Growing Cabbage in Kitui
Soil suitability analysis based on Kitui's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kitui is poorly suited to Cabbage. Kitui's soil (pH 7.03, near-neutral) gives Cabbage a suitability score of 38/100. Match fertilizer to Kitui's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kitui County is a challenging environment for Cabbage (soil-match score 38/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 7.03 — neutral and inside the 5–7.5 band Cabbage prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.74 g/kg, P 30.5 mg/kg, K 339 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Cabbage prefers clay loam soils, while Kitui is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Kitui receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Cabbage's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cabbage is the #65 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kitui County. Cabbage's full potential is about 15,000 kg/acre (~KES 270,000/acre at KES 18/kg), but at Kitui's 38/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,125 kg/acre (~KES 128,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kitui's soil: Mango, Sisal, and Moringa — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kitui soil | Cabbage needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.74 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 30.5 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 339 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 500 mm | 700–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 800–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kitui
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kitui's nitrogen (0.74 g/kg) is 62% of the 1.2 g/kg Cabbage needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kitui's 900 m altitude and 500 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag