1.4.

Classification of vegetables

1.4.1. Classification based on cultural practices

Though vegetables can be classified in many ways, classification based on cultural
practices has been proved to be the best adaptable in field situations. It is easy to
generalize the cultivation practices based on their culture and climatic requirements.
This means crops that require same cultivation practices are placed in one group. The
common vegetable classes as per their cultivation practices are as follow:

i. Solanaceous fruits

Examples include chili, tomato, brinjal, etc.. In each case seed is sown in the nursery
bed to raise seedlings for transplanting.

ii. Cole crops

Examples include cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts,

etc.. All are winter crops and have more or less similar cultural requirements.

iii. Root crops

Examples include radish, turnip, carrot, beet, etc.. In each case the seeds are sown
directly in the fields.

iv. Bulb crops

Examples include onion, garlic etc..

v. Cucurbits

Examples include cucumber, bottle gourd, pumpkin, bitter gourd, melons, sponge
gourd, squash, ridge gourd, etc.. Seeds are sown directly in the field.

vi. Salad crops

Examples include lettuce, celery, parsley, etc..

vii. Leafy vegetables

Examples include pallak, spinach, fenugreek, amaranthus, etc..

viii. Legume crops

Examples include peas, beans, etc..

ix. Perennial crops

Examples include asparagus, etc..
x. Tuber crops
Examples include potato, sweet potato, tapioca, etc..

xi. Miscellaneous
Examples include okra/bhindi, etc..

1.4.2. Classification based on climactic regions

Based on the ability of the plant to flower, fruit and produce seeds in different
climatic regions of the world, the vegetable crops have been classified into two major
groups.

1.4.2.1. Temperate vegetables

Temperate vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, etc.. are generally sown
in higher altitudes in spring and summer and are grown as winter vegetables in lower
altitudes. The vegetables in this category require temperate or extreme winter to be
able to flower and produce seeds. Though the crops can be successfully grown for
vegetables both in the tropical and temperate regions but they would produce seeds
only in the temperate regions.

1.4.2.2. Subtropical and tropical vegetables

Subtropical vegetables and tropical crops such as chili, tomato, okra, brinjal will only
grow in warm conditions and are mainly grown as spring and summer vegetables in
hotter areas.