Organic 'Shanghai Green' Chinese cabbage ( Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis ) from the seed company Gaia, a tender and tasty pac choi
Chinese cabbage 'Shanghai Green' , also called Pac Choi , is an Asian heirloom variety prized for its compact habit, fast growth and tender texture . Its fleshy, spoon- shaped, dark green leaves contrast with its short, thick, bright jade green stems , creating an elegant and refined visual . Its delicately sweet and slightly nutty flavor makes it a staple in Asian cuisine , where it is enjoyed raw, sautéed, braised or added to soups .
Ideal for gardeners looking for a productive and hardy leafy vegetable , 'Shanghai Green' adapts equally well to spring, summer and fall crops , with a sweeter and more intense flavor after a few cool nights .
A vegetable rich in benefits and easy to digest
Pac Choi 'Shanghai Green' is low in calories but rich in nutrients , including vitamins A, C and K , which are essential for the immune system and bone health . It also contains natural antioxidants , helping to protect cells from oxidative stress . With its high fibre content , it promotes healthy digestion while providing a pleasant texture in the mouth.
With its fast growth and excellent yield , this variety is a perfect choice for urban vegetable gardens and container crops , allowing gardeners to harvest several times in the season .
Spread: Compact and productive port
Plant height: 25 to 35 cm
Quantity per pack: ± 200 seeds
Companion plants: Bean, beetroot, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, marjoram, pea, strawberry
Enemy Plants: Coming Soon
Cultivation method
Sow directly into the ground from early spring to mid-summer , planting seeds 1/4 to 1/2" (0.5 cm to 1/2") deep , 1" (2.5 cm to 2.5 cm) apart. Germination occurs in 4 to 7 days , at an optimum temperature of 60 to 70°F ( 15 to 21°C ), but it tolerates wider temperatures (45 to 85°F ( 7 to 29°C ).
Chinese cabbage 'Shanghai Green' prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil , with constant watering to prevent it from going to seed too quickly. Mulching around the plants helps conserve moisture and limit weed growth .
When plants are well established, thin them to 15cm (6") apart , to give them enough space to form dense, vigorous heads.
Harvesting and conservation
- Harvest young leaves as soon as the plant reaches 7cm (3") , cutting a few leaves at a time to allow continuous regrowth .
- For a full harvest , wait until the plant reaches full maturity between 30 and 50 days , then cut the entire head at the base.
- Store in the refrigerator , wrapped in a damp cloth or perforated bag, where it will keep for up to 10 days .
Ideas for use in the garden and kitchen
- Stir-fried with garlic and ginger for a quick and tasty side dish.
- Added to Asian soups , such as ramen or miso broth, for a tender, melting texture.
- Steamed with a drizzle of sesame oil , for a subtle and fragrant touch.
- Served raw in salad , where its tender leaves bring a crunchy freshness.
- Mixed into stir-fried noodle dishes , where it absorbs sauces deliciously.