VegetableCabbage
Hybrid Chinese Cabbage
Mini Kisaku 50 is a compact hybrid Chinese cabbage that matures in just 50-55 days, though some sources report the range extending to 60-69 days. This Michihili-type variety produces dense 2-3 pound heads with a distinctive yellow core, bred for better stress tolerance than many other Chinese cabbage types. Hardy in zones 2-10 and reaching just 12-18 inches tall, it thrives in full sun with moderate water and well-draining soil. The crisp, tender leaves work beautifully in salads, soups, stir-fries, and traditional Japanese dishes like sukiyaki and yosenabe.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained Loam, Tolerates Poor Soils
Growth Stats
18 in
Height
TypeBush
Spacing
18
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-10
Size
18in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
Mini Kisaku 50 stands out among mini napa varieties for its reliable stress tolerance, a trait inherited from its Michihili-type parentage. The compact 2-3 pound heads mature quickly enough for succession planting in shorter growing seasons, yet the yellow core and tender texture elevate it beyond purely utilitarian varieties. Its adaptability across hardiness zones 2-10 and proven performance in both spring and fall makes it a dependable choice for gardeners seeking efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Common Uses
This variety excels fresh in salads where its crisp texture and mild flavor shine, but its versatility extends well beyond raw applications. The tender leaves work beautifully in soups and stir-fries, where they cook down quickly while retaining enough structure to avoid turning mushy. For those familiar with Japanese cuisine, it's particularly suited to sukiyaki and yosenabe, where the delicate leaves absorb broth flavors while maintaining their character. The compact size makes it practical for smaller households or those planning succession plantings throughout the season.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your intended transplant date, maintaining soil temperatures between 55-70°F for consistent germination. Keep seedlings under bright light to prevent stretching, and harden off for 7-10 days before moving them to the garden.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings after the last frost date when they have developed 2-3 true leaves. Space plants 18 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart in full sun. Soil temperature should be at least 50°F, though the variety germinates best between 55-70°F.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds after last frost danger has passed, planting in full sun in prepared beds with rich, well-draining soil. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and thin seedlings to 18-inch spacing once they develop true leaves.
Harvesting
Harvest Mini Kisaku 50 at 50-55 days from transplanting, though some sources indicate the range may extend to 69 days depending on growing conditions and temperature. The heads are ready when they feel firm and dense to gentle pressure, typically at 2-3 pounds. Cut the entire head at the base with a sharp knife, removing the outer leaves if they show any damage or yellowing. Early morning harvest after dew has dried preserves the crispness and moisture content of the leaves.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Brassica rapa var Pekinensis 'Mini Kisaku 50'
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Brassica
Growth Habit
Bush
Native Status
L48 (I)AK (I)HI (I)CAN (I)GL (I)
History & Origin
“Mini Kisaku 50 is a modern hybrid developed within the Brassica rapa var. Pekinensis species, part of the broader Chinese cabbage breeding tradition that has refined these crops over centuries in East Asia. The variety name references its 50-55 day maturity window, a deliberate breeding goal to create a mini napa that matures faster than full-size types while maintaining the stress tolerance characteristics of Michihili-type cabbage genetics. This represents contemporary horticultural work focused on home gardeners and commercial growers seeking shorter season options without sacrificing the vigor and resilience that define the best Chinese cabbage cultivars.”