Our Chinese Cabbage (Mini Wombok) is a well-loved leafy vegetable from the Brassicaceae family, related to bok choy, kale, and turnips. Originating from East Asia, it has long been a staple in Asian cuisine, whether fresh or cooked. It thrives in cooler weather, making it ideal for our climate, and is known for its crisp texture and mild flavour—perfect for salads and stir-fries. This type of cabbage typically produces dense, blocky heads with dark green, textured leaves and vibrant internal colours. It’s known for being slow to bolt and resistant to tip burn, making it a reliable choice in the garden. Keep in mind that the size of the heads can vary based on planting density, with a 20x30 cm spacing working well for more compact growth.
🌱 SEEDLING HEIGHT | 10cm-15cm including the root system
📏 SPACING | Rows: 40cm-60cm apart Plants: 30cm-45cm apart
🥗 HARVEST | 8-12 weeks, depending on location & weather conditions
🌡️ CONDITIONS | Prefers full sun or partial shade, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Requires consistent moisture, particularly during head formation, and benefits from soil enriched with nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, and consider mulching to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Outside of Asia, this vegetable is also referred to as Chinese cabbage or sometimes celery cabbage. It is also known as siu choy (Cantonese 紹菜), wombok in Australia and wong bok or won bok in New Zealand, all corruptions of wong ngaa baak (Cantonese 黃芽白).