When should I plant Chinese cabbage?

Question:

When should I plant Chinese cabbage?

Answer:

Chinese cabbage performs best when planted in summer for a fall crop.  (Chinese cabbage frequently goes to seed when planted in spring.)  Sow the seed of Chinese cabbage at a depth of 1/4 to ½ inch in July.  Rows should be spaced 2 feet apart.  Thin plants when 1 to 2 inches tall.  After thinning, plants should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart within the row.  Suggested varieties for Iowa include ‘Jade Pagoda,’ ‘Greenwich,’ and ‘Michihili.’ 

Chinese cabbage is a versatile garden vegetable.  It has a sweeter, milder flavor than true cabbage.  The crisp, tender leaves may be used like lettuce in salads, shredded for cole slaw, steamed, or stir-fried.