Chinese cabbage

I'm interested in trying chinese cabbage this fall. Does anyone have any experiences with it and have tried to grow it. My dad used to grow it and it lasted in an old fridge in the basement for months. I always liked the taste of it fresh as a salad and want to try growing it. Wish dad could give me some advise on it but he's no longer able to help. :(

Which Type?
Brassica rapa var. pekinensis ( NAPA, Wong Bok) is a heading type mustard that comes in three types tall slim heads, barrell shaped heads, semi heading.
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Brassica rapa var. chinensis ( Pak Choi, Bok Choy) comes in full size and dwarf forms and in several color combinations.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/adv_search.php?searcher%5Bcommon%5D=Chinese+Cabbage&searcher%5Bfamily%5D=&searcher%5Bgenus%5D=&searcher%5Bspecies%5D=&searcher%5Bcultivar%5D=&searcher%5Bhybridizer%5D=&searcher%5Bgrex%5D=&search_prefs%5Bblank_cultivar%5D=&search_prefs%5Bsort_by%5D=rating&images_prefs=both&Search=Search&offset=140
http://www.evergreenseeds.com/horticuralinfo.html
All are relatively easy to grow, following the same rules as broccoli, cauliflower. Pak Choi varieties can be less tolerant of heat and quick to bolt.

It had a elongated barrel shaped head. They were tightly folded shaped like romaine lettuce shape but not opened. wow, does that make sense? Very mild taste, crispy like lettuce and not thick leaved like cabbage. With a mild cabbage taste.

Check out www.parkseed.com and search for Chinese cabbage. They have good pictures and I think you will find the kind you want.

katie

You have described the NAPA type. Several varieties are carried by all major vendors. Best selection http://www.evergreenseeds.com/headtypnapca.html http://www.kitazawaseed.com/seeds_chinese_cabbage.html http://www.johnnyseeds.com/c-333-napa-type.aspx http://twilley.imirus.com/Mpowered/book/vts11/i1/p1 http://www.stokeseeds.com/category.aspx?CategoryID=28

Johnny's Seeds says "trim heads before storing. They will keep 1-2 months at 32 F with high humidity."

I have Soloist seed, a gift from Sequee, another DG member. Want some? The heads are smaller than some chinese cabbage, gold hearts, and maybe mature 10-20 days sooner than some.

Do consider trying some Bok Choy some day: thicker sweeter stems, maybe more tender leaves. The baby leaves are like spinach in salad, when odler, boiled greens with hearty flavor. But they don't store well. I nibble on the raw stems for garden snacks, like celery but they taste good.

Corey