How to plant Chinese cabbage

Brassica rapa var. pekinensis Chinese cabbage, also called Chinese cabbage, is a vegetable whose leaves form a compact head, although there are also some cultivars that have loose leaves, without the formation of heads. Its leaves can be light green or dark green, with white or yellow leaf veins. In some places, Chinese cabbage is called chard, although the chard itself is another plant. Climate Chinese cabbage is a mild climate vegetable, growing best between 15 ° C and 20 ° C, although most cultivars withstand slightly lower temperatures. Few cultivars grow well at temperatures above 25 ° C, which are mainly loose-leaf cultivars. Brightness Chinese cabbage can be grown in direct sunlight or in partial shade with high light. Ground Although it is not demanding on the soil, Chinese cabbage will grow better if the soil is well drained, fertile and rich in organic matter. Irrigation The vegetable garden must be irrigated in order to keep the soil always moist, without being soaked. Chinese cabbage is sensitive to a lack of water. Planting The seeds can be sown in seedlings, small pots or plastic cups or newspaper, and transplanted when the seedlings have 4 to 6 leaves. Seedlings are sensitive, so avoid disturbing the plant and its roots too much. Transplant preferably in the late afternoon or on a cloudy day, with the soil well moist. The seeds can also be sown directly in the final location of the garden, or in planters and large pots. The recommended spacing between plants varies with the size of the cultivar and the growing conditions, but generally a spacing of 30 to 40 cm between the plants produces a good result. Cultivation Remove invasive plants that are competing for resources and nutrients. Harvest Harvesting of Chinese cabbage cultivars that form heads occurs from 55 to 110 days after planting, varying according to the cultivar planted and the cultivation conditions. Cut the plant approximately 2.5 cm from the soil. The stem usually sprouts, allowing for a new harvest after a few weeks. The plant can sprout several times, and can produce several crops as long as the weather conditions are favorable. For loose leaf cultivars, which do not form compact heads, start harvesting their leaves when the plants are well developed.