Vegetable · Brassicaceae family
Napa cabbage
Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis
In short a 10-second read
Napa cabbage (vegetable) grows to 0.25–0.45 m tall and 0.25–0.4 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Sow in March–August. Harvest in November–December.
× spread 0.25–0.4 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: a lot
Soil: clay, humus-rich, loamy
Soil pH 5.5–8
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
remove flower stems (as needed)
Sowing
direct sowing: March–August
Harvest
November–December
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow Napa cabbage?
In March–August (direct sowing).
When is Napa cabbage harvested?
In November–December.
Does Napa cabbage tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does Napa cabbage need?
At maturity 0.25–0.4 m wide and 0.25–0.45 m tall; recommended spacing 30 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (7)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Brassica rapa
- RHS — Chinese cabbage — grow your own
- Wikidata (CC0) — Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis
- Clemson HGIC - Cabbage & Chinese Cabbage
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
