Brassica rapa Pekinensis Group
Chinese cabbage
Cultivated for its edible leaves, this group has been bred as chinese cabbage, sometimes also known as napa cabbage. It originates from a wild ancestor - field mustard. It is a biennial plant, ofter grown as annual, producing large, approximately 30cm tall heads of pale green, crinkled leaves with white midrib and veins
Synonyms
Brassica pekinensisSize
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | |||
| Autumn | Green White | |||
| Winter | Green White |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Tufted
- Genus
Brassicas can be annual, biennial or perennial plants, most are upright with alternate, often glaucous leaves, long taproots and clusters of cross-shaped, yellow or white flowers. The genus includes a number of species bred to produce food crops, such as cabbages, turnips, mustards and oilseed rape, as well as others grown for their ornamental value
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Sow seed outdoors in deep, fertile but firm, soil that isn't too acidic. If space is limited, start the seeds in modules or seedtrays and plant outside when big enough to handle easily (about 5 or 6 small leaves). Follow chinese-cabbage cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to flea beetle, cabbage root fly, caterpillars, pigeons and snails, although once plants are established, this damage isn't usually severe. Mealy cabbage aphid may also spoil the harvest
Diseases
May be susceptible to brassica downy mildew and brassica white blister. In areas where brassicas have been grown before, club root can build up in the soil
Get involved
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