Chinese Savoy
Brassica rapa narinosa
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Brassica rapa narinosa is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.9
Where it is found
Not known in the wild.
A cultivar of garden origin.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Leaves - raw or cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in full sun in a well-drained fertile preferably alkaline soil. Prefers a pH of 5.5 to 7. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 7.5. Prefers a cool moist reasonably fertile soil. Chinese savoy is often cultivated, especially in the Orient, for its edible leaves. There are some named varieties.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ in the spring and early summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist