CHINESE CABBAGE PERFORMANCE

Results from a three-year cultivar evaluation study indicate that Chinese cabbage production is feasible in Tennessee, but may require special attention to bacterial disease control. Individual head weight and projected yields of both the heading ( pe tsai ) and the nonheading ( pak choy ) forms compared well to those reported from areas where it is adapted and widely grown. Additional research is needed to identify appropriate planting dates and slow-bolting cultivars, especially for spring production. The ability to achieve predictable and profitable spring and fall production of this specialty crop is essential for establishing markets and promoting Chinese cabbage as a reliable crop that can be incorporated readily into vegetable production systems.