Chinese Cabbage 'Blues'

Scientific Name: Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis 'Blues'

Common Name: Blues Chinese Cabbage

Vegetable Type: Leafy Vegetable

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5

Maturity Time: Blues Chinese Cabbage typically matures in 60 to 70 days from transplanting.

Height: The heads of Blues Chinese Cabbage can reach up to 12 to 18 inches in height.

Width: Blues Chinese Cabbage has a spread of approximately 12 to 18 inches.

Spacing: Plant Blues Chinese Cabbage seedlings approximately 12 to 18 inches apart, with rows spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart.

Temperature: Blues Chinese Cabbage prefers cooler temperatures for optimal growth, with daytime temperatures around 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C) during the growing season.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogged conditions.

Culinary Uses: Blues Chinese Cabbage is commonly used in Asian cuisine and is prized for its mild, sweet flavor and crisp texture. It can be eaten raw in salads, used as a wrap for fillings, pickled, or cooked in stir-fries, soups, and other dishes.

Flavour Profile: Blues Chinese Cabbage has a mild, sweet flavor with a slightly peppery undertone.

Companion Plants: Blues Chinese Cabbage grows well alongside other cool-season vegetables such as carrots, radishes, and lettuce. Avoid planting it near crops that may compete for nutrients or space.

Pests and Diseases: Common pests that may affect Chinese cabbage include aphids, cabbage loopers, and cabbage worms. Diseases such as clubroot and black rot can also be problematic. Proper garden hygiene, crop rotation, and the use of organic pest control methods can help manage these issues.