garden
Napa cabbage
Brassica rapa var. pekinensis
Edible
Overview
A mild, sweet, barrel-shaped Chinese cabbage that is the base of kimchi, the Korean national dish. Its tender, crisp leaves with thick white ribs are incredibly versatile, equally at home in salads, stir-fries, and slow-braised dishes. Napa cabbage matures quickly in cool weather and is more tender and delicately flavored than European cabbage varieties.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones4 — 9
Height0.4m
Spread0.3m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeRich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of nitrogen
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost; bolts easily in long days |
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Jun — Jul | Direct sow midsummer for fall harvest — more reliable than spring |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Aug — Oct | Harvest when heads are firm; cut at base; withstands light frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Jul — Aug | Summer sow for fall harvest; heads form as days shorten |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Sep — Nov | Fall harvest; excellent for kimchi and stir-fry |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Jul — Aug | Fall crop is best; spring plantings bolt in warming days |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Sep — Nov | Harvest before hard freeze; or protect with row cover |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Fall sow for winter harvest; needs 60-70 days |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Nov — Jan (wraps) | Winter harvest from fall sowing |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Nov | Cool-season crop only; heads best in short days |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Jan (wraps) | Harvest during coolest months |
Uses
Culinary
- Essential base for Korean kimchi
- Stir-fried in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine
- Raw in salads and slaws
Medicinal
- Rich in glucosinolates with cancer-protective properties
- High in vitamin C and folate
- Fiber-rich for digestive health
Other Uses
- Fast-growing cool-season crop for succession planting
