Cabbage Gift: variety description, photo, characteristics, reviews, advantages and disadvantages, cultivation features

Cabbage Gift description of the variety, photos, reviews, characteristics, productivity of which are presented in this article, was bred and entered into the state register back in 1961. The cabbage variety Podarok is still very popular among gardeners and farmers in Russia. Cabbage has excellent taste and presentation. The variety is unpretentious in care, is not afraid of spring frosts and is not susceptible to cruciferous diseases.

This cabbage variety grows well in Siberia and the Urals. It is grown in all regions of Russia. Podarok cabbage is ideal for pickling, revealing all its flavor in this form. In addition, the heads of cabbage are well stored and can be transported over long distances without changing their presentation and taste.

Description and characteristics of the variety

The Podarok cabbage variety was bred for commercial production. However, thanks to its many positive qualities, gardeners began to grow it in their garden plots.

• Suitable for cultivation throughout Russia.
• Mid-late term. The first forks of cabbage can be collected from the plot 125-130 days after the shoots appear.
• When grown by seedlings, the heads of cabbage are harvested in late August or early September. Maturity is checked by the size of the fork. If it is dense to the touch and has reached the appropriate weight, then it is already ripe.
• The rosette can reach 100 cm in diameter. The leaves are slightly raised, greenish-gray in color with corrugated edges. The upper and rosette leaves have a waxy coating.
• Plants are planted according to a 60x60 cm pattern.
• It gives a stable harvest; about 9 kg of cabbage is harvested from each square meter.
• About 99% of the heads of cabbage are of commercial quality.
• Not susceptible to cruciferous diseases.
• The heads of cabbage do not crack.
• Easy to care for.
• Hardy, produces a stable harvest under unfavorable conditions.

Ripening time and yield

Cabbage ripens in the mid-late period: the period from germination to technical ripeness, according to the manufacturer, lasts from 114 to 134 days. When the variety is grown in the natural conditions of the Moscow region, the yield is 58-91 t/ha, the maximum reaches 100 t/ha.

The productivity and marketability of heads of cabbage largely depend on weather and climatic conditions, soil fertility, and the intensity of agricultural technology used

Properly balanced and timely applied fertilizers make it possible to compensate for the deficiency of nutrients in the soil under cabbage plantings; increase productivity and protect beds from fungal diseases and pests. In practice, excess application of nitrogen enhances leaf growth and reduces the density of heads of cabbage, while potassium and phosphorus have a positive effect on these indicators.

Fruit characteristics

• On average, a head of cabbage weighs 3-5 kg.
• The forks are round, slightly flattened.
• Dense when fully ripe.
• The leaves are raised and spreading.
• The inner and outer stalks reach 20 cm in length.
• The forks in cross-section are greenish-white in color.
• Universal in use.
• Ideal for pickling and pickling.
• Has good keeping quality. If the necessary conditions are created, it can be stored for 7 months. It is best to store forks hanging in the basement with their heads facing down. The main thing is that the heads of cabbage do not touch each other.
• Excellent taste and presentation.
• The leaves contain a lot of fructose and sucrose, which is why it has a sweet taste.

Product and taste qualities

The head of cabbage is medium-sized, round or flat-round in shape, covered, dense, weighing 2.6-4.4 kg. The leaf rosette is raised upward, the leaves are of medium size, oval or round, gray-green, covered with a waxy coating of moderate or strong intensity. The leaf shape is concave, wrinkled, the edges are slightly wavy.

When cut, the color is whitish, the structure is predominantly thin; stumps (external and internal) of medium length

The taste is excellent. According to the results of biochemical studies, the leaves contain 8.2-10.5% dry matter, including:

Cabbage is perfect for pickling, as well as fresh consumption, preparing salads and other dishes.

Advantages and disadvantages

The variety has virtually no disadvantages. However, it needs to be watered regularly, grown in fertile soil and protected from certain types of pests.

The advantages include the following characteristics:

• Stable yield.
• Resistance to adverse weather conditions.
• Long shelf life.
• Excellent taste and presentation.
• Resistance to long-distance transport.
• The best variety for pickling and pickling.
• Not susceptible to cruciferous diseases.
• Resistant to cold weather.
• The heads of cabbage do not crack.

It was not possible to identify obvious shortcomings over the years, since demands on watering and soil fertility are observed in all varieties and hybrids of cabbage.

How to grow a Gift?

You can sow seeds as early as late April or early May. You should adhere to a 5x5 cm planting pattern. Seeds should be planted in the ground to a depth of 1-1.5 cm. After a week, the first shoots appear. When 4-5 true leaves appear on the plant, it is ready to be transplanted into open ground. This happens in May - early June.

As a rule, on day 45 the seedlings are ready to move. The optimal distance for planting is 60x60 cm. Plants should not be close to each other. Before planting, it is necessary to harden the seedlings by leaving them in the fresh air for several days.

The fruits become ripe on the 125th day from the appearance of the first shoots. The harvest is harvested in September-October as it ripens. The best predecessors for cabbage: legumes, cucumber and potatoes.

When caring for cabbage, you need to ensure thorough watering, weeding and loosening of the soil. And don’t forget about fertilizing and hilling. Plants should not be allowed to stretch. By following simple rules, you can collect from one square. m. up to 10 kg of harvest.

Features of cultivation

Selecting a location

The Podarok cabbage variety grows well in a place exposed to full sun throughout the day. Even the slightest shading will change the quality and quantity of the harvest.

It is not recommended to plant cabbage in places where cruciferous crops previously grew. This can cause the cabbage to become infected with clubroot.

It is best to plant cabbage after cucumbers and legumes, then the soil will be rich in nitrogen, which cabbage really needs.

The soil must be fertile, contain humus, and retain moisture well. The reaction should be neutral acidity or slightly alkaline.

Important! In soil with high acidity, the risk of clubroot disease increases.

The beds are prepared in the fall. For 1 sq. meter contribute:

• 2 buckets of organic matter;
• 30 g each of potassium sulfate and superphosphate;
• 30 g urea;
• a glass of ash in the spring before planting seedlings.

When and how to plant cabbage seedlings

Seeds are sown for seedlings 28-35 days before transferring the seedlings to open ground. Another 5 days are allotted for the emergence of seedlings. In accordance with these terms, seeds are sown 45 days before seedlings are planted in the ground (late March - early April). However, it is necessary to focus on weather conditions in the region. Prepare soil for seedlings by combining universal store-bought substrate, sand and turf soil in equal quantities. For 1 kg of soil mixture add 1 tbsp. spoon of ash.

Advice! The soil must be steamed or watered with a 1% solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection.

The seeds are immersed in water heated to 50 degrees and kept for 20 minutes. Then rinse under the tap for 5 minutes. This procedure will protect plants from damage by Phoma. Next, the seed is treated with the growth stimulator Zircon or Epin; you can also use potassium humate. The seeds swell at about 18 hours. After this, they must be immediately sown in the ground.

Sowing of seeds is carried out in separate cups or in a common box, followed by picking. In the second option, the root system will be more developed.

Seeds are sown in the ground to a depth of 1 cm, spacing 2 cm. Leave 4 cm between rows.

Important! The soil is well watered, but not over-watered.

Seedling care

Containers with sprouts are placed in a well-lit place. If necessary, organize additional illumination of seedlings.

Seedlings grow best at a temperature of 18 degrees. When the sprouts have just emerged from the ground, they are kept in a room with an air temperature of no more than 12 degrees for 7 days.

Watering should be moderate. If the seedlings are over-watered, they may be affected by blackleg, and then they can no longer be saved.

After the appearance of 1 true leaf, a pick is carried out. The central root of the sprouts is pinched and transplanted into separate cups, deepening them down to the cotyledons. After this procedure, keep the seedlings away from direct sunlight.

When 2 true leaves are formed, fertilize along with watering. You can apply fertilizers with microelements by spraying the leaves. To do this, dilute 1 tbsp in 10 liters of water. spoon of urea. The second fertilizing is applied before transplanting the seedlings into the ground.

Seedlings also need to be hardened off. 10-14 days before transplantation, they begin to take them outside, increasing the time from several minutes to the whole day.

Important! During the first days, the seedlings must be shaded so that the leaves do not get burned.

Planting in open ground and care

Cabbage is resistant to cold weather. Its seedlings are planted in a permanent place at the end of April or beginning of May. Dig holes and water them abundantly until dirt forms. The seedlings are buried to the bottom leaf. Cover the hole with dry soil so that moisture is retained inside. In the first days of planting, cover with non-woven covering material, so the sprouts will quickly take root in the new place.

Some gardeners grow cabbage under it before harvest. It allows air and water to pass through, so vegetables can be watered directly through it. Under such cover, cabbage grows quickly and is protected from pests.

Reviews from gardeners

Elena, 36 years old, Kharkov region

In fact, the variety is a real gift. For the first time I tried to grow this cabbage through seedlings. I couldn’t believe that the frail sprouts would produce such large heads, a sight to behold. After planting on the garden bed, a week later I replanted the seedlings, replacing unestablished specimens. She looked after it with love: she watered it on time, fed it, pulled the weeds, loosened the rows. She never got sick. By the way, after planting and during the rooting period of young plants, as well as in the initial phase of head formation, I watered them once a week. Three weeks before harvesting, I stopped watering completely. The heads of cabbage varied in weight, the largest and densest being almost four kilograms. I think that the taste and crunch in Podar’s pickling is the best.

Andrey, 38 years old, Krasnodar region

My grandfather said that he always grew this variety from his own seeds. He sowed them before winter and received a stable harvest. When choosing cabbage for the garden, I was pleasantly surprised that Podarok still remains one of the most popular among gardeners. Seed material is commercially available and is inexpensive. For the third year in a row we have been planting a “gift”, it grows well in our area. The heads of cabbage are round, dense, weighing 2.6-3 kg. We don’t collect seeds - we have neither the time nor the skills. This cabbage is especially tasty in seasonal salads with sour cream and pickled cabbage. Store fresh in boxes on an insulated loggia.

Pavel, 49 years old, Orel

I usually harvest the mid-late “Gift” in early October, the harvest is quite decent. Last year the heads weighed an average of 3.5 kg. The taste is one of my favorites. The whole family is happy, I will plant more. Maintenance is standard: I remove weeds, loosen the soil, and water according to schedule. True, it is better to treat it against slugs and insect pests. In order not to use chemicals, we planted mint, cilantro, sage, dill, fennel and parsley around the perimeter of the beds and in the area. Before the head of cabbage curls, I pollinate young plants from cabbage flea beetles with sifted ash mixed with dry mustard.

Planting cabbage

We recommend reading our other articles

• Rhode Island chicken breed
• LaMancha goats
• Potato variety Breeze
• How to grow an apricot from a seed

Plant at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other with 70 cm distance between rows

To plant Podarok cabbage in open ground, you need to wait until the end of May. Always plant in sunny areas with low groundwater levels. The land for planting should be fertilized in the fall (2-3 kg of humus per square area). In the spring, before sowing, you can only enrich the soil with nitrogen fertilizer.

Interesting!

It is best to plant cabbage in cloudy weather or in the evening, when the temperature drops and the sun begins to set.

The seedlings are planted in separate holes at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other with a distance of 70 cm between the rows. After planting the sprouts, the soil is watered abundantly. At the same time, it is important to ensure that when planting seedlings, the soil is pressed tightly - this stimulates the development of roots and rapid adaptation of the plant. If after planting the cold weather strikes or the nights are not yet warm, you can cover the beds from time to time with transparent film or light agrofibre.

Which manufacturer is better to buy seeds from?

The key to a generous harvest is high-quality seed material. There are many companies on the Russian market offering seeds from domestic and foreign producers. When choosing Podarok cabbage seeds, preference should be given to well-known companies that care about the high quality of their products. on the Russian seed market since 1995. The main activity of the agricultural company is the sale of high-quality seeds.

retains its position among the leaders in the production and sale of seeds for quite a long time

The agricultural sector has a good reputation, having been engaged in seed production and selection for more than 20 years. Founded in 1990 on the basis of the All-Russian Research Institute of Vegetable Growing, it pays a lot of attention to variety cleaning and seed germination, which allows vegetable growers to obtain high yields. The agricultural company, which has three breeding centers, a control and testing laboratory and a certification center, strictly adheres to the technology of growing and collecting seed material.

Agro strictly adheres to seed collection technology

The leader in seed production is Aelita, the oldest domestic company that appeared on the market back in 1994. She is engaged in breeding work, creating new and improving already favorite varieties on her own experimental field in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Tests are carried out both in greenhouses and in open ground, which makes it possible to obtain unique varieties for all climatic zones of Russia. Therefore, having purchased seeds, you can rest assured of their high quality.

When purchasing cabbage seeds, you can rest assured that 100% germination is guaranteed.

The Gavrish trademark is well-deservedly popular among gardeners. The company, which has a good scientific and experimental base, has been supplying seeds to the domestic market for more than 20 years. They are produced by experienced agronomists and seed growers under the supervision of breeders. The quality of seeds is checked at all stages of commercial processing, including cleaning, drying, sorting, sorting, and packaging. During storage, the germination capacity and energy of seed germination are periodically determined.

Be sure to check the seeds for germination

Among seed manufacturers, the trademark “Plasma Seeds” (“PLASMAS”) stands out. The company is not engaged in seed production; its scope of activity is plasma processing of seed material. This technology is intended for pre-sowing preparation of seeds, which helps to improve their quality and improve their safety during storage. As a result, productivity increases, the nutritional value of vegetables increases, and the use of chemicals in disease prevention decreases. Packaged plasma seeds have been supplied to the market since 1995.

offers Podarok cabbage seeds that have undergone plasma treatment

Selecting a seat

Mid-season cabbage should be planted in open ground at the end of May. Before landing, you have to choose the right place. If you live in southern latitudes, and already in April constant warm weather sets in in your region, then you can sow cabbage seeds directly into open ground. Several seeds are planted in the prepared holes at once. At night, the planted area should be covered with film.

If you plan to plant seedlings, then you need to prepare the place and soil for such work. Choose a sunny area without closely planted trees. It is better to prepare the site in the autumn; add several buckets of manure or humus to the soil. It is also necessary to use mineral fertilizers, but only in 2 doses. In the fall, use phosphorus-potassium products, and in the spring, nitrogen agents, which will accelerate the growth of your plantings.

More details about cabbage varieties in the video:

Indispensable conditions for a good harvest are timely watering and fertilizing. If the summer is too dry, you will have to water the vegetable several times a week, using several buckets. When the head of cabbage starts and grows, watering is doubled. Along with watering, fertilizing also takes place. Fertilizers can also be applied after heavy rain.

Reviews from experienced gardeners and summer residents speak only in favor of the Podarok cabbage variety. Long-term storage of these heads of cabbage allows not only to use them for food for a long time, but also to grow vegetables for sale.

Reviews of the cabbage variety Podarok

Most gardeners like Podarok cabbage. Its excellent taste and pleasant appearance of the heads of cabbage cannot but please farmers and market buyers.

• Pavel Frolov : “I’ve been growing it for fermentation for several years now. And when the harvest fails due to cold weather, you have to buy Podarok cabbage for the same fermentation. It’s very tasty after salting – I recommend everyone to try it.”
• Garik Smernov : “An old, time-tested variety. Cabbage is called a Gift for a reason – productivity is guaranteed with minimal investment! We grow it every year. There are, of course, underdeveloped forks, but for the most part the harvest is excellent. Cabbage has a good taste and can be stored without problems.”
• Nikita Zaitsev : “The cabbage is good, even on old, infertile land it yielded a harvest last year. There were 1-2 kg forks, but very tasty, slightly sweet - in borscht and pickled cabbage Gift - simply delicious!”

Possible diseases and pests

The “Gift” variety is resistant to diseases, but if agricultural practices are violated, it can be affected by clubroot. If there are signs of clubroot, the affected cabbage is removed from the garden bed and destroyed, the soil is treated with a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture or Khoma solution at the rate of 40 g per 10 liters of water twice with an interval of 7-10 days.

To prevent damage by phytospora, it is necessary to soak the seeds before planting in a solution of “Fitosporin” or potassium permanganate. This disease is indicated by growths on the roots. Diseased seedlings develop worse; the lower leaves may wither and dry out.

Stagnation of water due to excessive watering can activate pathogens of peronosporosis. Fungal spores develop rapidly in hot weather. Signs of downy mildew are dark spots on the upper side of the leaf and plaque on the lower part. To combat the disease, regulate watering, dust the cabbage with ash, and treat it 2-3 times with a solution of Fitosporin at the rate of 3 g per 5 liters of water.

The main pests of cabbage are the cruciferous flea beetle and cabbage white caterpillars.

• Flea beetles feed on the pulp of leaves, especially young shoots. You can get rid of insects using ash, spraying with infusion of garlic (300 g/10 l) with the addition of soap (100 g), chamomile, wormwood, as well as chemicals Anabasin sulfate (10 g/10 l), Bitoxibacillin (40 g/ 10 l).
• Cabbage white caterpillars feed on leaves, gnawing holes in them, worsening the taste and presentation. Caterpillars are collected by hand; in case of a massive invasion, Intavir solution is used (1 tablet/10 l). Spraying should be carried out in dry weather so that the product remains on the leaves for at least 5 hours. After 10 days, the treatment is repeated.

You can compare the Podarok variety with other varieties of cabbage, such as Amager, Slava, Zimovka, Valentina, Moscow late, Sugarloaf, Kolobok, Centurion F1, Romanesco, on our website.

Podarok variety cabbage is a wonderful choice for lovers of this vegetable. By following the rules of planting and care, you can achieve a high-quality and abundant harvest.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of growing the Podarok variety:

• Sustainability. The fruits practically do not crack and tolerate temperature changes well.
• Duration of storage. Cabbage does not lose its external and taste qualities.
• Productivity. Even under unfavorable conditions you can get a good harvest.
• Possibility of transportation. Fruits are not damaged during long-distance transportation.
• Germination. Most seeds germinate when planted.

Among the disadvantages are:

• Growing conditions. It is necessary to create suitable conditions for growing the variety. You need to take care of optimal soil moisture and the presence of nutrients in it.
• Susceptibility to pests. Cabbage is often damaged by common pests.

When to harvest late cabbage and how to store it correctly

Cabbage is a frost-resistant crop, so short-term frost is not dangerous for the head of cabbage.
However, in order for cabbage to be stored for a long time, without being affected by fungus and rot, the fruits should not be exposed to frostbite. Indeed, when the temperature rises, after freezing, the upper leaves will collapse, forming areas of rotting. The shelf life of late cabbage is long. Heads of cabbage can be stored for up to six months and retain all consumer properties.

Late varieties reach varietal ripeness in October. By the structure of the head of cabbage, you can easily determine whether it is ripe; just squeeze it tightly; a mature stalk will not change shape.

Late cabbage is cut in dry sunny weather, carefully dug up without damaging the heads, and cleaned of soil. Damaged cabbage is sorted. Damaged upper leaves are also removed.

In terms of economics, damaged leaves and sorted heads of cabbage can be used as livestock feed, having previously been subjected to heat treatment. Less damaged cabbage is sent for pickling or pickling. Sauerkraut does not spoil and is stored for quite a long time; in addition, it is a storehouse of vitamins, ascorbic and folic acid.

Before storage, the harvested cabbage crop is dried in a covered, ventilated area, but without direct sunlight, to avoid wilting. Cabbage can be stored without roots or with them.

You should not combine late-ripening and early-ripening cabbage for storage.

Early ripe cabbage does not last until winter and will begin to rot, involving new heads of cabbage in the infection process.

After drying the harvested cabbage, it is placed for storage in a cellar, basement or storage facility. The room for storing late cabbage should be well ventilated, dry, cool, the humidity in the cellar should not exceed 90%, and the temperature should be kept at +1 °C.

Preparation of a cellar or storage facility must begin in the summer, the room is ventilated, the walls are covered with whitewash, the ventilation is inspected and problems are corrected, the interior is sanitized, fungicides are sprayed or fumigated with sulfur.

Only whole, undamaged heads of cabbage, without stains or wet areas, can be stored. Only such cabbage can last all winter. The cabbage is placed with the stalks down on sawdust or wooden pallets, so that air gets between the heads of cabbage. If stored properly, late cabbage can easily last until spring.

Late cabbage is an excellent alternative to early ripening varieties; it is stored for a long time, is less affected by diseases, just like early cabbage, produces high yields, and is frost-resistant. Therefore, late-ripening varieties can be safely grown on your plot, knowing for sure that you will not be left without a cabbage harvest.

Care and harvesting

Photo of cabbage harvest Gift

The Podarok cabbage variety produces large yields only under the right watering conditions. For example, during dry periods, 1-2 waterings per week are sufficient. Apply 1.5-2 liters of water per square area while the plants are small, and 3-4 liters of water when a head of cabbage has already begun to form.

Timely feeding will not hurt either. Fertilizing is usually carried out during watering or after long rains (so that the soil is well saturated with moisture). Fertilizers are applied only 3 times. The first time is fed with urea (or manure) 2 weeks after picking the seedlings. The second feeding is carried out with superphosphate and potassium sulfate 3 weeks after the first. The third feeding is no different from the second, but is carried out after another 2-3 weeks, but only if the soil is severely depleted.

Important!

Fertilizing can have a positive or negative effect on the taste of cabbage, so you should be careful when choosing fertilizer.

There are also several important rules for caring for this variety of cabbage, which should not be deviated from, otherwise the plant will be frail and may often get sick.

• Weeds are removed as they appear. It is advisable to prevent weeds from sprouting spikelets, flowers and starting to drop seeds - while they are still small, it is much easier to get rid of them!
• Loosening the soil for cabbage is very important. It is advisable to ensure that there is always slightly fluffy soil in the garden bed. Loosening can be done after watering, when the water is absorbed, or simply when possible. The main task is to ensure that the soil does not form a dense crust.
• Hilling is carried out only 2 times per season. It stimulates the development of the root system. The first hilling is carried out 2-3 weeks after picking the seedlings. Repeated - another 2-3 weeks after the previous one.