When to Plant Chinese Cabbage (Wombok) in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow July to September. Right now in September you can sow.

Also called wombok, napa cabbage.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Chinese Cabbage (Wombok) guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Chinese Cabbage (Wombok)

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Wombok (also called Chinese cabbage, napa cabbage, or wong bok) forms tall, barrel-shaped heads of crinkled, pale green leaves. It is faster to mature than European cabbage (8-10 weeks), milder in flavour, and excellent for kimchi, stir-fries, and salads. A cool-season crop that bolts rapidly in warm or long-day conditions.

Planting Calendar for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - - - - - S S/T T - - -

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 7–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Chinese Cabbage (Wombok) in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

March-June (autumn into winter). Prime crop for SEQ autumn/winter gardens. Too warm after August.

Soil
Rich, moisture-retentive soil with plenty of compost and aged manure. Needs good drainage but consistent moisture.
pH Range
6.0-7.0
Sunlight
Full sun in cool weather. Part shade (afternoon) in warm zones to prevent bolting.
Spacing
35cm apart, 45cm between rows
Watering
Consistent moisture critical. Water deeply 2-3 times per week. Mulch to retain moisture. Irregular watering or drought stress triggers bolting. Drip irrigation preferred.

Companion plants: Celery, Onion, Garlic, Dill, Chamomile

Avoid planting near: Other brassicas (disease transfer), Strawberry, Tomato

Subtropical Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage (Wombok)

Recommended Varieties

  • Michihilli
  • One Kilo SB
  • Wong Bok
  • Barrel-type varieties

Key Challenges

  • Bolting if planted too early (still warm in March)
  • Aphids in dry autumn weather
  • Caterpillars active until May

Pro Tips

  • Wait until night temperatures consistently drop below 20C before sowing
  • Direct sow to avoid transplant shock triggering bolting
  • Mulch heavily to keep roots cool

Harvesting Chinese Cabbage (Wombok)

When ready: Head is firm and solid when gently squeezed. Typically barrel-shaped, 25-35cm tall. Outer leaves may begin to flare. Head has a dense, compact feel.

How to harvest: Cut at base with sharp knife. Can harvest entire head or remove outer leaves progressively for loose-leaf use. Harvest in cool of morning.

Where to next

What chinese cabbage costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

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Common Questions About Chinese Cabbage (Wombok)

When do you plant chinese cabbage in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does chinese cabbage grow all year round in Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Jul to Sep. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

What else is chinese cabbage called?

Chinese cabbage is the usual Australian name. Overseas seed packets and recipes call it wombok, napa cabbage. Same plant, same growing advice.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.