Napa Cabbage

Growing

Napa cabbage grows in the cool weather of spring and fall, so it suits early or late season garden beds. When preparing your garden, aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for good nutrient uptake. Because this is a cool-season annual, you can start seeds indoors and transplant once the danger of hard frost has passed, or sow directly into the soil once it has warmed.

Keep moisture consistent and monitor for pests. Like many members of the Brassica family, these plants contain glucosinolates, which can deter some herbivores, but you should still check your plants for emerging insect issues. If you are growing in containers, use a medium with good drainage, as the roots do not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

Harvest when the heads feel firm and well-formed. Harvest the cabbage when it is ready to use, as it does not continue to ripen once picked. For long-term use, ferment or pickle your harvest, or blanch the leaves before placing them in the freezer. To store the heads in the fridge, keep them unwashed.