Merlot Chinese Cabbage is an F1 hybrid variety of Brassica rapa var. pekinensis bred as an improved Red Dragon type, prized for its compact growth and deep burgundy coloring. Ready to harvest in just 60 days, this frost-tolerant cabbage thrives in the cooling days of late summer and early fall, when conditions are most favorable for developing crisp, tender heads. Its ability to tolerate frost makes it a reliable choice for gardeners pushing their season into autumn, while its manageable size suits both garden beds and containers.
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Moderate
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Moderate
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Merlot strikes the ideal balance between speed and reliability, reaching harvest in 60 days with minimal fussing. The compact growth habit means you can tuck these heads into tight spaces, and their frost tolerance lets you harvest well into the season when most other crops have faded. Late summer and fall planting brings out the best in this variety, rewarding patient gardeners with crisp, flavorful results.
Merlot Chinese Cabbage is grown for fresh eating, where its tender leaves and compact heads lend themselves to slaws, stir-fries, salads, and braising. The deep color makes it visually striking in any preparation, adding both nutrition and aesthetic appeal to dishes where Chinese cabbage appears.
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Sow 2 seeds per cell at 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 to 70°F (16 to 21°C). Plan for transplanting in 3 to 5 weeks. For summer and fall crops, start seedlings in mid-to-late June.
Transplant around the last frost date, taking care not to disturb roots. Water in plants well after transplanting. For spring and early summer crops, wait until after the last frost date to avoid triggering bolting from cold exposure. Avoid exposing young plants to more than a week of nights below 50°F (10°C), as this can cause premature flowering.
Direct seed from late May to mid-July for summer and fall crops.
Harvest heads when they reach full size and feel firm to the touch, typically around 60 days after seeding. This compact variety produces smaller heads than some Chinese cabbages, so plan accordingly for your kitchen needs.
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“As an improved Red Dragon type developed by Johnny's Selected Seeds, Merlot represents modern breeding focused on refinement of an established Chinese cabbage type. Red Dragon varieties themselves brought burgundy coloring and compact form to Chinese cabbage cultivation, and Merlot carries forward this lineage with enhanced performance characteristics suited to contemporary home and market gardeners.”