Written by Marie Iannotti Updated 06/20/21
Source: The Spruce / K. Dave
Photo Source: Unsplash, Scott Webb
It takes a couple of months to grow cabbage, but some varieties are worth the wait. Napa cabbage—one of two Brassica rapa subspecies sometimes referred to as Chinese cabbage as they're native to China—is a large, puckered, tight-headed, fresh green with a flavor that is sweeter and milder than that of traditional cabbage. It is no more difficult to grow than traditional round-headed cabbage and is very versatile in the kitchen. The large, oblong leaves of moderate-growing Napa cabbage are crinkled and very tightly wrapped into an upright-growing head. The stalks are almost white, and the leaves are a very pale green. Napa cabbage flowers exhibit the familiar four-crossed yellow petals found in other members of the cruciferous family. However, it's best not to let a cabbage bolt (send up a flower stalk) because it signals the end of leaf growth, and this is when the leaves become bitter. Napa cabbage is sometimes planted in the early spring for mid-summer harvest, with seeds often started indoors several weeks before the last frost. In most regions, it is more common to plant Napa cabbage in mid-summer for fall harvest. Whenever it is planted, the heads will be ready to harvest in 70 to 90 days after seedlings sprout. Botanical Name Brassica rapa
Common Names Chinese cabbage, Napa cabbage, Peking cabbage, celery cabbage
Plant Type Biennial vegetable, normally harvested in the first season
Mature Size 20 in. tall, 5 in. wide
Sun Exposure Full, partial
Soil Type Rich, well-drained
Soil pH Neutral (6.5 to 7)
Bloom TimeSpring or fallFlower ColorYellowHardiness Zones4–7 (USDA)Native AreaAsia
Napa Cabbage Care
Napa cabbage is very similar to bok choy, which is merely a different sub-variety (Chenensis group) of the same species. In fact, both are often called Chinese cabbage, and both are regarded as subspecies of the turnip. Napa cabbage is said to have a milder taste.
Napa cabbage is ready to harvest when the heads feel firm: Test for maturity by squeezing them. A mature cabbage that is ready to be picked will feel dense, with little give.
Napa cabbage is a very versatile vegetable in the kitchen. It can be used in recipes calling for either regular cabbage or bok choy. Individual leaves are often used as wrappers, for steaming or blanching. It is great for a mild, Asian-inspired coleslaw and it also makes a mean Korean pickled Kimchi. Grilling it brings out its natural sweetness.
Light
Napa cabbage can grow in full sun or part shade. It should get at least four to five hours of sun each day.
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 manure. Soil pH is not a big concern but aim for something in the range of 6.5-7.0.
Water
Napa cabbage should be watered regularly to encourage growth and reduce the likelihood of the plant going to seed too early. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, either from rain or from direct irrigation. Regular watering is especially important during hot spells. Drought will cause bolting.1
Temperature and Humidity
Napa cabbage can handle both warm and cool weather. In milder climates, it will grow year-round. Most types mature in 10 to 13 weeks. 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 is not impossible to grow napa cabbage in spring and early summer, planting in mid-summer allows the plants to mature as the days cool in the fall.
Fertilizer
While napa cabbage does not absolutely require fertilization, it benefits from a topdressing of compost. Alternatively, once a head begins to form, apply fish emulsion or a 20-20-20 soluble blend.
Napa Cabbage Varieties
'Blues F1' has bluish-green leaves, is an early-season variety, and is disease- and bolt-resistant.
'Chinese Express' features glossy leaves, bolt-resistance, and late-season ripeness.
'Monument' offers tall, narrow heads, resists bolting, and matures in 80 days.
How to Grow Napa Cabbage From Seed
If you choose to plant in the spring, either direct sow or start seed indoors about four to six weeks before your last frost date. Hold off spring sowing outdoors until after your last frost date, or be prepared with some type of row covers.
Plant seeds 1/4- to 1/2- inch deep, spaced 6 inches apart. Thin the seedlings when they are a couple of inches tall (you can eat the pulled plants). If you are growing full-sized plants, thin to a spacing of 12 to 18 inches to give the heads plenty of room to develop.
Common Pests/Diseases Napa cabbage does not share the advantage of the quick growth of many other Asian greens. This makes it a target for the usual line-up of brassica pests and diseases, including clubroot, cabbage yellows, black rot, and blackleg.2 Do not plant napa cabbage in a spot that had Brassicas growing in it previously, since these common pathogens may persist in the soil. In addition to cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, and flea beetles, be on the lookout for slugs and cabbage root maggots.3 Whiteflies and aphids are less of a problem.
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What ways can you grow your Napa cabbage organically? Besides kimchi what other ways can you cook Napa cabbage? How can Napa cabbage improve your diet?
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