China Express Hybrid Cabbage F1

Be sure to check out our Cabbage Growing Guide for more tips & tricks on successfully growing cabbage!

China Express Cabbage is a hybrid, Napa-type cabbage variety. This is the earliest-maturing, full-size Napa cabbage variety we offer. China Express is widely adapted and performs well in any growing zone. This Napa cabbage variety produces large, barrel-shaped heads that average 10-12" in diameter and 4 to 5 lbs. Plants are slow to bolt and heads hold well in the field for a longer harvesting window. The leaves are crisp and glossy, making it a great choice for raw or cooked preparations. Use it as a replacement for lettuce in your favorite salad, or combine it with other garden vegetables to make the best stir-fry.

Cabbage will grow best in areas where weeds are kept to a minimum. It is moderately frost-tolerant and performs better when planted in cooler weather. Cabbage will tend to bolt in warmer temperatures. Plant cabbage early in spring for a late spring/early summer harvest, or plant in late summer/early fall for a fall harvest. Cabbage are heavy feeders and require a considerable amount of nitrogen for larger heads. For best results, inject or soil drench with a balanced fertilizer at least once every two weeks. If smaller heads are desired, less fertilizer will be adequate.

China Express may be direct-seeded or transplanted, although we suggest transplanting. Transplanting allows for more consistent plant spacing and prevents seedlings from competing with weeds in the early stages of the plant. We recommend starting transplants 3-4 weeks before the desired outdoor planting date. China Express Cabbage transplants grow great in our heavy-duty seed starting trays, where they develop a solid root ball with roots that are trained to grow downward. Plants are ready to go in the ground when they can be easily pulled from the cells in the seed starting tray.

China Express Cabbage Planting Information

Planting Method: direct seed or transplant

When to Plant: early spring and fall

Planting Depth: 1/4″

Seed Spacing: 12″

Row Spacing: 2-3′

Days to Maturity: 65

Disease Resistance: Tip Burn