VEGETABLES
Detailed cultivation information and fertilization programs for vegetable crops
TOMATO
Tomato is one of the most widely consumed vegetables worldwide. It is grown both for fresh consumption and for processing. It prefers warm and sunny climates. It can be cultivated in open fields and under protected conditions. It requires intensive fertilization and irrigation. Disease and pest management is very important. With good management, high yield and quality can be achieved. Both short- and long-season varieties are available.
KEY FACTS
- Most common vegetable crop
- High nutritional value (lycopene)
- Protected and open-field production
- Requires intensive care
Growing & Maintenance
Tomato is grown by transplanting seedlings. In protected cultivation it can be produced year-round, while in open fields production is typically in spring–summer. Regular irrigation is critical. Pruning and leaf removal should be done routinely. Support systems (wire, stakes) are used. Hygiene is important for disease control.
Planting Time
March–May (Open Field)
Harvest Time
June–October
Yield Potential
80–120 tons/ha (protected)
Soil pH
6.0 – 6.8
Nutrient Requirements
Tomato has very high nutrient demand. Balanced NPK fertilization is critical. Calcium deficiency causes blossom-end rot. Magnesium and micronutrients affect fruit quality.
Fertilization Strategy
Intensive and continuous fertilization program for tomato:
Pre-Planting – Base Fertilizer
Apply a high-phosphorus NPK.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 12-24-12After Establishment – Vegetative Growth
Balanced NPK application. Important for plant development.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 20-20-20 (fertigation)Flowering – First Fruit Set
Calcium and boron support. Helps prevent blossom-end rot.
Recommended: Calcium Nitrate + Boron (foliar)Fruit Development – Harvest Period
High potassium and low nitrogen. Critical for fruit quality.
Recommended: KÖK-POTAS + KÖK-NPK 15-5-30Ongoing Production
Weekly fertigation with micronutrient support.
Recommended: KÖK-AminO + KÖK-MixPEPPER
Pepper is an important vegetable crop with both sweet and hot varieties. It is consumed fresh and also used dried. It prefers warm, sunny climates. It can be produced in protected cultivation and open fields. It requires intensive fertilization and regular irrigation. It is sensitive to diseases and pests. With good management, high yields can be obtained. Fruit color and shape vary by variety.
KEY FACTS
- Sweet and hot varieties
- High vitamin C content
- Warm-climate crop
- Multi-purpose use
Growing & Maintenance
Pepper is grown by transplanting seedlings. It requires warm weather and plenty of sunlight. Soil temperature should be at least 15°C. Regular irrigation is important, but excessive moisture can cause root rot. Light pruning and leaf cleaning can be done. Support may be needed depending on fruit weight.
Planting Time
April–May
Harvest Time
July–October
Yield Potential
40–70 tons/ha
Soil pH
6.0 – 7.0
Nutrient Requirements
Pepper requires balanced nutrition. Calcium and magnesium are important for fruit development. Phosphorus supports root and flower development. Potassium improves fruit quality.
Fertilization Strategy
Balanced fertilization program for pepper:
Pre-Planting – Base Fertilizer
Apply a high-phosphorus NPK.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 10-20-20After Establishment
Growth support with balanced NPK.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 20-20-20Flowering
Calcium and boron application. Important for fruit set.
Recommended: Calcium Nitrate + BoronFruit Development
High potassium application. Critical for quality.
Recommended: KÖK-POTAS + KÖK-AminOCUCUMBER
Cucumber is a popular vegetable with high water content and a refreshing taste. It is used both fresh and for pickling. It prefers warm and humid environments. It can be grown in protected cultivation and open fields. It grows quickly and is harvested in a short time. It requires intensive irrigation and fertilization. It is sensitive to diseases, and good ventilation is important.
KEY FACTS
- Fast growth and quick harvest
- High water content (95%)
- Prefers warm and humid conditions
- Suitable for continuous production
Growing & Maintenance
Cucumber can be grown from seed or seedlings. It requires warm soil and air. Support systems (wire, netting) are used. Harvest should be done regularly. Ample irrigation is critical. Side-shoot removal and leaf pruning are practiced. Good ventilation reduces diseases.
Sowing/Planting Time
April–June
Harvest Time
June–October
Yield Potential
60–100 tons/ha
Soil pH
6.0 – 7.0
Nutrient Requirements
Due to rapid growth, cucumber requires intensive nutrition. Balanced NPK is important. Calcium and magnesium deficiencies reduce fruit quality.
Fertilization Strategy
Frequent and regular fertilization program for cucumber:
Pre-Sowing – Base Fertilizer
Apply a balanced NPK.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 15-15-15Rapid Growth Period
High nitrogen and potassium support.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 20-10-20 (fertigation)Flowering – Fruit Set
Calcium and micronutrient support.
Recommended: Calcium Nitrate + KÖK-MixHarvest Period
Weekly fertigation for continuous nutrient supply.
Recommended: KÖK-POTAS + KÖK-AminOEGGPLANT
Eggplant is an important vegetable especially in Mediterranean cuisine. It is a warm-climate crop and highly sensitive to frost. It can be grown both in open fields and under protected conditions. It has a long growing season. It requires intensive fertilization and regular irrigation. Disease and pest control is important. With good management, high yield and quality can be achieved. There are different fruit shapes and colors.
KEY FACTS
- Warm-climate crop
- Long harvest period
- Rich in antioxidants
- Wide variety range
Growing & Maintenance
Eggplant is grown by transplanting seedlings. It requires warm soil and air. Regular irrigation is important. Pruning and side-shoot removal are practiced. Support systems can be used. Regular harvesting improves fruit quality. Good ventilation reduces diseases.
Planting Time
April–May
Harvest Time
July–November
Yield Potential
50–80 tons/ha
Soil pH
5.5 – 6.8
Nutrient Requirements
Eggplant requires intensive nutrition. Balanced NPK is critical. Calcium and magnesium are important for fruit development. Boron and zinc deficiencies may occur.
Fertilization Strategy
Intensive fertilization program for eggplant:
Pre-Planting – Base Fertilizer
Apply a high-phosphorus NPK.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 12-24-12After Establishment – Growth
Growth support with balanced NPK.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 20-20-20Flowering
Calcium and boron application.
Recommended: Calcium Nitrate + BoronFruit Development – Harvest
High potassium support with continuous fertigation.
Recommended: KÖK-POTAS + KÖK-AminOONION
Onion is one of the most widely used vegetables worldwide. It is produced both as green onion and dry onion. It prefers cool climates and is sensitive to day length. Proper day length is required for bulb formation. Soil structure and drainage are important. With regular irrigation and fertilization, high yields are achieved. Post-harvest curing and storage affect quality.
KEY FACTS
- One of the most common kitchen vegetables
- Long storage life
- Sensitive to day length
- Used fresh and dry
Growing & Maintenance
Onion can be grown from seed, seedlings, or sets. It is sown in autumn or spring. It prefers fine-textured soils. Regular irrigation is critical, but it should be stopped before harvest. Weed control is important. Suitable day length is essential for bulb formation.
Sowing Time
September–October / February–March
Harvest Time
May–July
Yield Potential
50–80 tons/ha
Soil pH
6.0 – 7.0
Nutrient Requirements
Onion requires regular nutrition. Due to its shallow root system, nutrients should be available in the topsoil. Sulfur influences onion aroma. Phosphorus is important for root and bulb development.
Fertilization Strategy
Split fertilization program for onion:
Pre-Sowing – Base Fertilizer
Apply a high-phosphorus NPK.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 10-20-104–6 Leaf Stage
First nitrogen dose and sulfur application.
Recommended: Ammonium SulfateBeginning of Bulb Formation
Second nitrogen dose and potassium support.
Recommended: KÖK-UAN+ + KÖK-POTASBulb Development
Final nutrient support. Stop before harvest.
Recommended: KÖK-POTAS + KÖK-MixLETTUCE
Lettuce is an important salad vegetable consumed for its leaves. It grows fast and is harvested in a short time. It prefers cool climates and bolts in hot conditions. It can be grown in open fields and under protected conditions. Due to its high water content, it requires regular irrigation. There are different leaf types and colors. It grows well in soils rich in organic matter.
KEY FACTS
- Fast growth (40–60 days)
- Cool-climate crop
- High nutritional value
- Suitable for year-round production
Growing & Maintenance
Lettuce can be grown from seed or seedlings. It prefers cool weather (15–20°C is ideal). Dense planting is possible and successive harvests can be achieved. Regular irrigation is critical. Weed control is important. Harvest should be done at maturity. Excessive heat causes bolting.
Sowing Time
March–May / August–October
Harvest Time
40–60 days after sowing
Yield Potential
30–50 tons/ha
Soil pH
6.0 – 7.0
Nutrient Requirements
Due to rapid growth, lettuce needs readily available nutrients. Nitrogen is critical for leaf development. Calcium prevents tip burn. Micronutrients affect quality.
Fertilization Strategy
Fast fertilization program for lettuce:
Pre-Sowing – Base Fertilizer
Apply a balanced NPK.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 15-15-15After Emergence – Early Growth
High nitrogen support. Important for rapid growth.
Recommended: KÖK-UAN+ or Calcium NitrateHead Formation
Balanced NPK and micronutrient support.
Recommended: KÖK-NPK 20-10-20 + KÖK-MixPre-Harvest
Calcium foliar feeding. Important for quality.
Recommended: Calcium (foliar fertilizer)