How to Grow Taiwanese Flat Cabbage or Cabbage from Seeds.

 

 A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Taiwanese flat cabbage, often called Taiwan cabbage, flat head cabbage, or Taiwanese green cabbage, is a popular variety of Brassica oleracea prized for its sweet flavor, tender leaves, compact flat heads, and fast growth. Compared to traditional round cabbage, Taiwanese flat cabbage matures quicker, tolerates warmer weather better, and is especially favored in Asian cooking.

Whether you’re a beginner gardener or an experienced grower, learning how to grow Taiwanese flat cabbage from seeds is rewarding. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from seed selection and soil preparation to harvesting and pest management.

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1. Understanding Taiwanese Flat Cabbage

Before planting, it helps to understand what makes this cabbage unique.

Characteristics

• Flat or slightly oval head shape

• Light to medium green leaves

• Sweet, mild taste

• Crisp yet tender texture

• Faster maturity than standard cabbage

• Heat-tolerant compared to European varieties

Common Uses

• Stir-fries

• Soups and hot pots

• Steaming and braising

• Fresh salads (young leaves)

Growth Cycle

• Maturity: 55–75 days from transplant

• Growth habit: Compact, shallow-rooted

• Best seasons: Cool to mild temperatures

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2. Choosing the Right Seeds

Selecting high-quality seeds is the foundation of successful cabbage growing.

Seed Varieties

Look for varieties labeled as:

• Taiwanese flat cabbage

• Taiwan green cabbage

• Flat head cabbage (Asian type)

Choose fresh seeds from a reputable supplier to ensure good germination.

Hybrid vs Open-Pollinated

• Hybrid seeds: Faster growth, uniform heads, better disease resistance

• Open-pollinated seeds: Can save seeds for future planting

For beginners, hybrids are often easier and more reliable.

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3. Best Climate and Growing Conditions

Taiwanese flat cabbage grows best under specific environmental conditions.

Temperature

• Ideal range: 15–25°C (59–77°F)

• Can tolerate mild heat better than regular cabbage

• Avoid extreme heat above 30°C (86°F), which may cause loose heads or bolting

Sunlight

• Full sun preferred (6–8 hours daily)

• Partial shade is acceptable in warmer climates

Humidity

• Moderate humidity

• Good airflow helps prevent disease

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4. Preparing the Soil

Healthy soil leads to healthy cabbage.

Soil Type

• Well-draining loamy soil

• Rich in organic matter

• Loose texture to allow root development

Soil pH

• Ideal pH: 6.0–6.8

• Slightly acidic to neutral

Soil Preparation Steps

1. Clear weeds and debris

2. Loosen soil 20–30 cm deep

3. Add compost or well-rotted manure

4. Mix evenly into soil

5. Level the surface

Avoid heavy clay soil unless amended with organic matter and sand.

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5. When to Plant Taiwanese Flat Cabbage Seeds

Timing is critical.

Cool Climate Regions

• Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost

• Transplant outdoors in early spring

Warm or Tropical Regions

• Sow seeds in late autumn or winter

• Avoid peak summer heat

General Rule

Plant when daytime temperatures stay below 25°C (77°F).

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6. How to Sow Seeds

You can start seeds indoors or directly in the garden.

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Option 1: Starting Seeds Indoors

This method gives you more control.

Materials Needed

• Seed trays or small pots

• Seed-starting mix

• Spray bottle

• Labels

Steps

1. Fill trays with seed-starting mix

2. Moisten the soil lightly

3. Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep

4. Cover lightly with soil

5. Mist gently with water

6. Place in warm, bright location

Germination

• Seeds sprout in 5–10 days

• Ideal temperature: 18–24°C (64–75°F)

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Option 2: Direct Sowing Outdoors

Best for mild climates.

Steps

1. Prepare soil bed

2. Sow seeds 1 cm deep

3. Space seeds 5 cm apart

4. Cover lightly with soil

5. Water gently

Thin seedlings later to proper spacing.

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7. Seedling Care

Young cabbage plants need careful attention.

Light

• Bright indirect light indoors

• Gradually introduce to direct sunlight

Watering

• Keep soil moist but not soggy

• Avoid letting seedlings dry out

Thinning

• Remove weak seedlings

• Keep strongest plants

Hardening Off

Before transplanting outdoors:

1. Expose seedlings to outdoor conditions gradually

2. Start with 1–2 hours daily

3. Increase over 7–10 days

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8. Transplanting Seedlings

Seedlings are ready when:

• 4–6 true leaves appear

• Height is 10–15 cm (4–6 inches)

Spacing

• 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) between plants

• 40–50 cm (16–20 inches) between rows

Transplanting Steps

1. Water seedlings well before transplanting

2. Dig holes slightly larger than root ball

3. Place seedling at same depth

4. Firm soil gently around roots

5. Water thoroughly

Transplant on a cloudy day or late afternoon to reduce stress.

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9. Watering Requirements

Cabbage has shallow roots and needs consistent moisture.

Watering Guidelines

• Water 2–3 times per week

• Keep soil evenly moist

• Avoid waterlogging

Signs of Water Stress

• Wilting leaves

• Bitter taste

• Cracked or loose heads

Mulching helps retain moisture.

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10. Mulching

Mulch provides many benefits.

Best Mulch Materials

• Straw

• Dry grass clippings

• Compost

• Leaf mulch

Benefits

• Conserves moisture

• Suppresses weeds

• Regulates soil temperature

• Prevents soil-borne disease

Apply 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) thick mulch around plants.

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11. Fertilizing Taiwanese Flat Cabbage

Cabbage is a heavy feeder.

Before Planting

• Compost or aged manure

After Transplanting

• Nitrogen-rich fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10)

• Apply every 2–3 weeks

Organic Fertilizer Options

• Fish emulsion

• Seaweed extract

• Compost tea

Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive leaf growth and poor head formation.

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12. Weed Control

Weeds compete for nutrients and water.

Methods

• Hand weeding

• Mulching

• Shallow hoeing

Avoid deep cultivation that can damage roots.

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13. Pest Management

Taiwanese flat cabbage is vulnerable to common cabbage pests.

Common Pests

• Cabbage worms

• Aphids

• Flea beetles

• Slugs and snails

Organic Control Methods

• Hand-picking caterpillars

• Neem oil spray

• Insect netting

• Soap spray for aphids

Inspect plants regularly to catch problems early.

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14. Disease Prevention

Good gardening practices reduce disease risk.

Common Diseases

• Black rot

• Downy mildew

• Clubroot

Prevention Tips

• Rotate crops yearly

• Avoid overhead watering

• Ensure good air circulation

• Remove infected plants promptly

Healthy soil and proper spacing are key.

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15. Supporting Healthy Head Formation

To encourage tight, flat heads:

• Maintain consistent watering

• Avoid extreme heat stress

• Provide balanced nutrition

• Harvest at proper time

Loose heads often result from heat or nutrient imbalance.

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16. When and How to Harvest

Harvest Time

• Heads feel firm when pressed

• Leaves are bright green

• Size is variety-dependent

Typically 60–75 days after transplanting.

Harvesting Method

1. Use a sharp knife

2. Cut at base of head

3. Leave outer leaves if desired

You may get smaller side shoots after harvesting.

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17. Post-Harvest Handling

Cleaning

• Remove damaged outer leaves

• Rinse lightly if needed

Storage

• Refrigerate immediately

• Store at 0–4°C (32–39°F)

• Keeps for 2–3 weeks

Avoid washing before long-term storage.

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18. Saving Seeds (Optional)

If using open-pollinated varieties:

• Allow plant to bolt and flower

• Collect dried seed pods

• Dry seeds fully before storage

Note: Seed saving requires isolation from other cabbage varieties.

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19. Common Growing Problems and Solutions

Problem	Cause	Solution
Loose heads	Heat stress	Plant cooler season
Yellow leaves	Nitrogen deficiency	Fertilize
Holes in leaves	Caterpillars	Hand-pick or neem oil
Bitter taste	Water stress	Water consistently

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20. Tips for Success

• Start with healthy seeds

• Maintain even moisture

• Use mulch generously

• Monitor pests early

• Harvest on time

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Conclusion

Growing Taiwanese flat cabbage from seeds is both easy and rewarding when done correctly. With its fast growth, sweet flavor, and adaptability, it’s an excellent choice for home gardens and small farms alike. By following proper seed-starting techniques, maintaining soil health, and managing water and pests carefully, you can enjoy fresh, crisp cabbage straight from your garden.

Whether you’re planting in containers, raised beds, or open ground, Taiwanese flat cabbage will reward your effort with delicious, nutritious harvests.