How to Grow Shantung

Shantung

Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis

vegetable

Shantung is a compact, upright variety of Chinese cabbage (napa cabbage) known for its cylindrical head shape and tender, mild-flavored leaves. It matures quickly and is less prone to bolting than some other Asian greens. This cool-season vegetable is popular in Asian cuisine and adapts well to both spring and fall growing seasons.

When should you plant Shantung in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Shantung timeline →

Example Shantung timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Shantung
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Shantung
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Shantung dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

💧

Water: Consistent moisture (1-1.5 inches per week); keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Inconsistent watering increases bolting risk.

📏

Spacing: 10-12 inches between plants, 18-24 inches between rows inches

📅

Days to maturity: 60-75 days from transplant; 75-90 days from seed

🌱

Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches for seeds; transplants at same depth as cell

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost well-rotted manure balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) bone meal

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; performs best as a cool-season crop in spring and fall

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Get my Shantung timeline →

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny cotyledons emerge with 2-4 true leaves appearing within 2-3 weeks. Plants are delicate and pale green.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing or transplant when 2-3 true leaves appear.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops more true leaves (6-8 visible) and establishes a stronger root system. Outer leaves begin to lengthen.

Maintain consistent moisture and even soil temperature (65-70°F ideal). Begin weekly fertilizing with diluted balanced fertilizer. Watch for early pest activity.

Head Formation

2-3 weeks

Central leaves begin to curve inward and form a loose head. Plant reaches 8-10 inches tall with 12-16 visible leaves.

Continue consistent watering; critical period for head development. Avoid temperature stress. Provide mulch to maintain soil temperature and moisture. Increase spacing if plants are crowded.

Head Tightening

2-3 weeks

Head becomes more compact and firm as inner leaves continue to wrap tightly. Head achieves characteristic cylindrical shape, 6-8 inches tall.

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage heading. Maintain steady moisture without overwatering. Check for pest damage; this stage is still vulnerable.

Harvest Ready

Varies based on temperature

Head becomes firm and dense; outer leaves are smooth and pale green with slight yellowing at the base. Plant is compact and well-formed.

Monitor head firmness by gentle pressure. Harvest immediately when ready to prevent bolting or splitting. Cool weather extends harvest window.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Carrot beet onion garlic celery dill chamomile mint snap pea radish

Avoid planting near:

Tomato potato broccoli cauliflower cabbage kale fennel strawberry

Common Pests

Remove by hand, use row covers during early growth, spray with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if infestation occurs
Use fine mesh row covers, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, dust with diatomaceous earth
Spray with strong water stream, use neem oil, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, apply insecticidal soap
Yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, improve air circulation
Use floating row covers to prevent egg-laying, apply beneficial nematodes to soil, use collars around base of plants
Improve air circulation, spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate, remove affected leaves

Uses

🍳

Asian Stir-Fries & Fresh Cooking

Culinary

Shantung cabbage is prized for its tender, mild flavor and crisp texture in Asian cuisines. The inner leaves are particularly delicate and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked quickly in stir-fries, soups, and steamed dishes. [source]

🍳

Fermented Kimchi

Culinary

Shantung's tender leaves and mild flavor make it an excellent base for traditional kimchi and other fermented vegetable preparations. The high moisture content and leaf structure allow for even fermentation and flavor distribution. [source]

💊

Nutritional & Anti-inflammatory Support

Medicinal

Chinese cabbage contains glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, compounds studied for potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants supporting immune and bone health. [source]

🏠

Coleslaw & Salads

Household

The crisp, tender leaves are ideal for fresh slaws and salads, offering a milder alternative to common cabbage varieties. Its delicate texture makes it popular in health-conscious raw vegetable preparations. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

When allowed to flower (typically not harvested at this stage), Shantung produces small yellow flowers that attract pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden ecosystem. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when heads are firm and compact (usually 60-75 days after transplanting). Gently squeeze the head—it should feel dense with minimal give. Cut the entire plant at the base with a sharp knife, leaving 1-2 inches of stem. Harvest in early morning for maximum crispness. Shantung does not re-sprout after cutting. Use within 2-3 weeks or store in refrigerator (32-40°F) for up to 1 month.

Fun Facts

🌱 Shantung is named after the Shandong Province in China, where this variety of napa cabbage originated and has been cultivated for centuries.
🌱 Unlike Western cabbage, Shantung is a relatively recent introduction to Western gardens (mid-20th century) but has become increasingly popular due to its quick maturity and mild flavor.
🌱 Shantung is less prone to bolting (flowering prematurely) than other Chinese cabbage varieties, making it more reliable for home gardeners and ideal for both spring and fall plantings.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Bolt Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant True Leaves

Shop Shantung plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Shantung planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Shantung seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Shantung timeline →