Optima is the new summer variety from Sakata that’s in the same class as Tenacity. Optima has resistance to Black rot (Xcc) disease making it perfectly suited to areas with high Black rot pressure – especially in summer. It’s a strong plant that takes 80 – 95 days to mature from transplant. The big frame protects the heads very well against sunburn and wind damage. Heads are semi round to round with a good head weight. Optima’s frame has an upright growth habit, so water doesn’t accumulate in the bottom part of the plant.
Special varietal requirements:
Excellent results are consistently achieved for harvest through the warm season. Mature heads can tolerate cool and frost conditions well. Avoid early and late sowings in cooler areas and growing through winter in cold areas as bolting may occur.
| Characteristic | Optima F1 Hybrid Cabbage |
| Kind | F1 Hybrid Cabbage fresh market cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. convar. Capitata (L.) Alef. Var. capitata (L.) Alef |
| Maturity | Medium (year round 80 – 95 days from transplanting) |
| Head Size | Large |
| Head Shape | Round |
| Head Weight | 3.0 – 5.0 kg (could be bigger depending on spacing) |
| Head cover | Very good |
| Exterior Colour | Deep blue-green |
| Interior Colour | Yellow light green |
| Flavour | Very good |
| Plant Size | Large |
| Plant Habit | Semi-erect |
| Bolting Reaction | Very sensitive to bolting if produced through winter for spring harvest. Strictly a warm season cropper |
| Disease Reaction | Intermediate resistance: Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans (Foc) |
| Field Holding | Excellent |
| Yield Potential | Excellent |
| Suggested Population | 28 000 – 35 000 plants per ha |
| End Use | Sold as individual heads and per bag |
