How to grow Wombok in Australia
Grow Chinese cabbage in full sun to part shade in rich, moist, well drained soil. Keep watering generous and steady, as any check or dry spell triggers bolting.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 6 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 45 cm
- Time to harvest: 75 days
- Time to germinate: 8 days
- Soil pH: 6.5 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | February to July | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | February to July | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | February to July | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | February to June | Sow Feb to May, harvest autumn/winter. Frost-hardy; Melbourne's cool climate extends season. |
| Adelaide & SA | February to July | Mediterranean: avoid sowing Aug to Jan. Wombok (napa cabbage) requires cool weather Feb to Jul. |
| Perth & WA | February to July | Mediterranean: avoid sowing Aug to Jan. Wombok (napa cabbage) requires cool weather Feb to Jul. |
| Tasmania | November to January | Sow Nov to Jan only. Earlier sowings bolt after cold nights. Hearts up in autumn. |
| Canberra & ACT | December to February | Sow Dec to Feb, transplant by Mar for autumn heads. Shortening days reduce bolting. |
| North Queensland | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. Wombok (Chinese cabbage) needs cool temps; marginal in tropics even in dry season. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. Wombok (Chinese cabbage) needs cool temps; marginal in tropics even in dry season. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Ready when heads feel firm and dense when squeezed. Cut the whole head at the base with a knife; cut before warm weather makes it bolt.
Storage
Fridge in a bag, up to 2 weeks. Excellent for fermenting into kimchi.