When to Plant Chinese Cabbage (Wombok) in Cairns, Tropical Guide

Sow April to August. Right now in September it is out of season. The next sowing month is April.

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 Tropical zone, which takes in Cairns, Townsville and Darwin. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Brisbane 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 Tropical

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

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 21.4°C (optimal range: 7–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

Modelled from Open-Meteo forecast (Cairns), not a live sensor.

How to Grow Chinese Cabbage (Wombok) in Tropical Australia

When to Plant

April-June only (dry season). Must avoid wet season humidity and long day-lengths that trigger bolting.

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

Tropical Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage (Wombok)

Recommended Varieties

  • Michihilli
  • One Kilo SB (bolt-resistant)
  • Wong Bok

Key Challenges

  • Bolts rapidly in warm/long-day conditions
  • Extreme pest pressure
  • Humidity causes rot and fungal diseases

Pro Tips

  • Only plant in the dry season when day-lengths are short
  • Choose bolt-resistant varieties specifically bred for tropical conditions
  • Insect netting is essential from day one

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 tropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Cucumber and Basil.

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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 Cairns?

No. In the Tropical zone the planting months are Apr to Aug. 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 Tropical zone, Cairns is its reference city.