Winter Vegetables in India
Indian winter is the best season to grow a variety of vegetables in your kitchen garden. This growing season is also known as the Rabi season. In fact, some vegetables in India are only grown as Rabi crops.
Let’s peek at some of the best vegetables that can be grown during the winter in India:
A popular vegetable of the cabbage family. Seeds are first sown in seedbeds or seedling trays under shade. Healthy seedlings are later transplanted on raised beds after 30-35 days of sowing. Plants need cool climate & full sunlight to form big cauliflower heads. 85-90 days after transplantation, ‘cauliflower curd’ should be ready to harvest. Cauliflower may have the trouble of ‘bolting’ (Early flowering, no curd), or ‘Buttoning (small non-edible heads) if conditions are unfavorable. Good seed, proper season, the cool, moist atmosphere around the vegetable is a must.
2. Capsicum (Bell Pepper):
These non-pungent varieties of chili known locally as Simla Mirch are successfully grown in Indian plains in winter. Plants are transplanted on raised beds four weeks after seed sowing in seedling trays. Plants require full sunlight; however, production is much higher when grown under green shade net house or poly-house. Plants are delicate and susceptible to diseases. Harvesting can begin 70-80 days after seed sowing.
3. Spinach (Palak):
A leafy vegetable popular for its nutritive value, easy to grow & ready availability. It does well in a cool climate, full sunlight as well as partial shade (3-4 hours). Seed are sown directly in raised beds. Harvesting of greens can be done within 30 days of seed sowing. Only 3 gm seeds are required per 100 sq. ft. area. Read more on Growing spinach
It is one of the most popular rooting vegetables. Several varieties are differing in color, texture, shape & length of a carrot. Seeds are sown directly on raised beds or ridged beds. Edible roots can be harvested in 80-100 days of seed sowing depending on variety. Soil should be loosened about one-and-a-half times the expected length of the carrot. Break the soil fine to avoid any obstruction to root.
All types of onions are winter crops in India, but they require warm and dry conditions as plants mature & start forming onion bulbs underground. During the cool season, seeds are sown in seedbeds & one-month-old seedlings are transplanted in raised beds. Plants require full sun & frequent irrigation. Onions are ready to harvest in 80-100 days after transplanting depending on variety.
6. Green Peas:
Peas belong to the same family as the beans. Green pea plants are delicate as they hate hot & humid climate and thrive better in cold & dry weather. Seeds are sown directly on raised beds. The green pea plant is climber & requires the support of the trellis. Harvesting of pods can begin 80-90 days after passed sowing. Peas are fond of phosphorus and calcium. About 50 gm seeds are needed per 100 sq. ft. area.
Click here to read more about Growing green peas
Winter is here; let’s make the best of it.