China King is a miniature Chinese cabbage variety that produces compact, barrel-shaped heads. The bright green and white outer leaves with pale yellow interiors make it visually appealing, while its bolt tolerance and resistance to tipburn ensure reliable growth in tight spaces. Perfect for fresh salads, stir-fries, or pickling, China King is a great option for gardeners with limited space.
Cabbage Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow cabbage seeds outdoors in early spring, 4–6 weeks before the last frost date, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Cabbage thrives in cool weather and performs best in spring and fall.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with fertile, well-draining soil. Cabbage can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Cabbage grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep and 1–2 inches apart in rows.
- Space rows 12–18 inches apart for proper airflow and ease of harvesting.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart once they are 3–4 inches tall to give plants room to grow.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during head formation.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start cabbage seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost date for an earlier harvest.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, placing 1–2 seeds per cell or pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 65–75°F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7–10 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F and plants have 4–6 true leaves. Space plants 12–18 inches apart in rows.
General Care Tips for Cabbage
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Cabbage can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: Cabbage is a heavy feeder. Enrich the soil with compost before planting and side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to encourage steady growth.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Be careful not to disturb cabbage's shallow roots when weeding.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests like cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Use row covers to protect young plants, and hand-pick pests or use organic pest control methods as needed. Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
- Harvesting: Harvest cabbage when the heads are firm and have reached their mature size, typically 70–100 days after sowing. Cut the head from the base with a sharp knife, leaving the outer leaves to decompose or regrow smaller heads.
- Storage: Store harvested cabbage in a cool, humid place like a refrigerator or root cellar. Heads can last for several weeks if properly stored.
