Napa cabbage Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis
Napa cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) is an annual vegetable in the Brassicaceae family, native to China (Yangtze valley region). It grows 35–50 cm (14–20 in) tall and 35–50 cm (14–20 in) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -6 °C (21 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
Plan Napa cabbage in your garden →
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Napa cabbage at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Mature height | 35–50 cm (14–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 35–50 cm (14–20 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -6 °C (21 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Flowering | about 13–20 weeks after planting, for 3–5 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 75 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (head) |
| Native to | China (Yangtze valley region) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇰🇷 South Korea |
Is Napa cabbage toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not toxic; raw brassicas can cause gas in pets if eaten in quantity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Napa cabbage
Good neighbours
- good With Rhubarb: Traditional lore says rhubarb planted near brassicas helps against clubroot and pests; the evidence is weak and not confirmed by trials. Evidence D
- good With Nasturtium: Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for cabbage white butterflies and blackfly, drawing some pressure away from brassicas. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Clubroot: Clubroot spores persist in soil up to 20 years; keep brassicas in a rotation. Evidence B
Questions about Napa cabbage
- How far apart should I plant Napa cabbage?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 35–50 cm (14–20 in).
- Does Napa cabbage need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Napa cabbage need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Napa cabbage?
- It tolerates about -6 °C (21 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Napa cabbage flower?
- About 13–20 weeks after planting, for 3–5 weeks.
- Is Napa cabbage poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not toxic; raw brassicas can cause gas in pets if eaten in quantity.
- What grows well with Napa cabbage?
- Traditional lore says rhubarb planted near brassicas helps against clubroot and pests; the evidence is weak and not confirmed by trials. Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for cabbage white butterflies and blackfly, drawing some pressure away from brassicas.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Botanically biennial but grown as an annual; bolts if sown in spring long days or chilled below ~10 C as a seedling.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Broccoli Brassica oleracea var. italica
- Cauliflower Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
- Cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata
- Kale Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
- Radish Raphanus sativus
- Bok choy Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
- Brussels sprout Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
- Kohlrabi Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes