Chinese Cabbage Pak Choi Tricoloured Mix F1

The 'Tricoloured Mix F1' Hybrid Chinese Pak Choi, also known as Bok-Choy, is a blend of three varieties with green and purple leaves. These Chinese cabbages can be consumed when the leaves are young or fully mature. Their stems are juicy, crispy, and have a mild flavour, less pronounced than cabbage's. They can be sown in a heated shelter from April to May or directly in the ground from June to July for a harvest from August to October.

Chinese cabbages are vegetable plants native to China and, more generally, to East Asia. Like their European counterparts, they belong to the large family of Brassicaceae and are classified under the species name Brassica rapa.

These cabbages, once only found in certain specialized shops a few years ago, are gradually gaining popularity in our markets and gardens, much to the delight of Asian cuisine enthusiasts.

They are biennial plants grown as annuals and are full of qualities, both in terms of taste and nutrition. From a dietary point of view, they are remarkable: low in calories, very rich in vitamins C and A and potassium and also contain a lot of fibre and minerals such as calcium.

In the kitchen, these cabbages can be consumed raw or cooked: in salads, quickly stir-fried in a wok, in soups, or in gratins.

In the vegetable garden, growing Tricoloured Mix F1 Hybrid Chinese Pak Choi is a bit more delicate than growing traditional cabbages as it requires more warmth, but it has the same requirements: deep soil, excellent fertilisation, and regular watering. It should be planted in a sunny spot. Chinese cabbages are not very hardy and can only be grown as vegetables in late summer and early winter.

Note: This variety is labelled F1 for "F1 hybrid" because it results from the cross-breeding of carefully selected parents to combine their qualities. This results in a variety that can be flavourful and/or early while also resistant to certain diseases. Sometimes criticised or wrongly associated with GMOs, F1 hybrid seeds are interesting for their uniformity and resistance, but unfortunately, their qualities do not pass on to the next generations, so it will not be possible to save the seeds for future sowing.

Harvest: 'Tricoloured Mix F1' Hybrid Chinese Pak Choi can be harvested from August to October by cutting at the collar level with a knife.

Storage: It can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Gardener's tip: To reduce the need for watering, we recommend mulching the soil with thin successive layers of grass clippings, preferably mixed with dead leaves, once the plants are well developed. This protection helps the soil retain moisture and also reduces weed growth.