chinese cabbage

General tips / questions on seeding & planting

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tricia58
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I have read that chinese cabbage is very prone to bolting. I have sown some chinese cabbage in modules (2 per module). Both seeds have germinated. Is it OK to prick out both seeds into individual pots, or would I be better off pinching out the weakest seedling?
Mike Vogel
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I hate waste, so if I can do so without damaging a seedling I use both. But you may end up with more than you want.

If you do decide to get rid of one, just cut it. Don't take it out root and all as you may then disturb the other seedling [unlikely]. In addition, the remaining seedling will sometimes graft onto the root system of the cut one and so end up with twice the root strength.
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alan refail
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Hi Tricia and welcome to the forum.

Chinese cabbage is most prone to bolting from an early sowing so you should fare better at this time of the year. Transplanting seedlings can cause stress which might lead to bolting - though I might well do it myself. Bolting is not, of course, the end of the world, as the flower spikes are delicious stir-fried or steamed.
Word of warning: Chinese cabbage are slugs all-time best favouritest food ever - ever :( :(
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Johnboy
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Hi Alan and Tricia,
Pak Choi is the favourite of the Flea beetle here! Leaves that in one night look as though I have loosed off my shotgun!
Organic Slug Pellets are working quite well although they are not quite as good as the non organic ones the damage caused is at an acceptable level and will not be buying non organic pellets again.
Tricia,
I would simply cull the less vibrant of your seedlings, simply nip off at ground level and next year sow only one per module. You may get some gaps but you no doubt sow too many in the first place. Everybody does.
JB.
tricia58
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Thank you all for your replies.
I will probably get rid of the extra seedling just to be on the safe side. Though, I will be wincing when I am doing it!!
I have bought some insect mesh, which I will use to cover the plants, but as for the slugs.......fingers crossed.
There is always some bug or other waiting to munch away at the veg.
That's nature for you!!
Thanks again
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alan refail
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Hi Tricia

I don't find that Image are very effective against slugs, especially on Chinese cabbage.

I find Image a lot more effective.

:wink:
tricia58
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Hi Alan,
Point taken!!
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