cardboard boxes for shipping immediately after harvesting.

Conclusion

• Cabbage farming in Japan emphasizes careful management of limited land, technological integration, and precise farming techniques to ensure high-quality produce.