DescriptionHoushu Chinese Cabbage SeedsScientific Name: Brassica rapaFamily: MustardType: Hardy AnnualNative Range: Canada; Greenland; Lower 48 States; Pacific Basin excluding Hawaii; Puerto Rico;Hardiness Zones: 3-10; cole crops and their waxy leaves are particularly well-suited to colder growing regions, especially if adapted to the area; usually withstands a couple of frosts; even if outside of cabbage is frost-damaged, outer leaves can still be removed for edible cabbage;Soil Requirements: Clay-loam soil with pH close to neutral; may require calcium or boron; heavy feeder and should have plenty of compost; mulching will help to keep soil evenly moist in hot weather;Light Preference: Partial to full sunWater: Keep evenly moistDays until Germination: 5-17 daysSowing: For early planting, start houshu chinese cabbage seeds indoors with soil temperatures around 60°; plant 3-4 seeds about 1/4″ deep in soil; keep indoors 4-6 weeks; harden off and transplant when 3-4 true leaves have shown; in cooler climates seeds can be direct-sown after the soil warms to 55°-60°, but if there is still a danger of frost make sure seedlings are covered;Plant Spacing: 12″-14″Plant Height: 8″-10″ Harvest: 85 days from transplant; if direct sowed, add additional 2-3 weeks to harvest date; harvest when head is completely formed; will head up similarly to romaine lettuce; can remain unharvested for about a week depending on temperature, but watch for opening of head at center which indicates cabbage is trying to flower; if head does flower, shoots are edible;Grows Well With: Dill; celery; chamomile; sage; peppermint; rosemary; potatoes; beets; onions;Grows Poorly With: Tomatoes; pole beans; strawberries; hyssop; thyme; wormwood; southernwood;Potential Problems: Heat stress; seedlings must have enough light or they will get leggy and develop improperly after transplant; aphids; cabbage worms; loopers; root maggots; flea beetles; symphylans; white cabbage butterfly; clubroot;
