"Brassica rapa, Chinensis Group
Chinese cabbage, pac choi, and mustard greens are what typically come to mind when thinking of Oriental vegetables. But don't stop there! To the surprise of many, other vegetables and roots are truly Asian in origin as well. Because of the diverse climate throughout the Far East, many varieties grow well in most areas of North America, and we are pleased to offer a few of them here.

CULTURE: Direct sow early spring or fall. If started indoors, sow seeds 2 weeks prior to the last frost for a spring crop or July-August for a fall crop. Transplant outside and protect from flea beetle damage with a floating row cover such as Reemay.
ORIENTAL GREENS & VEGETABLES CULTURE: Chinese cabbage, pac choi, and mustard greens are easy crops to grow if planted in early spring or late summer. They prefer cooler weather, so mid-summer plantings often lead to premature bolting. These greens and root crops are best sown directly into a fertile, well-dug, smooth seedbed. Mark your rows 18-24 inches apart. Make a furrow 6 inches deep and sprinkle 1 cup of our complete fertilizer per 10 row feet in the bottom of the furrow. Backfill the furrow and plant the seed 1/4 -1/2 inch deep. Days to emergence: 2-15. Optimum soil temperature for germination: 40-75°F. Keep the bed uniformly moist. Thin to a distance of 6-12 inches between plants. If transplanting, use 1/2 cup of our complete fertilizer around each plant. For additional culture, refer to the Chinese Cabbage culture.
CHINESE CABBAGE CULTURE: This crop grows best in a cool environment with moist, airy, soil that provides high nutrient levels. Responds best to decreasing day length and temperatures, which makes it a good fall crop. Spring plantings can also be successful when planted at the proper time. Premature bolting is often times a result of young plants being exposed to frost.
TO DIRECT SOW: For a spring crop, sow after the danger of frost. Fall crops can be sown from early July through mid August. In very friable soil, sow 1 seed per inch, 1/4-1/2 inch deep, with rows 18-24 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart in the row. One cup of our complete fertilizer is sufficient for 10 row feet.
FOR TRANSPLANTS: For a spring crop, start plants 4-5 weeks prior to your last frost and set out after the danger of frost. Fall crops can be started from early June through mid July and set out when there are 4-5 true leaves. Sow 1/4-1/2 inch deep in a sterile seedling mix. Set transplants to a depth of the first pair of leaves. Space plants and fertilize as described above.
INSECTS: Rotenone or Rotenone-Pyrethrin can be used to reduce flea beetle and Diabrotica (cucumber beetle) infestations. Row covers provide a good physical barrier from insects.
DISEASE: Good crop rotation and a strict sanitary program drastically reduce the chance of disease.HARVEST: Harvest the heads as soon as mature to avoid bolting. Cut at the surface and store in a cool area at 100% humidity.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 75%. Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding. Usual seed life: 3 years. Approximately 125-175 seeds per 1/2 gram; 28 grams per ounce.

Sampler: 1 gram
Packet: 4 grams"

   Open Pollinated