An awesome, healthy, and delicious salad choice, Chinese cabbage is an amazing veggie to grow. Plus, it’s low in calories and thus, ideal for those on a weight loss journey.
Luckily, by following these several tips and tricks, you can grow it at home in pots-from now on, you’ll always have fresh salad at your hand’s reach.
Pretty awesome, isn’t it?
What Is Chinese cabbage (Napa Cabbage)?
This veggie is part of the brassica family and it’s available worldwide; you can find it in supermarkets or at farmer’s markets.
But, there’s nothing better than having your own supply of Chinese cabbage-enjoy its sweet and fresh flavor and soft taste with your meals straight from your garden.
It grows well in any climate-just like other cabbages do.
There are a lot of varieties that can be found and grown; here are some of the most popular ones:
- China pride-this variety has dark green heads and is tolerant to burn and bolting-expect harvest within 70 days.
- Blues-bluish-green variety shaped like a barrel. It can be grown in spring or early summer-expect harvest in 60 days.
- Rubicon-it’s resistant to bolt and it matures early, around 50 days.
After choosing your favorite variety, choose a suitable container. Opt for an 8 inch one with drainage system on the bottom. You can set two plants in a 12-inch planter if you want to.
You can grow it from seeds-sow them in a seed-starting pot or tray, at least half-inch deep in the soil. Set them 2 to 3 inches apart from each other.
With the seeds germinating, expect the shoots within 3 to 7 days.
If you plant to plant them in the spring, grow them indoors first. When the temperature becomes 40 F or more outside, move the container outside too.
If you plant it outdoors, make sure that the last expected date of frost has passed.
When to Transplant the Chinese Cabbage?
In 2 to 3 weeks, the cabbage will be mature enough to be transplanted. Don’t do it until the last frost has passed.
To avert transplant shock, use biodegradable peat or paper pots directly into the soil.
Set the plant where it will get at least 5 hours of daily sunlight. If you live in tropical regions, grow it in partially-shaded area.
Use a moist soil that’s abundant in organic matter. You can achieve this by adding compost.
Water your Chinese cabbage regularly so that the top 4 inches of the soil are always moist. But, make sure it drains out and the roots don’t sit in water-they can rot!
The Yummiest Part: Harvesting Your Chinese Cabbage
The harvesting usually depends on the variety- generally speaking; the closed head should be hard when you apply gentle pressure. Then, pull out the plant gently and remove the outer leaves-store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
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