How to Grow Chinese Cabbage

Intermediate

Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis

A fast-growing cool-season brassica forming cylindrical heads with crisp, mild leaves. Excellent raw in slaws or cooked in stir-fries. Bolts readily in heat or long days — primarily a fall crop.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
50–85 days
typical
Per Square Foot
1
Plant Spacing
30 cm / 12"
Sun
6+ hours
Water
1.5" / 38 mm
Fertilization
heavy feeder

Growing Notes

Start indoors 5 weeks before last frost for spring crop, or direct sow 8–10 weeks before first fall frost. Fall crops are more reliable — shorter days and cooling temps prevent bolting. Harvest when heads feel firm.

Popular Varieties

1 chinese cabbage cultivars in our catalog.

Napa (Chinese)
60–70 days Open-Pollinated

crisp mild sweet leaves; Wong Bok type; bolt-resistant; excellent for stir-fries kimchi and wraps

Height
12–16" (30–41 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
4.0 lb (1800 g)
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
2–10
Seed saving
difficult
Seed viability
4 years

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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