{"product_id":"matsushima-napa-cabbage-heirloom-seeds","title":"Matsushima, Heirloom Napa Cabbage Seeds","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMatsushima Heirloom Napa Cabbage Seeds\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eBring crisp white ribs and tender green leaves to your kitchen with Matsushima, the Matsushima No. 2 selection of Japanese napa cabbage. Its upright heading growth and mild, fresh flavor make it a versatile choice for pickling, kimchi, salads, and warming soups. The leaves soften and develop a sweet, juicy character in cooked dishes while the broad ribs add satisfying texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Grow Matsushima?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistinctive heading cabbage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lime-green outer leaves wrap around a paler yellow-green interior with broad white ribs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKitchen versatility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shred for fresh salads, use in pickles and kimchi, or add toward the end of cooking soups and stir-fries.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCool-season harvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e A useful late-summer planting for fall heads where the local season allows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeirloom and open-pollinated:\u003c\/strong\u003e A traditional Japanese selection, not an F1 hybrid.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting and Growing\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlan planting dates around your local climate rather than a fixed July date. Late-summer sowing or transplanting is often a good route to fall heads. Spring crops are possible, but prolonged chilling of young plants can encourage bolting once conditions warm. Light-frost tolerance does not mean plants are immune to cold damage or bolting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDirect sow or start indoors about 4–6 weeks before transplanting. Sow approximately ¼ inch deep and keep evenly moist during emergence. Handle roots gently and harden seedlings off before planting out. Choose fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Mild growing temperatures support good head development; extended heat can interfere with quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAllow approximately 18–24 inches between plants for full-size heads. In a square foot garden, give \u003cstrong\u003e1 plant per 4 sq ft (full-size heads)\u003c\/strong\u003e. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging and feed according to soil needs and fertilizer directions. Avoid crowding large outer leaves even if heads themselves look narrow.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWatch for flea beetles, cabbage caterpillars, aphids, and slugs. Insect netting or suitable row cover can help exclude pests when secured promptly. Rotate brassica crops and maintain good garden hygiene; no companion plant guarantees protection from soil-borne disease.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHarvest Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 80 days; timing varies with sowing method, growing conditions, and desired head size.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHead:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, elongated to stocky heading napa cabbage with light-green outer foliage, paler inner leaves, and white ribs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mild and crisp raw; tender, sweet, and juicy when cooked.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kimchi, pickling, fresh salads, stir-fries, and soups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eBrassica rapa\u003c\/em\u003e, Pekinensis Group.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO; grown as a cool-season vegetable crop.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 200+ seeds \/ 1.0 g; seed counts vary by lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHarvest when the head has filled and feels firm enough for your intended use. Cut at the base with a clean knife and remove damaged outer leaves. Harvest before severe freezing or loss of eating quality. Rinse before use and refrigerate harvested heads.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePacked and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for your garden.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Box Garden Seeds LLC","offers":[{"title":"1.0 g ~200+ Seeds","offer_id":41712251273350,"sku":"99-8=725-29-","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2669\/3330\/files\/il_fullxfull.7658478949_7n0u.jpg?v=1770130144","url":"https:\/\/bgseedsllc.com\/products\/matsushima-napa-cabbage-heirloom-seeds","provider":"Box Garden Seeds Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}