Plant Profile
Napa cabbageBrassica rapa subsp. pekinensis
Napa cabbage is a favorite for the late summer garden. With an extremely short cultivation period of often just 60 to 80 days, it efficiently fills the gaps left by summer vegetables. Its mild flavor and tender leaf structure make it one of the most digestible members of the brassica family. Unlike head cabbage, however, it requires a very consistent water supply and a precise sowing time starting in late June to prevent the dreaded premature bolting (flowering).
Quick profile
Key data
Suitable growing locations:
Good neighbors
PeasSpinachtomato
Avoid
Other brassicasOnion
Indoor & direct sowing
Napa cabbage: Sowing and germination
Indoor starting possible for late harvests, but direct sowing is preferred.
Main sowing window for autumn harvest; risk of bolting if sown too early.
Planting & site
Napa cabbage: Planting and spacing
Transplant seedlings carefully to avoid root stress.
Site & practical notes
Topic: bolting_prevention, Title: Preventing Bolting, Content: Never sow napa cabbage before the summer solstice (June 21st). Decreasing day length signals the plant to form heads instead of flowers.
Temperature & frost
Napa cabbage: Temperature and site
Water & nutrients
Napa cabbage: Water, nutrients and care
Container & growth
Napa cabbage: Container, support and growth
Year plan
Napa cabbage Calendar
Recurring tasks
Relevant now
June
- SowingDo not sow before late June to prevent bolting.
Next up
July
- No additional single task
Monthly tasks
Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.
January
Quiet month
February
Quiet month
March
Quiet month
April
Quiet month
May
Quiet month
June
Direct sowing
- SowingDo not sow before late June to prevent bolting.
August
No additional single task
September
No additional single task
October
Harvest
- HarvestHarvest heads during dry weather for better shelf life.
November
No additional single task
December
Quiet month
Flowering & pollination
Napa cabbage Flowering & pollination
Flowering period
May to June (in the second year or if premature bolting occurs)
Flower color
Yellow
Self-fertility
self-incompatible
Pollinator needed
yes
Overview
Cross-pollination by insects (bees, hoverflies); isolation required for seed saving.
Notes
Usually grown as an annual for vegetable harvest without flowering; seed plants are strictly cross-pollinating.
Pruning & care
Napa cabbage Pruning & care
Pruning type
herbaceous_annual
Pruning timing
Crop maintenance and bolting control Regularly check for bolting to direct energy into head formation.
Remove
Preserve
Avoid
Tools and hygiene
Use sharp, clean knives to avoid crushing the stalk.
Companion guide
Napa cabbage Companion guide
Good neighbors
PeasSpinachtomato
Avoid
Other brassicasOnion
Use & storage
Napa cabbage Use & storage
Harvest before hard frosts; only tolerates light frost.
Storage
Short to medium-term storage
Storage life
4 weeks (refrigerator) up to 3 months (optimal storage cellar)
Primary use
Fresh consumption and fermentation
Flavor
Mild, subtle cabbage flavor, slightly sweet
Harvest
Harvest before hard frosts; only tolerates light frost.
Processing
After harvest
Do not wash if storage is intended; leave outer leaves on for protection.
Edibility & safety
Napa cabbage Edibility & safety
For people
In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.
Safety notes
Non-toxic; very easily digestible, causes less bloating than other brassicas.
Animal safety
For many animals, this plant is generally low-risk: 13 animal types are rated suitable or mostly suitable. Quantity, plant part, and individual tolerance still matter.
Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.
Companion animals
DogLeaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gas or bloating
usually no action needed
Napa cabbage is considered safe for dogs in normal amounts. It is easily digestible and causes less bloating than other brassicas. However, it should only be fed as a supplement, not as a main food. If signs of intolerance such as gas or diarrhea appear, reduce or discontinue feeding.
Open animal page
CatLeaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
observe
Napa cabbage is suitable for cats in small amounts as a treat. The leaves are non-toxic, but overconsumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Roots should be avoided.
Open animal page
RabbitLeaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Overfeeding may cause bloating
usually no action needed
Napa cabbage is suitable for rabbits and is commonly fed as part of a balanced diet. It causes less bloating than other brassicas and is well tolerated. As with all fresh feeds, a gradual introduction is recommended to avoid digestive upset.
Open animal page
Guinea pigLeaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Napa cabbage is safe for guinea pigs and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. It causes less bloating than other brassicas and is very easily digestible.
Open animal page
HamsterLeaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
No direct species-specific source was found for hamsters. This is a cautious inference from the guinea pigs profile and the known plant-part risks.
Open animal page
BudgieLeaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Napa cabbage is safe for budgies and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. The leaves, leaf ribs, and heart are edible and well tolerated. Roots should be avoided as they are not typically consumed and may contain soil or contaminants. No poisoning symptoms are expected with normal feeding.
Open animal pageFarm animals
HorseLeaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Napa cabbage (Chinese cabbage) is safe for horses and valued as a nutritious, easily digestible feed. It causes less bloating than other brassicas and can be fed regularly. Roots should be avoided as they are not suitable for consumption.
Open animal page
ChickenLeaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Napa cabbage is safe for chickens and valued as nutritious green feed. The leaves are easily digestible and cause less bloating compared to other brassicas. As part of a balanced diet, it can be fed regularly.
Open animal page
DuckLeaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Napa cabbage is safe for ducks and valued as nutritious green feed. The leaves are easily digestible and cause less bloating compared to other brassicas. As part of a balanced diet, it can be fed regularly.
Open animal page
GooseLeaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
No direct species-specific source was found for geese. This is a cautious inference from the ducks profile and the known plant-part risks.
Open animal page
SheepLeaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
usually no action needed
Napa cabbage (Chinakohl) is suitable as feed for sheep and is considered non-toxic. It causes less bloating than other brassicas and is very easily digestible. Leaves, leaf ribs, and the heart can be fed regularly as part of a balanced diet. Roots should be avoided as they are not typically consumed and may be harder to digest. Overconsumption may lead to mild bloating, but serious poisoning symptoms are not…
Open animal page
GoatLeaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Leaves, Leaf ribs
No risk parts listed
Overfeeding may cause bloat
usually no action needed
Napa cabbage is safe for goats and valued as nutritious feed. All above-ground parts are edible and well-tolerated. Roots should be avoided as they are not part of typical forage and may be difficult to digest. No known risks with normal feeding. Overconsumption may cause bloat, as with many brassicas.
Open animal page
CattleLeaves, Leaf ribs
Roots
Leaves, Leaf ribs
Roots
Overfeeding may cause bloat
observe
Napa cabbage is safe for cattle in moderation, particularly the leaves and heart. Roots should be avoided as they may be difficult to digest. Overfeeding poses a bloat risk.
Open animal page
PigNo suitable parts listed
No risk parts listed
No suitable parts listed
No risk parts listed
These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.
Max risk
unknown
Highest status
not established
Urgency
unknown
Saving seed
Napa cabbage Saving seed
Seed viability
3 - 5 years
Practical tips
Napa cabbage Practical tips
Common beginner mistakes
Sowing in May almost always leads to flowering plants without heads.
Success pattern
Sowing in mid-July, regular watering, and fleece covering against flea beetle infestation.
High-impact tips
Apply crop protection netting immediately after planting.
Grower observations
In dry summers, a mulch layer of grass clippings is worth its weight in gold.
Plant Profile
Additional plant images
Health
Pests, Diseases
Plant health
Diagnosis help
Napa cabbage Diagnosis help
Pest groups
Disease groups
Prevention
Diagnosis
Always check the roots of wilting plants for clubroot.
Cultural prevention
Monitoring
First response
Diagnostic rules
Head does not form, plant shoots upwards.
Possible causes: Bolting, Excessive day length
- Check sowing date
- Check for temperature extremes
FAQ
Why isn't my napa cabbage forming a head?
This is usually due to early sowing (before July) or extreme heat. The plant then 'bolts' directly into flower.
Is Napa cabbage safe for Dog?
Napa cabbage is classified as suitable for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. Napa cabbage is considered safe for dogs in normal amounts. It is easily digestible and causes less bloating than other brassicas. However, it should only be fed as a supplement, not as a main food. If signs of intolerance such as gas or diarrhea appear, reduce or discontinue feeding.
Is Napa cabbage safe for Cat?
Napa cabbage is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Napa cabbage is suitable for cats in small amounts as a treat. The leaves are non-toxic, but overconsumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Roots should be avoided.
Is Napa cabbage safe for Rabbit?
Napa cabbage is classified as suitable for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. Napa cabbage is suitable for rabbits and is commonly fed as part of a balanced diet. It causes less bloating than other brassicas and is well tolerated. As with all fresh feeds, a gradual introduction is recommended to avoid digestive upset.
Is Napa cabbage safe for Guinea pig?
Napa cabbage is classified as suitable for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. Napa cabbage is safe for guinea pigs and can be fed as part of a balanced diet. It causes less bloating than other brassicas and is very easily digestible.
Guides
Related guides
Guide
Rabbits in the Garden: Herbs and Vegetables
Learn how to choose suitable herbs and vegetables for rabbits, grow feeding plants, and plan a rabbit-friendly garden.
Guide
Dogs in the Garden: Windfall Fruit and Risks
Keep your garden dog-safe by managing windfall fruit, seeds, stored crops, and potentially problematic plant parts.
Guide
Toxic Garden Plants for Cats: Safer Planning
Learn which garden plants can be risky for cats, how to plan safer beds, and what to do if a cat eats a toxic plant.
Guide
Chickens in the Garden: Safe Plants and Zones
Learn how to design a chicken-friendly garden with suitable plants, protected beds, and well-planned activity areas.
Internal links
Related plants
Rapeseed
Leafy Vegetables
Clubroot
Endangers all brassicas equally.
Bok Choy
Closely related, similar cultivation conditions in late summer.
White Cabbage
Both belong to the Brassicaceae family with similar disease risks.
Lettuce
Often used raw as a salad base with a similar crunch.
Bok choy
Similar origin and usage, but does not form a closed, firm head.
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-12
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-12
- Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Chinakohl
Wikipedia · 2026-05-12
- English Wikipedia: Napa cabbage
Wikipedia · 2026-05-12