Mei Qing Choi, Pak Choi Cabbage

Mei Qing Choi (F1) Chinese Cabbage Seed

Baby Shanghai pak choi tolerates both heat and cold
Compact green heads weigh roughly one-quarter pound
Bolting resistance widens the seasonal planting window
Excellent for whole-head cooking and market bunches

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Brassica rapa var. chinensis

Days to maturity

45 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

250 Seeds

About Mei Qing Choi, (F1) Chinese Cabbage Seed, Chinese Cabbage Seed

Mei Qing Choi cabbage is a Shanghai pak choi type with good heat and cold tolerance and bolting resistance. In the U.S., this variety is harvested as baby pak choi. It is smaller than Joi Choi, weighing about a quarter of a pound. This pak choi has an excellent flavor and is extra tender.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

3–10 days

In-row plant spacing

12-18"

Row Spacing

24"

Plant profile

Maturity

Spring, Fall

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

24 inches

Growth Habits

Rosette, Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

10,200

Color

Green

Seed Type

Hybrid

Growing Season

Cool-Season Crop

Before Planting

Choose a fertile, well-drained bed for Chinese cabbage where recent brassica crops will not increase pest or disease pressure. Work in compost, correct soil pH and nutrients from test results, and prepare a firm weed-free surface. Harden transplants gradually.

Planting

Chinese Cabbage may be direct-sown in cool weather or started indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting. Maintain about 70–75°F until germination, then give seedlings bright light and cooler conditions. Harden transplants gradually and set them out before summer heat for spring crops, or sow in midsummer for fall harvest. Thin direct-sown seedlings after true leaves develop.

Watering

Keep Chinese cabbage evenly watered through active growth and head or stem development. Supply deep irrigation when rainfall is insufficient, avoiding drought stress, standing water, and frequent wet foliage.

Fertilizer

Support Chinese cabbage growth with balanced nutrition and adequate nitrogen. Side-dress after establishment when needed, but avoid overapplication that encourages soft growth and delays maturity.

Harvesting

Cut Chinese cabbage at peak firmness and full development, before buds open or texture becomes coarse. Handle heads gently and leave side shoots or upper buds to continue growing where applicable.

Tips

Mulch Chinese cabbage to moderate soil temperature and reduce weeds. Use crop rotation and physical insect barriers early, removing covers when pollination is required or plants become crowded.

AVG. Seeding Rate

1,000 seeds/333', 5M/1,666', 66M/acre at 3 seeds/ft. in rows 2' apart.

Pests & Diseases

Chinese cabbage is highly vulnerable to black rot, clubroot, downy mildew, soft rot, and turnip mosaic virus. Use clean seed and resistant varieties where available. Remove heads with foul, watery decay; control aphids and brassica weeds; and rotate long enough to reduce soilborne clubroot pressure.

Chinese Cabbage may attract cabbageworms, loopers, aphids, flea beetles, and slugs. Inspect frequently, use physical barriers early, and choose targeted biological controls instead of broad-spectrum insecticides.