Bilko is a full-size organic Chinese cabbage that reaches harvest in just 57 days, making it one of the quickest routes to a crisp, tender head. This F1 hybrid thrives in the cooling days of late summer and early fall, when Chinese cabbage truly shines, though spring planting is possible with careful attention to prevent bolting. With strong resistance to Crown Rot and FY (Fusarium Yellows), Bilko handles the humid conditions that often plague brassicas, giving you reliable, healthy plants from seed to table.
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Moderate
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Moderate
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Bilko reaches full maturity in just 57 days, which is remarkably fast for a full-size Chinese cabbage. It's an organic F1 hybrid bred for disease resistance, particularly valuable because Crown Rot and Fusarium Yellows can devastate Chinese cabbage crops in humid gardens. Late summer and fall planting brings out its best performance, when the naturally shortening days and cooling nights create ideal conditions for tight, flavorful heads.
Chinese cabbage is primarily used fresh in stir-fries, slaws, and quick pickles, where its tender leaves and mild flavor shine. The entire head is edible and cooks down quickly, making it excellent for steamed dishes, soups, and as a wrapper for dumplings in Asian cuisines.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow 2 seeds per cell 1/4 inch deep in 72-cell plug trays. Keep soil temperatures above 75°F (24°C) until germination, then maintain air temperature at 60, 70°F (16, 21°C) for the seedling stage. Transplant out in 3, 5 weeks, timing to the last frost date for spring planting. For summer and fall crops, start seedlings in mid-to-late June.
Transplant around the last frost date for spring crops, taking care not to disturb roots; water-in plants after transplanting. For summer and fall crops, transplant seedlings started in mid-to-late June out to the garden. Avoid transplanting during hot weather above 75°F.
Direct seed from late May to mid-July for summer and fall crops.
Harvest when the head reaches full size and feels firm to gentle pressure, typically 57 days from transplanting or direct seeding. In fall plantings, harvest before the first hard freeze to ensure the best quality and storage potential.
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