Plant Database / Vegetables / Napa Cabbage
Vegetables

Napa Cabbage

Brassica rapa pekinensis
Brassicaceae (Mustard)

The crinkly Chinese cabbage behind kimchi — sweet, mild, and best in cool weather.

EdibleCool-season
Napa Cabbage (Brassica rapa pekinensis) illustration — Texas Roots plant database, by Jordan Polasek
Sun
Full sun
Water
Even
Soil
Rich
pH
6.0–7.0
Hardiness
Cool-season
Height
12–18 in
Spacing
12 in
Days to harvest
70–80

What it is

Napa Cabbage (Brassica rapa pekinensis) is in the Brassicaceae (Mustard) family. The crinkly Chinese cabbage behind kimchi — sweet, mild, and best in cool weather.

How to grow it

It wants full sun, water it even, and give it rich soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 12 in apart. Expect roughly 70–80. Cool-season.

How it's used

Napa Cabbage is used: raw, cooked, fermented (kimchi).

🔎 How to identify it

  • Elongated pale crinkled head
  • Tightly packed leaves
  • White ribs

Edibility

PartsHead and leaves
UsesRaw, cooked, fermented (kimchi)
CautionNeeds steady cool conditions.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.

Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.