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Chinese Cabbage - Key Growing Information
CULTURE: Spring-planted crops: Sow 2 seeds per cell, 1/4" deep in 72-cell plug trays. If possible, keep soil temperatures above 75°F (24°C) until germination and then maintain air temperature to 60–70°F (16–21°C). Transplant out in 3–5 weeks, around the last frost date (see BOLTING below), taking care not to disturb roots; water-in plants. Summer/fall-planted crops: Start seedlings as described above in mid to late June or direct seed from late May to mid-July as described below.
DIRECT SEEDING: Sow 3–4 seeds every 12–18" (thin to one plant) in rows 18-30" apart from late May to mid-July.
BOLTING: This crop performs best in the gradually decreasing day length and cooler temperatures of late summer, but can be grown successfully in the spring if careful attention is paid to prevent bolting. For spring and early summer transplanted crops, be sure to wait until the last frost date to transplant or direct-seed the crop. Young plants may bolt to seed prematurely if they are exposed to frost or over a week of sub 50°F (10°C) nights.
DISEASES: Adhere strictly to a preventive program including: (1) long crop rotations with non-brassica crops, (2) clean starting mixes and outdoor seedbeds, and (3) strict sanitation practices. Johnny's Selected Seeds only sells seed lots of Chinese cabbage that have tested negative for black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) and black leg (Phoma lingam).
INSECT PESTS: Control flea beetles and cabbage root maggots with floating row covers from day of planting.
STORAGE: Heads will store 1–2 months in a near-freezing, humid cooler, or in a root cellar if trimmed and wrapped in newspaper.
HARVEST: Cut when heads are very firm.
DAYS TO MATURITY: From transplanting; add 14–21 days for direct seeding.
AVG. PRECISION SEEDING RATE: 1,000 seeds/333', 5M/1,666', 66M/acre at 3 seeds/ft. in rows 2' apart.
TRANSPLANTS: Avg. 700 plants/1,000 seeds.
SEED SPECS: SEEDS/LB.: Avg. 136,800.
PACKET: 100 seeds, sows 33'.