Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Moderate
- Grown as
- Biennial
- Days to Maturity
- 65-70 (Spring/Summer), 70-85 (Fall/Winter)
- Growing Habit
- -
- Hardiness
- Hardy
Very hardy and can withstand early frost once plant is established.
- Crops
- Spring Transplant, Fall
- Growing Season
- Long
- Cultivar Type
- -
- Growing Conditions
- Cold, Cool
Chinese Cabbage has a reputation of being rather difficult to grow. This is because of its tendency to bolt prematurely if exposed to almost any kind of interruption in its growth.
- Outdoor Growing Temp
- 40°F - 75°F
- Min Outdoor Soil Temp
- 40°F
If you are growing cabbage in cool weather, they should be planted in a warm sheltered place, with full sun.
- Start Indoors
- Yes
- Start Outdoors
- Yes
- Light
- Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool)
Fun sun or partial shade in warm climates
- Water
- Moderate
Cabbages need a regular water supply to grow well, so keep the soil evenly moist. Heads may split if a heavy rain follows a long dry spell without irrigation.
- Feeder
- Heavy
Cabbages are hungry plants and must have rich soil if they are to produce well. They prefer heavy soil with lots of organic matter to retain moisture and lots of available nutrients (especially potassium and phosphorus). They don't need a lot of nitrogen however, as this can lead to sappy growth that isn't very hardy. Early varieties require a higher soil fertility than mid or late-season varieties.
- Suitability
- Tolerates light frost, Partial shade
- Small Gardens?
- Yes
- Containers?
- Yes
Choose a container that is at least 12" deep and 14" wide. Make sure that your container has at least one drainage hole and fill with a mixture of potting soil and compost. Place your container in full sun as long as the temperature allows for this. In warmer climates, Napa Bilko will need shade. Make sure the soils stays moist by watering regularly.
- Attracts beneficial insects?
- No
- Color
- Green
- Fruit Size
- 8.0 - 10.0"
- Plant Height
- 10.0 - 12.0"
- Plant Diameter
- 6.0 - 8.0"
- Hardiness Zone
- 2-11
- Disease Resistance
- -
- Taste Profile
Sweet mild flavor good for stir fry or braised, also adds depth of flavor to soups.
- Rotation Group
- Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens