Chinese cabbage care guide
Brassica rapa var. pekinensis
Also known as: Napa cabbage, Mini napa cabbage
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Chinese cabbage
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide, checking each morning after sowing or planting, when it dries fast.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 2 days
- The head forms and fills now and uses plenty of water; as a guide, water at the base about when the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 5 days
- While it waits for harvest, water on a mild morning about two to three days after the soil dries, as a guide.
Light and placement for Chinese cabbage
A sunny, airy spot outdoors is about right; it dislikes heat and humidity and is generally grown in the cool of autumn, under an insect net from sowing or planting on.
Overwintering Chinese cabbage
Overwintering guide: −3°C (27°F) or above
It takes light frost but suffers in hard or repeated freezes; tying the outer leaves over the head around the first frost protects the inside, and harvest is generally finished by about January.
Fertilizing and repotting Chinese cabbage
Fertilizer
A fast grower and heavy feeder: with a base fertilizer in the soil, a small side-dressing about every two weeks from two weeks after planting until heading begins is the usual guide, as an early shortage stops the head forming.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Chinese cabbage
- Sown or planted too late, it fails to form a head before the cold sets in.
- Caterpillars, cutworms, and aphids eat their way into the head.
- In wet, stuffy soil the base turns soft and rots.
Tips for growing Chinese cabbage
- For planters, mini varieties ready in about 60 to 80 days are the easiest.
- Sow from late August to early September, as a guide, and set out seedlings within September.
- When the top feels firm and tight, cut the head off at the base.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
