Article Prepared: By Chisomo Dzimbiri

As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, winter ushers in a unique variety of vegetables that are not only hearty and delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Winter vegetables thrive in cooler climates, offering a fresh bounty that supports health and immunity during the coldest months. Seed Co, a leader in innovative agricultural solutions, offers a wide range of vegetable seed varieties specifically adapted to winter growing conditions, helping farmers to achieve nutritional and business goals.

What Are Winter Vegetables?

Winter vegetables are crops that grow well in cool weather, many of which can even withstand frost. These vegetables are typically sown in late summer or early fall and harvested throughout the winter season. Some become sweeter after a frost due to the conversion of starches into sugars, which enhances their flavor.

Common Winter Vegetables

Here are some of the most popular and nutritious vegetables available in winter:

  • Cabbage: This versatile leafy vegetable is rich in vitamins C and K. It can be used in soups, stews.
  • Carrots: Known for their high beta-carotene content, carrots become sweeter in colder temperatures.
  • Beets: A vibrant source of iron, folate, and fiber. Beets can be eaten raw, roasted, or pickled.
  • Kale: A leafy green that thrives in cold weather and is full of vitamins A, C, and K.
  • Cauliflower and Broccoli: Both are part of the cruciferous family, full of cancer-fighting compounds.

At Seed Co we have many Vegetable Varieties that grows well in winter season. Below is the list

Fig 1.1:        Crops that can be grown in winter season

Crop                                            Varieties  
OPVHybrid
CabbageDrum headMajesty F1, Marcanta F1
TomatoTengeru 97,Oasis F1, Candela F1, Alambra F1, Daisy F1, Akela F1, Amul F1, HTX14 F1
OnionRed Creole, Texas GranoNeptune F1, Elad F1
MustardBroad leaf, Tsunga 
Chinese cabbageMachihilli 
RapeRampart, 
KaleChomoulier 
LettuceGreat lakesSaula, Iceberge
BroccoliCalibrieseCigno F1
Cauliflower Nevada F1
Beet root  
Swiss ChardSpinach 
CarrotKuroda and Nantes 
Indigenous vegetablesAmaranthus 
Maize MH43A

GENERAL AGRONOMY

CropSeeds/kg =Seeds/g =Seeds/haSowing Depth (cm)In-row spacing (cm)Row spacing (cm)Yield (t/ha)Days to maturity
Rape250,000250-300200g0.5-0.525-5045-6015-2030
Cabbage300,000190-300100g0.5-1.540-7060-90130-15090-120
Onion290,000250-3804Kg1.55-1010-2040-7090-210
Lettuce850,000600-1200150g0.620-3030-6025-3075
Broccoli275,000315200g1-1.525-5045-608-1580
Cauliflower300,000250-350100g0.5-1.540-7060-9020-2580
Carrot950,000400-12002kg1-1.53-820-3030-50120
Swisschard150,0001505kg3cm7-1530-452045
Mustard        
Tomato350,000250-380100g0.630-40100-15090-13080-120
MH43A (Orange Maize)2000-400025Kg3-525755-7115-120

Note:

The following crops should not be grown in winter in high altitude areas but rather in Autumn or Summer

  • Watermelon
  • Peppers
  • Squash
  • Cucumbers
  • Okra

WHY SHOULD YOU GROW VEGETABLES IN THE DIMBAS?

  • High Return per Mk invested; like tomato can reward you 4 times as you invested
  • Quick return per Mk invested; leafy vegetables are ready for harvesting within 21-30 days
  • Support enterprises for the main activity; will give cash for inputs for main crops like maize
  • Nutritional Value; source of vitamins and salts