THE CHINESE CABBAGES - Growing Chinese Vegetables in Your Own Backyard - page 94

How to Grow
Getting started. Chinese cabbage is a cool-weather crop that prefers short days. For
foolproof crops, plant in midsummer for a fall crop.
For spring planting, use a bolt-resistant variety and start seeds indoors four to five
weeks before the last frost. (See page 201.) If you sow seeds outdoors, wait until after
the last expected frost date to minimize the risk of bolting. Or take a chance and plant
outdoors at the same time you plant your lettuce. Seedlings grow well in the cool tem-
peratures, but if you have a cold spell, they may go to seed before forming a head.
When transplanting seedlings started indoors, take care to avoid disturbing the roots
and to shock the seedlings as little as possible. Whatever you can do to fool your seed-
lings into not knowing they're being transplanted improves your chances of success. Set
plants 14 to 24 inches apart (follow the spacing recommended for the specific variety).
Planting. For fall crops, plant seeds outdoors three months before the first frost date in
your area. Sow the seeds ½ inch deep and with about 1 inch between them. When the
seedlings have four true leaves and are about 4 inches high, thin the plants to 18 inches
apart in rows 18 to 30 inches apart. Eat the thinnings; they're a special treat.
Growing needs. Chinese cabbage grows well just about everywhere in the United
States. An ordinary loamy vegetable garden soil does fine if you dig in some compost
and a balanced fertilizer before planting. If your soil is acidic, be sure to add lime, since
this vegetable will not be happy in an acidic soil.
Always add lime at least two weeks before sowing. Side-dress with more compost
plus a little fertilizer when seedlings are about 4 inches high, and again every five weeks
to keep the plants growing rapidly. Chinese cabbage likes a lot of moisture, so keep it
well watered between rains.
Pest potential. Chinese cabbage is more resistant to pests and diseases than regular cab-
bage. In general cabbage-worms and other cabbage pests will pass this by.
How to Harvest
Varieties differ greatly in days to maturity. Harvest when the heads are firm and appear
fully developed.
Though heat sensitive, Chinese cabbage tolerates quite cold weather when mature.
Harvest it before a heavy frost, but don't worry if a light frost should creep up on you;
it won't spoil your crop. Once temperatures drop below 50°F, the plants stop growing,
but they stand well and you don't have to pick them immediately.
Once harvested, Chinese cabbages store well. They keep for two to three months in
a cool cellar or refrigerator. Keep an eye on them, and if they seem to be getting less
fresh-looking, pickle whatever is left. You can also freeze Chinese cabbage.