West Coast Seeds (China Express Cabbage) (Sui Choi)

SUI CHOI. Brassica rapa var. pekinesis. These sweet, crisp napa cabbages are ideal for salads and a mainstay of the stir-fry. Big, broad, barrel-shaped, and pale-green heads are tightly packed and 0.6-2.2kg (11/2-5lb) after trimming. China Express Cabbage seeds have good bolt resistance and excellent uniformity. For full-sized heads sow in summer with the last planting 10 weeks before frost. Established plants are vigorous and will stand in the garden until freezes get severe. However, seedlings will bolt if they are exposed to temperatures below 10°C (50°F) for more than 2 weeks; so protect early spring planting with cloche covers.

TIPS: All Brassicas benefit from chamomile, dill, mint, rosemary, and sage. Avoid planting near eggplants, peppers, potatoes, or tomatoes. These plants in the Solanum group thrive in slightly acidic soil, as does the fungus that causes clubroot.