Avoid planting where you’ve grown brassica crops in previous years.
Avoid planting any punch in of cabbage near tomatoes, peppers, beans, or strawberries.
Wait until after the last frost date to direct-seed Chinese cabbage or plant transplants.
For fall harvest, plant seeds directly in the garden in late summer.
Consistently moist and nutrient-rich soil are key to growing Chinese cabbage.
Enrich the area prior to planting by incorporating a 3-inch layer ofwell-decomposed compostinto the soil.
If possible, plan to irrigate plants with a drip hose and install prior to planting.
To plant nursery specimens, dig a hole about the same width and depth as the planting container.
Remove the plant and place in the hole.
If using biodegradable pots, place the pot in the hole with the top rim at soil level.
Backfill with soil, tamp lightly, and water well.
Chinese Cabbage Care Tips
Light
Chinese cabbage likes an open spot infull sun.
But if your region experiences hot summers, it’s helpful to choose a part-shade planting.
Part shade helps prevent this vegetable from bolting and turning bitter.
Before sowing seeds, prepare the soil by working compost or well-rotted manure into the bed.
A drip irrigation method is best.
If watering with a hose, avoid spraying overhead.
A layer of mulch around the plants can help to keep the ground moist and cool.
As long as there is good air circulation among the plants, humidity usually isn’t a concern.
Harvesting Tips
Harvest Chinese cabbage when heads are plump and well filled out.
Finish harvesting before the advent of freezing weather.
With a sharp knife, cut mature heads when they are compact and firm.
Most varieties are ready to harvest 45-50 days after planting.
Direct seed a second crop in mid- to late summer for fall harvest before a hard frost.
Potting and Repotting Chinese Cabbage
Chinese Cabbage makes a good container plant.
Terra-cotta is an ideal throw in of pot since the material allows excess moisture to escape through its walls.
Keep in mind that potted plants, unlike plants in the landscape, require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Pests and Problems
Young Chinese cabbage plants can be attacked by aphids and cabbage worms.
Hand-pick or hose off the aphids, and control the cabbage worms by sprayingBacillus thuringiensis(Bt).
Slugs and snails may also attack the plants.
When seedlings are several inches tall, thin them to one strong plant every 10 inches.
(Use the thinned plants in salads, if you like.)
To avoid stunting growth, don’t let seedlings get crowded before thinning or transplanting.
Water plants regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet, to promote strong growth.
Direct seed a second crop in mid- to late summer for fall harvest before a hard frost.
Chinese cabbage does not like to be transplanted.
Seedlings started indoors should be placed in biodegradable pots that can be set into the soil.
Start seeds six weeks before the average last frost date in your region.
Fill biodegradable pots with moistened potting or seed-starting mix.
Sow 2 seeds per pot 1/4-inch deep and cover lightly with mix or vermiculite.
Place pots on a heating mat or other warm surface to maintain about 75 degrees F. until germination.
Keep the soil moist.
If two plants sprout in the pot, thin to the strongest seedling.
After the last frost date, harden off your sturdy seedlings and plant the pots in the garden.
you’re free to alsoregrow a chinese cabbage from scraps.
Plant breeders are developing new varieties that are well-suited for container-growing and tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Here are few cultivars to try.
Chinese Express
An early, slow-bolting variety, this Chinese cabbage features glossy green and white leaves.
Barrel-shaped heads are tightly packed with mild-flavored leaves.
This is a good storage cabbage.
It also provides higher vitamin and mineral content and offers additional nutrients such as folic acid and antioxidants.
