Napa cabbage is an excellent spring vegetable for gardeners because it is easy to grow and provides a large harvest of heads. It grows similarly to other brassica family plants, and it will be familiar to gardeners who have grown bok choy before. If you’re interested in learning how to grow Napa cabbage in your garden this spring, we can help!
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
When to Plant
Napa cabbage is sometimes planted in the early spring for midsummer harvesting, with seeds often started indoors six weeks before the last frost. In most regions, it is more common to plant napa cabbage in midsummer for fall harvest. Whenever it is planted, the heads will be ready to harvest in 70 to 90 days after seedlings sprout.
Selecting a Planting Site
The planting site must have well-draining soil to prevent rot, and it should get at least partial sun. Make sure no nearby taller plants will grow throughout the season and cause too much shade for the cabbage.
Spacing, Depth, and Support
Plant seeds roughly 1/4 inch deep. Seedlings should be spaced about 1 to 2 feet apart. In general, the more space you give them, the larger the heads will grow. A support structure isn’t necessary.
Napa Cabbage Care
Light
Napa cabbage can grow in full sun or partial shade. It typically should get at least four to five hours of direct sun each day.
Soil
Napa cabbage likes an organically rich loamy or sandy soil with sharp drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is best.
Water
A fairly moist but not soggy soil is ideal for napa cabbage. Water when the soil feels dry about an inch or two down. Regular watering will help to encourage growth and to prevent the plant from going to seed early.
Temperature and Humidity
Napa cabbage can handle both warm and cool weather. In mild climates, it can grow year-round. However, if young plants experience temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, they might bolt. The ideal soil temperature is between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity typically isn’t an issue as long as there is good air circulation around the plants to help prevent rot and fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
When planting, mix compost into the soil to enrich it. Use a balanced fertilizer on young plants, following label instructions. But stop as you see the heads develop, as too much fertilizer can cause them to split.
Pollination
Bees and other pollinators help to pollinate cabbage. However, unless you want your cabbage to go to seed, you don’t have to worry about pollination.
Harvesting Napa Cabbage
Napa cabbage is ready to harvest when the head feels firm. Gently squeeze the head to test it. A mature cabbage head that is ready to be picked will feel dense with little give. Start checking the heads at around 70 days after they’ve sprouted.
To harvest, simply use a knife to cut the head at its base. You also can pull up the entire plant, roots and all, if you wish to clear the planting site. Wrapped in plastic, the head can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
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Video source: Farm Channel
