How to Grow Napa Cabbage

A cool-season brassica for the home garden across the warmer US.

Napa Cabbage is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Napa Cabbage is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the napa cabbage page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Michihili, Tall, crisp Chinese cabbage (Baker Creek)
• Blues, Heat-tolerant, slow to bolt (Johnny's Selected Seeds)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 45 cm (18 in) between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 6 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Cabbage moth and Slugs. In humid regions, Clubroot, Black rot and Downy mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Napa Cabbage is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant napa cabbage where you garden.

See also: Napa Cabbage in the plant library →

Related guides