How to Plant Pechay

Overview

Pechay (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis) also called Chinese cabbage, is widely used in cuisine around northern China. In Korea it is used in preparing kimchi and in the Philippines it is a common ingredient in soups and stews. Because of its intolerance to transplantation, pechay requires direct-seeding into the garden. Plant your pechay seeds in a sunny area in the spring, after temperatures warm to 55 degrees F.

Step 1

Obtain a soil pH test as pechay requires a pH of between 5.5 to 6.5. Large garden centers generally offer soil tests as does your county cooperative extension office. Ask for recommendations of suitable soil amendments to raise or lower the pH of your soil to the appropriate level.

Step 2

Prepare the seed bed by aerating the soil and removing any rocks, roots or other debris from the area. Use the gardening fork to aerate by digging into the soil to a depth of 8 inches. Turn and crush the soil with the fork.

Step 3

Amend the planting bed by adding a 3-inch layer of compost, a 2-inch layer of sand and any soil amendments recommended as a result of the pH test. Use the gardening fork to mix the amendments into the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Water the seed bed and allow it to drain.

Step 4

Plant the seeds, 1/2 inch into the soil, 8 to 10 inches apart. If you are planting more than one row, space the rows 15 inches apart.

Step 5

Water the seedbed to keep the soil moist, but not drenched. Pechay plants grown from seeds planted in the spring will be ready to harvest in the summer.