Brassica rapa (Pekinensis Group)

This group includes Chinese cabbage and Napa cabbage and are cool-weather annuals or biennials in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and originated in China. The genus name is Latin for cabbage.

This plant will grow 1-2 feet tall in full sun in fertile amended well-drained moist garden soils. You can use transplants or direct sow seeds inJuly for a fall crop or in early spring (around March) for a later crop. Get a soil test before planting and fertilize according to recommendations. 

This variety produces a dense, tall, barrel-shaped head.  The leaves that grow in an erect form are pale, thin and tender.  It can be harvested when the heads are a usable size.  They should feel firm and dense.  If not, they need more time before harvesting.  Once mature, harvest promptly as it tends to lose its quality.  The appearance of a flower stalk, calling bolting, signals the end of leaf growth, leaving the leaf with a bitter taste.  

Use them in an edible garden, a border or plant among the perennials for fall/winter interest.

Problems, Pests and Diseases: aphids, whiteflies, flea beetles, and caterpillars such as cabbage loopers, cutworms, and beet army worms. Slugs and snails may also be a problem. Diseases include club root, white rust, leaf spot, and rots such as damping off and bacterial soft rot.