Kogane, Heirloom Chinese Cabbage Seeds

Kogane, Heirloom Chinese Cabbage Seeds — The Japanese “Gold” Loosehead Napa With a Golden Core, Perfect for Pickling and Microgreens

Kogane (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis) means “gold” in Japanese — and the name is earned. When mature, the loosehead, fluffy head type can weigh up to 8 lbs and reveals a stunning golden yellow core surrounded by crumpled green outer leaves. Excellent flavor, popular for pickling and cooking across Japanese and Korean cuisines. Creates a beautiful contrast with darker greens for microgreens and baby leaf. Best grown in mild climates. 70–80 days to maturity; 5–7 days for microgreens. ~250+ seeds per packet.

Why Grow Kogane?

• Stunning golden yellow core — beautiful contrast with crumpled green outer leaves; “Kogane” means gold in Japanese
• Up to 8 lb loosehead — fluffy, full, and impressive
• Excellent for pickling — a top choice for tsukemono and kimchi-style preparations
• Dual harvest — microgreens in 5–7 days; full head in 70–80 days
• Beautiful for microgreens and baby leaf — creates striking contrast with darker greens
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

In the Kitchen

• Stir-fry: Quick-cook with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce — mild flavor absorbs seasonings beautifully
• Sukiyaki & yosenabe: A classic addition to Japanese hot pot dishes
• Ohitashi: Blanch and dress with soy sauce and sesame for a simple Japanese side
• Tsukemono (pickling): Salt-pickle whole leaves or shred for quick Japanese-style pickles
• Fresh salad: Shred raw for a mild, crunchy salad base
• Microgreens: Harvest at 5–7 days for a golden-tipped microgreen with mild brassica flavor

Growing Notes

Chinese cabbage prefers cool temperatures for its main growing season. Best grown in mild climates in full sun. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in spring. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed.

Bolting warning: Exposure to frost or prolonged temperatures below 50°F may cause bolting. Bud differentiation and bolting results from temperatures of 41°F for one week or 50°F for two weeks (vernalization). For spring harvest, transplant seedlings with 5–7 true leaves raised at 73–75°F during the day and over 53°F at night. Provide adequate water and fertilizer after transplanting to promote faster growth.

Microgreens: Sow thickly, keep moist, harvest at 5–7 days.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.