The Best 20 Varieties of Napa Cabbage to Grow: Tips, Facts, and Information

Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a popular leafy vegetable prized for its tender leaves and mild, sweet flavor. It is a staple in Asian cuisine, commonly used in salads, stir-fries, and pickled dishes like kimchi. Napa cabbage is easy to grow and thrives in cooler weather, making it an excellent choice for both home gardens and commercial growers. Here’s a look at the best 20 varieties of Napa cabbage to grow, along with tips and interesting facts about each.

1. Baby Napa

Facts: A compact variety perfect for small gardens, Baby Napa has tender, sweet leaves.
Tips: Harvest when the heads are small for optimal flavor.

2. Chinese Cabbage (Napa)

Facts: This is the most common variety, known for its crisp texture and light flavor.
Tips: Ideal for salads and stir-fries; grows quickly in cooler temperatures.

3. Golden Queen

Facts: A vibrant yellow-green cabbage that offers a slightly sweeter flavor.
Tips: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun for best growth.

4. Mizuna Napa

Facts: This variety has finely serrated leaves and a peppery taste, making it great for salads.
Tips: Can be grown as a cut-and-come-again crop.

5. Suan Tsai

Facts: A traditional pickling variety with dense heads and a crisp texture.
Tips: Best harvested young for pickling or used in stir-fries.

6. Koyama

Facts: A heat-tolerant variety that maintains flavor and texture even in warmer climates.
Tips: Plant in the spring or fall for optimal results.

7. Korean Napa

Facts: Known for its use in kimchi, this variety has a crunchy texture and bold flavor.
Tips: Ideal for fermentation due to its thick leaves.

8. Green Napa

Facts: This variety has a deeper green color and a slightly stronger flavor.
Tips: Great for stir-fries and soups.

9. Korean Mool

Facts: This variety has a crisp texture and is used extensively in Korean cooking.
Tips: Best planted in late summer for a fall harvest.

10. Dwarf Napa

Facts: A compact variety perfect for containers or small gardens.
Tips: Ideal for quick harvesting; grows well in partial shade.

11. Red Napa

Facts: An eye-catching variety with a slightly spicy flavor; great for salads.
Tips: Adds color to your garden and plate!

12. Tokyo Bekana

Facts: A hybrid variety known for its tender leaves and mild flavor.
Tips: Ideal for quick-growing crops in cooler weather.

13. Filderkraut

Facts: A German variety that is sweet and tender, suitable for cooking and salads.
Tips: Best grown in cooler climates to enhance flavor.

14. Napa Cabbage Michihili

Facts: This variety has long, cylindrical heads and crisp leaves, great for stir-fries.
Tips: Harvest when the heads are firm for the best taste.

15. Chinese White Cabbage

Facts: A traditional variety with a mild taste; great for pickling and steaming.
Tips: Can tolerate light frost, enhancing its flavor.

16. Yuki

Facts: A cold-tolerant variety with tender leaves, ideal for late fall harvests.
Tips: Grows well in nutrient-rich soil.

17. Huangqi Cabbage

Facts: Known for its mild flavor and crisp texture, this variety is perfect for salads.
Tips: Can be harvested young for baby greens.

18. Chihili

Facts: A traditional Chinese variety with a crisp texture and sweet flavor.
Tips: Excellent for steaming or stir-frying.

19. Korean Kimchi Cabbage

Facts: A robust variety specifically bred for making kimchi, with thick leaves.
Tips: Harvest when heads are firm for optimal fermentation.

20. Choy Sum Napa

Facts: This variety is prized for both its greens and tender stems, commonly used in Asian dishes.
Tips: Can be harvested multiple times; ideal for continuous cropping.

Common Questions About Growing Napa Cabbage

Q: When is the best time to plant Napa cabbage?
A: Napa cabbage is best planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest, as it thrives in cooler temperatures.

Q: How much sunlight do Napa cabbages need?
A: Napa cabbages prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

Q: How do I care for Napa cabbage?
A: Ensure the plants receive consistent moisture, and use mulch to retain soil moisture. Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer can also promote healthy growth.

Q: Can I grow Napa cabbage in containers?
A: Yes, Napa cabbage can be grown in containers as long as they are deep enough (at least 12 inches) to accommodate their root systems.

Q: What pests should I watch for when growing Napa cabbage?
A: Common pests include aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Regular monitoring and organic pest control methods can help manage these issues.