Chinese Leaf / Cabbage

[Teej]

I'm thinking about trying Chinese Leaf/Cabbage this year, just out of interest (need to order some salad leaves anyway so might aswell order some extra stuff!).  I wondered what people's experiences are - is it worth it, which variety, etc?
Thanks a lot.

[Teej]

[tim]

Fine - but there are SO many things to consume??

[Tora]

Fantastic looking chinese cabbages, Tim! :o

I love the stuff and want to grow some myself this year. I will be following this topic... :D

[cornykev]

Mine all bolted last year.  ??? :'( ;D ;D ;D

[Marymary]

Mine got turned into net curtains by flea beetle.  :( :(

[Teej]

Well, on seeing Tim's picture I ordered some Chinese Leaf seeds while I was getting my Rocket (and the obligatory extra packets of Lamb's Lettuce etc you may as well get seeing as you're on the site & they will probably come in useful in case you run out!!).  I then come back to find 2 negative comments too!
I just know that mine will look nothing like Tim's, but will be flea-ridden, slug- trailed, bolting nightmares!  Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
;D

[Baccy Man]

Nikko is bolt resistant & is the main variety I grow Wong Bok seeds are more easily availiable but has a habit of bolting prematurely if sown before July. Seeds for both these varieties can be bought from the organic garden catalogue.

[cambourne7]

mine where picked clean by slugs over night before i could plant them out.

This year i plan to sow my cabbage out as before but sit them in a larger tray filled with salt which means the slugs should die before they get to eat  ;D

[greenscrump]

lol fiendishly clever cambourne  ;D

[cambourne7]

having lost the lot last time i aint taking any chances this time  ;D

[Teej]

That's a fantastic idea - could work for all sorts of plants.  Now, where can I buy industrial sized bags of salt!?
;D

[manicscousers]

wouldn't it seep through the rainage holes and poison the plants?..
I'm going to try growing mine in polystyrene modules, on top of another piece of polystyrene, in a water butt..sounds far fetched but it's worked for little gem lettuces,
Bob flowerdew gave me the idea, he grows all his lettuce this way, floating around on his water container, so, if it works for lettuce, why not chinese leaves..
unless the little bu**ers learn to swim, of course  ;D

[Biscombe]

My birds scoffed them (too late with the netting!) only got 1 growing hope it's a good en!!

[Barnowl]

Hi Tim, we're trying various Pak Choi this year - is it related to the chinese leaf cabbage? If so any tips would be welcome!

[tim]

Don't think so, but don't sow too early & FLEECE immediately!!

[Barnowl]

Thanks - I'll have the fleece ready and waiting :)

[tim]

Not ready - on it !! Against flea beetle.