How to Grow Chinese or Napa Cabbage

Overview and Description There are many types of Chinese cabbage. The type most associated with the term Chinese cabbage is also known as Nappa cabbage. It is a large, tight headed green that looks somewhat like a pale romaine lettuce. The flavor is sweeter and milder than traditional cabbage. It is believed to have originated near the Beijing region of China Leaves: The large, oblong leaves are crinkled and very tightly wrapped the head. The stalks are almost white and the leaves are a very pale green. Heads grow upright. Flowers: Chinese cabbage flowers are the familiar 4 yellow crossed petals of the cruciferous family. Botanical Name Brassica rapa var. pekinensis Common Name: Chinese cabbage, Napa cabbage, Peking cabbage, Celery cabbage Hardiness Zone The plants are biennial. It may survive under cover in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 - 7. However it will quickly blot to seed, in the spring. Sun Exposure Napa cabbage can grow in full sun or partial shade, provided it gets at least 4 - 5 hours of sun each day and plenty of water. Mature Size Full size heads grow about 20 inches tall and fill out to 5 or more inches in circumference. Days to Harvest Napa cabbage takes about 70 - 80 days to mature, which is why it grows better in the fall than the spring. Early spring sowings can be hit by frost or cold nighttime temperatures, which can signal that it is time to start setting seed and cause the plants to bolt. If you get past that hurdle, the warming temperatures will also tell the plants to stop growing and focus on going to seed. Although it's not impossible to grow Napa cabbage in spring and early summer, planting in mid-summer allows the plants to mature at the days cool, in the fall. Test for maturity by squeezing the heads. A head that's ready to be picked will feel dense, with little give. Suggested Varieties 'Blues F1' - Early season, with bluish-green leaves. Disease and bolt resistant. A good choice to try in the spring. (57 days) 'Chinese Express' - Glossy leaved, late season variety, also with good resistant. (90 days) 'Monument' - Mid-season, with tall, narrow heads. Resists bolting. (80 days) Uses Napa cabbage is a very versatile vegetable. It can be used in recipes calling for regular cabbage or bak choy. Individual leaves are often used as wrappers, for steaming or blanching. It's great for a mild, Asian inspired cole slaw and it also makes a mean Korean pickled Kimchi. Grilling it brings out its natural sweetness. Growing Tips Soil: Since Napa cabbage has a relatively long growing season, you will want to start with rich, well amended soil. Start by digging in several inches of organic matter, such as compost or well rotted mannure. Soil pH is not a big concern, but aim for someting in the 6.5 - 7.0. Planting: If you choose to plant in the spring, either direct sow or start seed indoors about 4 - 6 weeks before your last frost date. Either hold off sowing outdoors until after your last frost date or be prepared with some type of row covers. Plant seed 1/4 - 1/2 inch deep, spaced 6 inches apart. Thin and eat the plants when they are a couple of inches tall. If you are growing full-sized plants, thin to a 12 - 18 inch spacing. Maintenance: Napa cabbages don't need a lot of maintenance. They do need regular water, especially during hot spells. Drought will cause bolting. If you amended your soil, you should not need supplemental fertilizer. However if your plants look like they need a boost, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen, like fish emulsion or soy meal. Plants in the brassica family do not cross pollinate with plants outside their species. Seed can be saved for 4 years.