Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage with cooked cabbage and Japanese postcard on a white background.
Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage with cooked cabbage with hot sauce.
Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage heads with a Ramen noodle bowl.
A man holding a single head of Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage.
Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage with cooked cabbage and Japanese postcard on a white background.
Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage with cooked cabbage with hot sauce.
Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage heads with a Ramen noodle bowl.
A man holding a single head of Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage.

Chinese Cabbage Seeds,
Nagasaki Late

4.911 ReviewsSKU: #OR162Min. seed count: 100
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Description

(Brassica rapa). Held in high esteem in its native range, this cousin of bok choy and tatsoi is beloved as a nutritious and tasty vegetable with deep cultural roots as a culinary emblem of Nagasaki, Japan. Growers of Nagasaki Late cabbage will attest that it has been a culinary staple in the Nagasaki region for many generations, and indeed records show the variety, which is locally called Tojinna, has been grown in Nagasaki since at least the Edo period. Evidence suggests that the introduction of this variety actually dates back to the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). This crispy and flavorful Asian green is locally popular in hotpot, stir fry and soup. This green is particularly popular as a star ingredient in Ozoni, the traditional soup enjoyed for the Japanese New Year. It's a favorite cold-hardy green and deeply nutritious.

Growing Tips: Nagasaki Late Chinese cabbage grows best in cool weather and requires well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Consistent moisture is key to optimal growth. Adding mulch can help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Brassica rapa
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
4–6 hr.
Days to Germinate
10–14
Days to Maturity
70–90
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
12–15 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–80°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Nagasaki Late should be planted in early spring, about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, or in late summer for a fall harvest. This variety matures in approximately 70-90 days. It's ideal for temperatures ranging from 60 F to 80 F. Planting during cooler seasons helps prevent bolting. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Directly sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the garden, spacing the plants 12-15 inches apart to give each of them enough room to develop. For best results, thin seedlings to maintain this spacing once they are established. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots to minimize root disturbance, and transplant when seedlings are 4 weeks old.

How to Grow

Nagasaki Late should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Applying a balanced fertilizer at the start and then every few weeks during the growing season can support healthy growth. Shade may be needed in hot climates to prevent the plants from bolting. Regularly monitor for pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles, and use appropriate organic or chemical controls.

How to Save Seeds

  • Select your best plants to keep for seed and leave them to flower and go to seed.
  • Leave plants in the ground over winter, with heavy mulch and a row cover in harsh winter areas.
  • In the second season, the plant will send up flower stalks from the head, and as they mature they will become seed pods.
  • Once the seed stalks/pods are brown and dry, cut the seed stalks off, and break open the seed pods with your hands or a rolling pin over a container such as a bowl or plate, and separate and extract the seeds.

FAQ

Can Nagasaki Late Chinese cabbage be grown in containers?

Yes, it can be grown in containers that are at least 8-10 inches deep with good drainage. Container-grown plants should be watered regularly and moved to a shaded area in hotter weather to prevent bolting.

What are common pests and diseases, and how can they be managed?

Common pests include aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Diseases such as downy mildew and clubroot can also affect the plants. Regular monitoring, using row covers, and applying organic insecticides can help manage these issues. Crop rotation and avoiding planting where brassicas were previously grown can help prevent disease.

What can cause Nagasaki Late Chinese cabbage to develop a bitter taste?

A bitter taste in Chinese cabbage can occur if the plant bolts due to stress from high temperatures or inconsistent watering. Harvesting heads when they are young and tender and maintaining even moisture can help prevent bitterness.

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