Pak Choi is a non-heading Chinese cabbage variety with broad, celery-like white stalks and large, smooth, glossy green leaves. This mildly pungent, hardy vegetable thrives in cool climates, growing quickly while being slow to bolt. Ideal for soups, stir-fries, or fresh eating, Pak Choi is perfect for gardeners looking for a reliable and versatile leafy green.
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.
