Heirloom Chinese Cabbage, known scientifically as Brassica rapa, is a versatile leafy green with a rich history of cultivation that spans centuries. Cherished for its tender texture, mildly sweet flavor, and high nutritional value, this cabbage variety has been a staple ingredient in traditional Asian cuisine and is gaining popularity among gardeners worldwide.
Unlike modern hybrids, heirloom varieties of Chinese cabbage retain their original characteristics, carrying unique flavors and resilient traits that make them especially well suited for home gardens. With robust adaptability to cooler weather and disease resistance developed over generations, heirloom Chinese cabbage can thrive without the intensive care some modern varieties require.
This comprehensive Heirloom Chinese Cabbage planting guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to grow heirloom Chinese cabbage successfully, from seed to harvest, ensuring you reap the rewards of a nutritious and delicious crop that’s as rewarding to grow as it is to enjoy in your kitchen.
Quick Start Heirloom Chinese Cabbage Planting Guide – Complete Planting Guide Below
Heirloom / Open Pollinated Chinese Cabbages are biennial but sometimes produce seed in one season. They grow best where the summers are mild. Direct seed Heirloom / Open Pollinated Chinese Cabbage in the spring, after danger of frost (often frost will cause premature bolting). Plant Chinese Cabbage in full sun. In mild winter regions can also be planted in late summer or fall for a late fall harvest. Plant Heirloom / Open Pollinated Chinese Cabbage seeds ¼ – ½” deep, 4-6″ apart, in rows 2-3′ apart. Germination usually occurs in 5-10 days at 75-85°F. Thin plants to 8-12″. Cut whole heads at soil level when they are compact and firm and before seed stalks form. For fall harvests bring in before freezing weather arrives.
The Complete Planting Guide for Heirloom Chinese Cabbage: From Seed to Harvest
Table of Contents
Understanding Heirloom Chinese Cabbage
Heirloom Chinese cabbage varieties come in an appealing range of shapes, sizes, and textures, with the two most common types being Napa and Michihili. These varieties differ not only in appearance but also in their culinary uses and growth habits, allowing gardeners to select the type that best suits their needs.
Napa cabbage, also known as “Chinese celery cabbage,” typically has a compact, cylindrical head with tightly wrapped, crinkled leaves that are light green to yellowish in color. Its dense, tender leaves are ideal for stir-fries, soups, and kimchi, providing a mild flavor that complements a variety of dishes.
Michihili, on the other hand, presents a taller and more elongated shape with a slightly looser leaf structure. This variety often grows with a lighter, more delicate texture, making it perfect for fresh salads or light cooking methods that highlight its gentle, mildly sweet taste.
Both Napa and Michihili types are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C, calcium, and fiber, which not only support a balanced diet but also add significant health benefits. These heirloom Chinese cabbage varieties are ideal for adding nutritious greens to meals, making them popular choices among health-conscious gardeners and cooks alike.
Choosing the Right Planting Season
Chinese cabbage is a cool season crop that thrives in mild weather. Extreme temperatures can cause plants to bolt, where they produce seeds prematurely rather than forming the desired heads. Here’s when to plant for the best results:
- Spring Planting: In areas with mild summers, sow heirloom Chinese cabbage seeds in early spring once the danger of frost has passed.
- Fall Planting: In regions with mild winters, a second planting in late summer or early fall provides a fall harvest, as Chinese cabbage prefers the cooler autumn temperatures for growth.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
The success of planting heirloom Chinese cabbage lies in selecting the right site and preparing the soil.
- Location: Choose a spot in full sun for optimal growth, as heirloom Chinese cabbage requires ample sunlight for robust development.
- Soil Preparation: The ideal soil for Chinese cabbage is rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Enhance soil fertility by incorporating organic compost or aged manure, which provides the necessary nutrients for cabbage plants.
- Drainage: Ensure the soil is well-drained, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot. If your garden has poor drainage, consider raised beds to improve soil aeration and drainage.
Planting Heirloom Chinese Cabbage
Now that you have a good site and soil, it’s time to start planting. Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to grow heirloom Chinese cabbage from seed.
Direct Seeding Instructions
- Sowing Depth and Spacing: Plant heirloom Chinese cabbage seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep, spacing them 4-6 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart.
- Germination Requirements: Chinese cabbage seeds typically germinate within 5-10 days at temperatures between 75°F and 85°F.
- Thinning: Once the seedlings have emerged and grown a few inches tall, thin the plants to 8-12 inches apart. This spacing allows each cabbage plant to form a full head without competition for nutrients and sunlight.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. A steady water supply is essential for Chinese cabbage, especially in warmer weather. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture.
Transplanting Seedlings
If you prefer to start heirloom Chinese cabbage indoors, transplanting can be an option. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date, then transplant outdoors when seedlings are around 3-4 inches tall, spacing them 8-12 inches apart.
Proper Care for Heirloom Chinese Cabbage
Once your heirloom Chinese cabbage is planted, follow these care guidelines to ensure healthy, productive plants.
Fertilizing
- Balanced Fertilizer: Cabbage plants are heavy feeders, requiring a well-balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply a side dressing of compost or a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
- Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Too much nitrogen can encourage lush foliage but hinder head formation. Follow package instructions for any fertilizers to prevent over-fertilizing.
Watering
Consistent moisture is crucial for cabbage growth. Water deeply once or twice a week, adjusting frequency based on rainfall and soil type. Ensure plants receive 1-1.5 inches of water per week, particularly during warmer periods.
Harvesting Heirloom Chinese Cabbage
Knowing when and how to harvest is critical to maximizing your heirloom Chinese cabbage crop.
- Timing the Harvest: Chinese cabbage is ready to harvest when the heads are firm, compact, and reach the desired size, typically 70-90 days after planting, depending on the variety.
- Harvesting Technique: To harvest, cut the head at soil level, leaving the outer leaves and roots in the ground if you wish for a potential second smaller harvest. This technique is known as a “cut-and-come-again” method and works well for tender, smaller heads.
- Fall Harvest Precautions: For fall crops, harvest the cabbage before the first hard frost. Heirloom Chinese cabbage can tolerate light frosts but may not withstand prolonged freezing conditions without damage.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best care, gardeners may face challenges when planting heirloom Chinese cabbage. Here are some common issues and tips to overcome them:
- Premature Bolting: Early flowering, or bolting, can occur if plants experience temperature fluctuations or drought stress. Try shading young plants in extreme heat and keep the soil consistently moist to prevent this.
- Poor Head Formation: Insufficient spacing or nutrient imbalances can lead to loose, poorly formed heads. Follow proper spacing guidelines, and avoid excessive nitrogen application.
Managing Pests and Diseases in Heirloom Chinese Cabbage
Keeping heirloom Chinese cabbage healthy throughout the growing season requires vigilant pest and disease management. Like other Brassica family plants, Chinese cabbage is susceptible to several pests and diseases, but with proactive care and organic strategies, you can protect your plants without relying on chemical interventions. Below are common challenges and effective methods for managing them.
Common Pests and Organic Control Methods
- Cabbage Worms: Cabbage worms, the larvae of the small white cabbage butterfly, can cause significant damage by eating large holes in the leaves.
- Control: Regularly inspect your plants for the small green worms and remove them by hand. Use row covers to protect young plants and prevent butterflies from laying eggs on the leaves.
- Biological Control: Introduce beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that prey on cabbage worms. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), an organic pesticide effective against caterpillars, but harmless to other wildlife.
- Flea Beetles: Flea beetles are tiny black or bronze insects that chew small holes in leaves, making them appear “shotgunned.” Young plants are especially vulnerable to damage.
- Control: Use floating row covers to protect seedlings from beetles. Sticky traps around the garden can help catch adult beetles.
- Soil Management: Rotate crops yearly to minimize flea beetle populations in the soil. Growing radishes as a trap crop around cabbage plants can also attract flea beetles away from your main crop.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can weaken plants and spread diseases.
- Control: Spray plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids or apply insecticidal soap to affected areas. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nitrogen encourages aphid populations.
- Companion Planting: Planting dill, cilantro, or nasturtium nearby can attract predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are nocturnal caterpillars that sever young plants at the base, especially when they are still tender seedlings.
- Control: Place collars around the stems of young plants as a barrier. You can make collars from cardboard or aluminum foil. Check the soil around plants for cutworms and remove any you find.
- Soil Preparation: Till the soil in early spring to expose and disrupt cutworm larvae before planting.
Preventing and Managing Common Diseases
- Clubroot: Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that causes swollen, misshapen roots, leading to stunted growth and wilted leaves. It is particularly challenging because it can persist in soil for many years.
- Prevention: Practice crop rotation and avoid planting Chinese cabbage or other Brassicas in the same spot for at least 4 years. Maintain a slightly alkaline soil pH (7.2-7.5), as clubroot thrives in acidic soils. Adding lime to the soil can help raise the pH.
- Sanitation: Remove infected plants from the garden to prevent spreading.
- Black Rot: Black rot is a bacterial disease that causes yellow, V-shaped lesions on leaf edges, which then turn brown or black. It is often spread by contaminated seeds or soil.
- Prevention: Use certified disease-free seeds and rotate crops yearly. Avoid overhead watering, as excess moisture can exacerbate the spread of black rot.
- Sanitation: Remove and destroy any infected plants. If you have had issues with black rot in the past, consider using resistant varieties of Chinese cabbage.
- Downy Mildew: This fungal disease appears as yellow or brown patches on the upper leaf surfaces, with a fuzzy white growth underneath. It is common in cool, damp conditions.
- Prevention: Improve airflow around plants by spacing them appropriately and avoid overhead watering. Water early in the day to allow the leaves to dry out before evening.
- Organic Fungicide: Apply an organic fungicide, such as copper-based sprays, as a preventive measure, especially if you’ve had mildew issues in previous seasons.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and thrives in warm, dry conditions.
- Control: Increase spacing between plants to improve air circulation. Remove affected leaves, as powdery mildew spreads quickly.
- Organic Remedies: Spraying a mixture of milk and water (1:10 ratio) or a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon of baking soda per gallon of water) on affected leaves can help slow down the spread of the fungus.
General Tips for Pest and Disease Prevention
- Crop Rotation: Rotating crops is one of the most effective ways to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests. Avoid planting Chinese cabbage and other Brassica family plants in the same spot for at least three years.
- Good Garden Hygiene: Clear away any plant debris at the end of each growing season, as pests and diseases can overwinter in dead leaves and stems.
- Healthy Soil: Maintaining soil health with adequate organic matter, good drainage, and balanced nutrients helps plants resist diseases naturally.
- Companion Planting: Certain companion plants like garlic, marigolds, and nasturtium can repel pests or attract beneficial insects that prey on common cabbage pests.
- Proper Watering Practices: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves and reducing conditions that encourage fungal diseases.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines, you can keep your heirloom Chinese cabbage plants healthy and thriving while minimizing pest and disease problems. With regular monitoring, proactive practices, and a few organic methods, you’ll be well-equipped to protect your cabbage crop and enjoy a bountiful harvest without heavy reliance on chemicals. Integrated pest management not only preserves the health of your cabbage plants but also contributes to a balanced garden ecosystem, helping you cultivate heirloom Chinese cabbage with confidence.
Storing and Preserving Heirloom Chinese Cabbage
Once you’ve successfully harvested your heirloom Chinese cabbage, proper storage and preservation techniques will help you enjoy its fresh, crisp flavor long after harvest. Chinese cabbage is versatile, and preserving it can add even more ways to enjoy this nutritious leafy green. Here are some of the best ways to store and preserve heirloom Chinese cabbage for both short- and long-term use.
Short-Term Storage
For fresh use, heirloom Chinese cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator. Follow these steps to maximize its shelf life:
- Refrigeration: Store Chinese cabbage heads in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator to maintain optimal humidity levels. Wrap the cabbage loosely in a plastic bag to retain moisture without trapping too much humidity, which can lead to spoilage.
- Ideal Temperature: The best temperature range for storing fresh cabbage is between 32°F and 36°F (0°C to 2°C). When kept at this temperature, fresh cabbage can last for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Avoiding Moisture Buildup: Check the cabbage periodically for any signs of excess moisture buildup, which can cause rot. If needed, rewrap the cabbage in a new bag or add a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
Freezing is an effective method for preserving heirloom Chinese cabbage if you have a large harvest and wish to store it for several months. Freezing will slightly change the texture, making it better suited for cooked dishes like soups, stir-fries, or casseroles. Here’s how to prepare and freeze cabbage:
- Blanching: Start by cutting the cabbage into smaller pieces, as desired, then blanch in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes. Blanching helps preserve the cabbage’s color, flavor, and nutrients by halting enzyme activity.
- Cooling: After blanching, immediately transfer the cabbage to an ice water bath for another 1-2 minutes to cool it down and prevent overcooking.
- Drying: Drain and pat the cabbage dry to remove excess moisture, as this can cause ice crystals to form during freezing.
- Freezing: Spread the cabbage pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cabbage to airtight freezer bags or containers. Label and date the containers for easy use. Frozen cabbage will keep for up to 10-12 months.
Fermenting and Making Kimchi
One of the most popular ways to preserve heirloom Chinese cabbage is by fermenting it into kimchi, a traditional Korean dish known for its tangy, spicy flavor and probiotic health benefits. Fermentation not only extends the cabbage’s shelf life but also transforms its flavor, adding depth and complexity.
- Preparing the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage into pieces and soak in a salt brine for several hours to soften and draw out excess moisture.
- Seasoning: Create a paste with ingredients like garlic, ginger, chili powder, and fish sauce or soy sauce, then mix thoroughly with the cabbage.
- Packing and Fermenting: Pack the seasoned cabbage tightly into a clean, sterilized jar, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal the jar and let it ferment at room temperature for 1-2 days, then transfer it to the refrigerator. The kimchi will continue to develop its flavor and can be kept refrigerated for several months.
Pickling
Pickling Chinese cabbage is another way to enjoy its flavor and extend its shelf life. Pickled cabbage has a milder taste than kimchi, making it an excellent addition to sandwiches, salads, or side dishes.
- Creating a Brine: Make a brine by dissolving salt and sugar in a mixture of vinegar and water. You can also add spices like mustard seeds, peppercorns, or bay leaves to customize the flavor.
- Packing the Jars: Cut the cabbage into pieces and pack them tightly into sterilized jars. Pour the brine over the cabbage, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
- Refrigeration: Seal the jars and refrigerate. Pickled cabbage can be enjoyed after 24 hours, with flavors intensifying over time. It will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 months.
Dehydrating
Dehydrating Chinese cabbage is a lesser-known but effective way to preserve it, especially if you enjoy adding it to soups or stews. Dehydrated cabbage is lightweight and can be stored without refrigeration.
- Preparation: Chop the cabbage into small pieces and blanch for 1-2 minutes to preserve color and flavor.
- Dehydrating: Spread the pieces in a single layer on dehydrator trays, ensuring they don’t overlap. Dry at 125°F (52°C) for 6-10 hours or until completely brittle.
- Storage: Store the dehydrated cabbage in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Rehydrate in water before adding to soups or casseroles, or use it as is in recipes that call for dried vegetables.
Conclusion
Storing and preserving heirloom Chinese cabbage can enhance your kitchen with a variety of flavors and textures. Whether you’re keeping it fresh for quick meals or preserving it for long-term use, each method allows you to enjoy this nutritious vegetable year-round. By using these techniques, you can reduce waste, save time, and have flavorful, home-grown heirloom Chinese cabbage ready whenever you need it.
Saving Seeds from Heirloom Chinese Cabbage
One of the great advantages of growing heirloom Chinese cabbage is the opportunity to save seeds for future planting, preserving the unique traits of your plants and reducing the need to purchase seeds each year. Seed saving from heirloom varieties, including Brassica rapa (Chinese cabbage), helps maintain biodiversity and allows gardeners to pass down valuable plant genetics from one season to the next. With a few careful steps, you can successfully save seeds from heirloom Chinese cabbage for replanting.
Step 1: Understanding the Lifecycle of Heirloom Chinese Cabbage
Heirloom Chinese cabbages are biennials, meaning they typically take two years to complete their lifecycle. In the first year, they grow leaves and form heads; in the second year, they bolt and produce seeds. However, in regions with warm climates, or under specific conditions, Chinese cabbage can sometimes bolt and produce seeds within a single growing season. To save seeds, you’ll need to encourage some of your plants to complete this lifecycle and set seeds.
Step 2: Selecting the Best Plants for Seed Saving
Choose only the healthiest, most robust plants for seed saving to ensure that future generations carry strong genetic traits. Look for plants with the best leaf structure, strong growth, disease resistance, and high yield. Avoid saving seeds from plants that bolted prematurely, as this trait can pass on to subsequent generations, leading to crops that go to seed before forming heads.
Step 3: Encouraging Bolting for Seed Production
If your heirloom Chinese cabbage does not bolt in the first season, allow a few plants to overwinter in your garden, if your climate permits. If you live in an area where winter temperatures drop significantly, you can dig up the plants before the first hard frost, store them in a cool place with moderate humidity (like a root cellar or cold garage), and replant them in the garden once temperatures begin to warm in early spring. The plants will recognize the new growing season as the second year of their lifecycle and should bolt, flowering and forming seed pods.
Step 4: Harvesting and Processing Seeds
Once the cabbage plants flower, they will form seed pods as the flowers mature. Here’s how to harvest seeds successfully:
- Wait for Maturity: Allow the seed pods to mature fully on the plant. The pods will turn a brownish color when ready, indicating the seeds inside have ripened.
- Harvesting: When most of the pods have matured, cut the entire plant or stalks with pods. Be careful not to shake the pods too much, as they can split open, scattering the seeds.
- Drying: Hang the plants or lay the stalks on a cloth in a dry, well-ventilated area to dry further for about 1-2 weeks.
- Threshing: Once the pods are completely dry, gently crush them to release the seeds. This process, known as threshing, can be done by hand or by placing the pods in a cloth bag and lightly pressing to separate the seeds from the pods.
- Cleaning: Separate the seeds from any remaining plant debris by using a sieve or by gently blowing on the seeds to remove lighter chaff.
Step 5: Storing Seeds Properly
Proper storage is essential to maintain seed viability for future planting. Follow these steps to store heirloom Chinese cabbage seeds effectively:
- Dry Storage: Ensure the seeds are completely dry before storing, as residual moisture can lead to mold or rot.
- Cool, Dark Location: Place seeds in a paper envelope or an airtight container. Label with the variety, date, and any important notes. Store them in a cool, dark location, such as a pantry or refrigerator.
- Optimal Conditions: Chinese cabbage seeds can remain viable for 3-5 years if stored properly. Periodically check stored seeds to ensure they remain dry and free from mold.
Step 6: Testing Seed Viability
Before planting saved seeds, it’s helpful to check their viability. To test, place a few seeds on a damp paper towel, fold it, and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Keep the bag in a warm spot and check for germination after 5-10 days. If most seeds sprout, your stored seeds are viable and ready for planting.
Benefits of Saving Heirloom Chinese Cabbage Seeds
By saving seeds, you ensure that future crops maintain the unique characteristics of heirloom Chinese cabbage, from taste and texture to resilience in your specific climate. Seed saving also promotes biodiversity and sustainability, helping preserve traditional plant varieties that might otherwise be lost. Plus, it’s a rewarding experience that strengthens your connection to the entire gardening process, allowing you to take part in an age-old tradition of nurturing and conserving plant life for generations to come.
Conclusion
Growing heirloom Chinese cabbage can be rewarding, yielding fresh, flavorful heads for salads, stir-fries, and soups. By following this heirloom Chinese cabbage planting guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and techniques for a productive cabbage patch. Remember, starting with nutrient-rich soil, providing consistent moisture, and managing pests naturally are key steps in how to grow heirloom Chinese cabbage successfully.
With patience and practice, you’ll enjoy a successful harvest of heirloom Chinese cabbage, a staple in many traditional and modern dishes. Happy planting!
