Chinese Cabbage Granat [Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis]

The annual Chinese cabbage 'Granat' is a strong and aromatic variety with long, slender and closed heads. The firm leaf structure is particularly suitable for steaming and for the wok. Ideal for pre-cultivation, no pot culture, sowing in autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting the cabbage heads.

 Description 
The Chinese cabbage 'Granat' is an old, annual and medium-early cabbage variety from China. This variety was created during the Second World War and has long, slender and closed heads. The strong and aromatic taste and the firm leaf texture make it particularly suitable for steaming and wok cooking. Chinese cabbage is hardy in mild climates, but in cooler areas the variety requires light winter protection. Not suitable for storage.

 General information 
Plant family: Brassicaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 50 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: High
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -5°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 0.5-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 7-10 days
Plant and row spacing: 40x50 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Basil, Marigold, Tagetes, Rosemary, Spinach, Soy, Bean, Pea
Unfavorable mixed culture: Kohlrabi, Onion, Garlic, Mustard, Radish, other types of cabbage

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Pre-cultivation in autumn when temperatures are falling from September to November is recommended. The plants are ideally located in a sunny to partially shaded area.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend pre-cultivation in the autumn from July to September and planting for overwintering from mid-September to early October. The ideal location for the plants is sunny.

 General recommendations 
Pre-cultivation and subsequent planting at the specified planting distance is recommended. For pre-cultivation, sow the seeds in a small bowl and let the seedlings grow until the first visible cabbage leaves appear, then transplant them into the desired container. After transplanting, let the seedlings grow at moderate temperatures until they are planted out as seedlings. Plant the seedlings in the bed from the second pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Chinese cabbage 'Granat' does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
For a staggered harvest, several sowings at intervals of 4 weeks are recommended. Chinese cabbage is generally harvested as a whole head, but it is also possible to harvest the individual leaves. To prevent cabbage flies from laying eggs, the use of vegetable protection nets is recommended. To quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to also incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loose, nutrient-rich and constantly moist soil is essential. Fertilization is not necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis
English names: Chinese cabbage 
German names: Chinakohl
Portuguese names: Couve chinesa, Repolho chinês
Spanish names: Col china, Repollo chino
French names: Chou chinois

 Origin 
Country: Germany