In Season Now: Chinese Cabbage — Turner Farm (2024)

FAQs

What season do Chinese cabbage grow? ›

Chinese cabbage thrives in the cool temperatures of spring and fall. Wait until after the last frost date to direct-seed Chinese cabbage or plant transplants. For fall harvest, plant seeds directly in the garden in late summer. Consistently moist and nutrient-rich soil are key to growing Chinese cabbage.

Harvest Chinese cabbage when the heads reach a usable size. The heads should feel firm and dense when pressed. If they feel loose, they may need more time for the inner leaves to grow. To harvest, cut the head off above the outer leaves.

Shelf life: Chinese cabbage doesn't have the storage abilities of some European cabbages, but it is still a great keeper, lasting 1-2 months at most in your home refrigerator.

Napa cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis or Brassica rapa Pekinensis Group) is a type of Chinese cabbage originating near the Beijing region of China that is widely used in East Asian cuisine. Since the 20th century, it has also become a widespread crop in Europe, the Americas and Australia.

Sow in spring while the soil is still cool. Plant again in late summer for harvesting in the fall.

Cabbages are grouped according to when they're harvested. Spring cabbages, which may also be harvested young as 'spring greens,' are ready from mid to late spring. Summer cabbages crop from summer into early autumn, while fall cabbages and winter varieties cover the remainder of the year.

Summer cabbage varieties are planted in early to late spring and harvested in late summer to late fall. Summer varieties include 'Derby Day', 'Minicole, and 'Stonehead'. Winter cabbage varieties are planted in mid to late spring and harvested in late fall to late winter.

Chinese cabbage quick growing tips

Chinese cabbage must come to harvest in the cool temperatures and shorter days of spring or autumn before temperatures rise above 75°F (24°C). Plants require from 50 to 85 days to come to harvest depending upon the variety.

Chinese cabbage has blood pressure-lowering properties, which are important for controlling blood pressure. Chinese cabbage has a low calorie count despite having a tonne of fibre. Chinese cabbage can be consumed as a nutritional supplement alongside practically any meal without significantly increasing caloric intake.

Can I freeze raw Chinese cabbage? ›

The recommended methods of preserving green and Chinese cabbage are freezing or as a sauerkraut product. Frozen or dried green and Chinese cabbage are suitable only for use as cooked vegetables and used in dishes such as soups, stews and casseroles.

Separate the leaves and rinse under cold running water or soak it in cold water for 10 minutes, to remove any dirt. Another method is to pluck all the leaves from the steam, clean, and stack them before chopping the stack. Napa cabbage is commonly chopped across the veins into bite-sized pieces or shredded for slaws.

Is napa cabbage better for you than regular cabbage? Both are excellent sources of important vitamins and minerals. Regular cabbage contains more calcium, zinc and potassium than napa, but napa cabbage contains higher levels of vitamins A, B3, iron and copper. Napa is also lower in sodium than regular cabbage.

Good news! Dogs can eat all types of cabbage, including green cabbage, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, napa cabbage, and bok choy. Dogs can eat all these forms of cabbage, either cooked and raw (though cooked or puréed cabbage will be more digestible).

The Chinese cabbage, also known as the napa cabbage, is an elongated version of the regular cabbage but leafier. This is still a moderately tightly wrapped vegetable but its leaves are longer to create a longer shape. Each leaf ends in green to light green or even yellow-green leaves.

Chinese Cabbage can be grown year-round in most climates. Avoid planting in extremely hot or cold weather which can affect germination and growth.

Cabbages are grouped according to when they're harvested. Spring cabbages, which may also be harvested young as 'spring greens', are ready from mid to late spring. Summer cabbages crop from summer into early autumn, while fall cabbages and winter varieties cover the remainder of the year.

Cabbage. Cold weather won't get the best of this delicious leafy green, making it a great fall vegetable to plant. Cabbage is known to thrive in frost and is ready to pick come winter.

If you plant in the spring for summer harvest, you should start cabbage indoors. For a fall crop, plant seed directly in the garden in early July. Cabbage will tolerate below-freezing temperatures late in plant growth.