Chinese Cabbage - Seeds

Sowing Cabbage Seeds
Growing cabbage can be started by sowing cabbage seeds directly into the ground. It can also be done by transplanting cabbage plants into the ground after planting cabbage seeds indoors. When planting cabbage seeds indoors, it is started by sowing the cabbage seeds in a seed bed. The cabbage seedlings are thinned out to around 3 inches apart after the cabbage seedlings have grown enough to around 1 inch tall. The seed bed should be kept moist enough before transplanting them into the ground when they are around 5 inches tall with at least 4 leaves. In sowing cabbage seeds directly and transplanting cabbage seedlings into the soil, they are spaced at least 18 inches apart with the rows at least 24 inches apart. The soil has to be firm and packed because the roots need to be completely covered. Cabbage plants need to grow in soil with abundant moisture and enough air.

Organic, open-pollinated, and hybrid cabbage varieties for fresh-eating, storage, or fermentation. Short-cored, dense heads, suitable for close spacing.

CULTURE:
Cabbage as well as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and related brassicas are heavy feeders. They require fertile soils in a pH range of 6.5-7.5, supplied with adequate irrigation throughout the growing period.
EARLY SPRING CROP:
Use early and midseason varieties. Sow 2 seeds per cell in 50-72 cell plug flats, 3-4 seeds/in. in 20 row flats, or in outdoor beds 1/4" deep. Seedlings should be ready to transplant in 4-6 weeks. If possible keep soil temperature over 75°F (24°C) until germination, then reduce air temperature to about 60°F (16°C). Transplant outdoors 12-18" apart in rows 18-36" apart. Cabbage prefers cooler growing temperatures, between 55°-75°F (13°-24°C), optimum being 60°-70°F (16°-21°C), but will produce good crops under warmer, summer conditions.
FALL CROP:
Use mid-season and storage varieties. Start seedlings as above in May and transplant to the garden in June-July. To ensure mature heads, seed the crop early in areas where heavy freezes occur early in fall.
WINTER CROP:
Successful cabbage crops can be grown where winters are mild (temperatures rarely below 32°F (0°C)). Transplants can be set out from September to February in these regions.
DIRECT SEEDING:
Sow 3-4 seeds 12" apart, 1/2" deep, rows 24-36" apart, thinning to one plant in each group.