Question about when u can plant Chinese cabbage outdoors.

[Kaleva]

Last edited Sun Jul 29, 2018, 10:56 PM - Edit history (1)

I want to make Kimchi next year and the main ingredient is Chinese cabbage.

But when reading about when to plant it, I see conflicting directions. Some say to start the seeds indoors and then transplant outside when danger of frost has passed. Other sites say one can sow the seeds outdoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date which is June 4th for where I live.

Edit: Several sites recommend planting later in the growing season as a fall crop.

[NutmegYankee]

1. With leafy vegetables like that, I usually start indoors just to get a jump on the season.

Cabbage has some cold tolerance (~25 F), but it takes forever to grow from seed when the soil is cold.

[Kaleva]

3. Other sites I've been reading say Chinese cabbage is best grown as a fall crop.

The soil would warm for direct seeding as you point out and the plant prefers cooler weather which comes in the fall.

[NutmegYankee]

4. I do two seasons in Connecticut for leafy veggies.

Spring planting in late April with a frost cover, before they bolt in late May/Early June, then another season in early September with some frost covers/cold frame in Oct.

[teach1st]

2. Chinese cabbage doesn't like hot weather

Grow it in spring or fall. From my attempts at growing it in Hawai'i, the temp has to be below 80F on most days. It only takes a few weeks from seed.

https://harvesttotable.com/how_to_grow_chinese_cabbage/

[NJCher]

5. depends on soil temperature

your farm extension service should have a map telling soil temp; if not, use a meat thermometer.

Google "soil temperature cabbage seeds" and you'll get the temp.

You're prol'ly going to need cooler temps, Lettuce, for example, will not germinate until the soil is cooler.



p.s. my soil temp in Jersey is around 86 now.