Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa pekinensis)

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Brassica rapa pekinensis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet taste, it is best eaten raw in salads. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; A crisp, watery texture with a naturally sweet taste, it is best eaten raw in salads.; The plant can be eaten as a young seedling, or left to grow into a mature plant.; The flavour is quickly ruined by prolonged cooking.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in the wild, it is possibly a cross between B. campestris rapa (the turnip) and B. napus chinensis (Pak-choi). (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)