Napa/Chinese Cabbage - Emiko

TO START INDOORS Start seeds 4 to 5 weeks before last spring frost. Sow 1 inch apart in seed starting mix, cover 1/4 inch deep and keep evenly moist. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. When several inches tall, transplant seedlings 12-14 inches apart into rich soil in full sun, after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.   TO START DIRECTLY OUTDOORS When all danger of frost is over, plant in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow clusters of 2 to 3 seeds 12-14 inches apart in rows spaced 1 foot apart. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin to 1 strong plant every 12-14 inches. In mild winter climates, sow seeds again at midsummer for a fall crop.   GROWING NOTES Cabbage needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil to produce firm, sweet heads. To avoid stunting growth, don’t let seedlings get crowded before thinning or transplanting. Keep weeded and evenly watered. Feed monthly with fish emulsion or an all-purpose fertilizer. Use non-toxic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar pests. Floating row covers provide a good barrier method to exclude pests. Remove covers when heads begin to form.   HARVESTING Harvest when these big, vase-shaped heads are heavy, plump, solid and well-filled out. Each head yields multiple meals!