How to grow wombok in a raised bed

Wombok (Chinese or napa cabbage) is the tall, tender-leaved cabbage behind every good stir-fry, kimchi and Asian slaw — milder and quicker than a European cabbage, and a great cool-season crop.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun
• Spacing: 30–40 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks

When should I plant wombok?

Wombok likes it cool and steady — sow from late summer through autumn. Heat and stress make it bolt before it hearts up. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): February to May
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): February to April and September to October
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): November to February
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): April to June
• Arid inland: March to April and August

How do I grow wombok in a raised bed?

Plant into rich, firm mix and keep growth unchecked — any setback stops it forming a heart. Net the bed against cabbage whites from the start.

How often should I water and feed wombok?

Water deeply and consistently and feed well — wombok is thirsty and hungry, and needs steady moisture to heart up.

What pests attack wombok?

Keep an eye out for caterpillars, aphids and slugs and snails. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect wombok?

The main ones are downy mildew and leaf spot. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with wombok?

Grows well with other Asian greens; keep brassicas away from strawberries. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest wombok?

Cut the whole head once it's firm and well-hearted. It keeps for a couple of weeks in the fridge, and is the classic cabbage for kimchi.

More growing guides: pak choy, cabbage and brussels sprouts.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.