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Brassica rapa pekinensis
Chinese cabbage
(1 Page of 5)

 
The Brassica rapa pekinensis plant species is found in A cultivar of garden origin. It is a member of the Cruciferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Chinese cabbage. Some home gardeners know the variety as B. campestris pekinensis. B. cernua. B. pekinensis. (Lour.)Rupr.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Brassica rapa pekinensis
Common Name:  Chinese cabbage
Family:  Cruciferae
Author:  
 
Known Hazards:  None known
 
Mature Height:  0.45   Mature Width:  
 
Habitat:  Not known in the wild, it is possibly a cross between B. campestris rapa (the turnip) and B. napus chinensis (Pak-choi)[206].



Cultivation Notes:  Succeeds in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil[16, 52, 200]. Succeeds in acid and alkaline soils[166, 200]. Prefers a pH in the range 6.5 to 7[206]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 6.8. Prefers a heavy soil[16] and grows badly in sandy ones[200]. Prefers full sun[200, 206] and a sheltered position[206]. Likes some shade[16]. Drought resistant[160]. Plants are shallow-rooted and have very little resistance to drought[206]. They require about 5 gallons of water from sowing to maturity[206]. Plants are not fully winter hardy in Britain, though mature plants withstand light frosts to about -3°c[160, 206]. Plants prefer coolish weather during their growing season, a temperature range of 13 - 20°c is ideal[206]. The Chinese cabbage is widely cultivated, especially in China and Japan, for its edible leaves[88]. There are many named varieties[88, 206]. Those forms with loose heads were developed for areas with hotter summers, whilst compact-headed forms were developed for cooler areas[206]. The loose-headed forms are less prone to bolt, are more resistant to cold and are more disease-resistant[206]. An annual to biennial species, it is normally grown as an annual[206]. Plants take from 55 - 100 days from sowing to maturity, depending on variety, the loose-headed forms are usually 2 - 3 weeks faster than compact-headed forms[206]. Plants do not like root disturbance so should not be transplanted unless grown in individual pots[206]. Plants are highly resistant to fungus attacks and the cabbage moth[160], they are also slow to bolt in hot weather[160]. Some cultivars are more resistant to bolting when sown in spring than other forms[206]. There is some evidence that interplanting this species with dill and garlic can lessen the attacks of caterpillars[206]. A good bee plant[108].

For further Brassica rapa pekinensis gardening information
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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
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