Chinese cabbage 'Tenderheart'

This crop grows best in a cool environment with moist, airy, soil that provides high nutrient levels. Responds best to decreasing day length and temperatures, which makes it a good fall crop. Spring plantings can also be successful when planted at the proper time. Premature bolting is often times a result of young plants being exposed to frost.

Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water often. Keep in mind when planting that Tenderheart is thought of as hardy, so this plant will survive close to or on freezing temperatures. Planting Tenderheart in loamy soil with a ph of between 6.1 and 7.8 is ideal for as it does best in weakly acidic soil to weakly alkaline soil.

For a spring crop, sow after the danger of frost. Fall crops can be sown from early July through mid August. In very friable soil, sow 1 seed per inch, 1/4-1/2 inch deep, with rows 18-24 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart in the row.

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 0.99 inches (2.54 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.47 inches (1.2 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 18°C / 64°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Tenderheart about 35 days before your last frost date.

For a spring crop, start plants 4-5 weeks prior to your last frost and set out after the danger of frost. Fall crops can be started from early June through mid July and set out when there are 4-5 true leaves. Sow 1/4-1/2 inch deep in a sterile seedling mix. Set transplants to a depth of the first pair of leaves.

As Tenderheart is hardy, ensure temperatures are mild enough to plant out - wait until after your last frost date to be on the safe side.

By our calculations, you should look at planting out Tenderheart about 1 days after your last frost date.