It's very easy to grow Chinese cabbage from a stalk.

You can grow Chinese cabbage at home not only from seeds but also from cabbage stalks. It's easy to care for, and even a beginner can handle the process. The key is to follow the correct order and consider the vegetable's characteristics when choosing a planting location and container.

You can grow cabbage leaves or a full head of cabbage from a cabbage stalk, but this will require more effort and time.

Selecting a head of cabbage and a planting site

Cabbage can be grown from almost any head of cabbage, but it must show no signs of rot. It's recommended to cut off a thick, prominent stalk from a fresh, firm head of cabbage with a large circumference. This will ensure the cabbage is at least as large.

Next, measure 6 cm from the bottom of the cabbage and cut it off with a sharp knife. The top of the cabbage can be used for cooking, and the remaining stalk should be thoroughly rinsed under running water to remove any dirt particles.

Growing technology

The container should be at least 1 liter in capacity. It should be wide enough to accommodate the stalk. This can be a large bowl or a cut-down two-liter plastic bottle.

Fill the selected container for growing cabbage 1/3 full with water and place the cabbage stalk in it. Only the bottom of the stalk should be submerged. Store the container in a cool place, as at this stage, the cabbage doesn't need much light, and heat will slow its development. In freezing temperatures, place it on a windowsill in the northern part of the apartment or house, and in above-freezing temperatures, on a loggia or glassed-in balcony.

The stalk should remain in the container of water for 1 week. Roots will grow within 3-5 days, and by the end of the week, the first green leaves may appear. These can be cut off and eaten. As the roots absorb the liquid, add more.

These steps are sufficient to obtain green mass from Chinese cabbage. If you want a full head, transplant the stalk into the soil.

Cabbage growing rules

For repotting, use a clay flowerpot with drainage holes. The soil should be neutral (pH 6.5-7). This type of soil can be purchased at a garden center, or you can use litmus paper to determine the acidity:

• the soil is poured into a small clean cloth, which is then tied tightly;
• it is lowered into a glass of clean water;
• After 10 minutes, the litmus paper is lowered into the water for 3 seconds.

A blue or light blue litmus test strip will indicate soil neutrality. If it turns red or orange, the soil is too acidic. Dolomite flour can help reduce this level.

When replanting, carefully place the cabbage stalk into pre-moistened soil to avoid damaging the roots, which are delicate and brittle. Cover the roots and the base of the stalk with soil.

Watering is not necessary for the next few days. Resume when the first leaves appear. Avoid overwatering the stump, as this will cause the plant to rot. Moisten the soil with a small amount of warm, settled water when the surface layer dries. It's a good idea to loosen the soil during this time to ensure adequate air access to the root system.

To prevent flower stalks from appearing, it's recommended to protect the container containing the stalk from light. To do this, cover it with a black bag for 10-15 hours.

Room temperatures should be between 12 and 20°C. If they are lower, the cabbage will not grow. Temperatures above this range will cause the sprouts to scape, preventing the cabbage from forming a head.

Usually, after 1-1.5 months, if you follow the rules for caring for the stalk, you will have a head of cabbage weighing 1 kg.

Various pesticides are often used when growing Chinese cabbage. When buying this product in the store, we can't be sure of its positive effects on the body. Extracting the green mass or head from the stalk will allow you to prepare dishes prepared with this organic vegetable, the flavor of which will be just as delicate.