What Are the Varieties of Chinese Kale? A Detailed Explanation of Each Variety's Characteristics

Chinese kale is one of China's specialty vegetables, with a very long cultivation history. It is rich in nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, protein, fat and plant carbohydrates, and its taste is crisp and sweet, making it very popular in the market. According to the growing conditions of different regions, there are currently many varieties of Chinese kale in our country, so what are the characteristics of each? Let's take a look together.

Varieties and Characteristics of Chinese Kale

There are many varieties of Chinese kale cultivated in our country. According to flower color, they can be divided into two types: white-flowered Chinese kale and yellow-flowered Chinese kale, among which white-flowered Chinese kale is more widely cultivated. According to their growth period, they can be divided into early-, mid- and late-maturing varieties. Early-maturing varieties have strong heat tolerance; they can undergo flower bud differentiation even at relatively high temperatures and form flower stalks; mid-maturing varieties are not as heat-tolerant as early-maturing varieties, and their cold tolerance is weaker than that of late-maturing varieties, with medium branching ability and higher yield than early-maturing varieties; late-maturing varieties are not heat-tolerant, are relatively cold-tolerant, have weaker branching ability, and generally have higher yield and good quality. In addition, according to stalk color, they can be divided into green Chinese kale and purple Chinese kale; according to whether there are small abnormal leaves on the leaf surface, they can be divided into shiitake Chinese kale and non-shiitake Chinese kale, etc. Below are several representative Chinese kale varieties introduced according to maturity classification:

(1) Early-maturing Chinese kale - mainly suitable for summer and autumn cultivation, with a sowing period from August to September and a growth period of 50 to 60 days. Representative varieties include:

(1) Hong Kong White Flower Chinese Kale. A local variety of Guangdong, the main stalk is 20 cm high, the stalk is 2 cm thick, and the main stalk weighs about 100 grams.

(2) Early Chinese Kale. A local variety of Guangdong, the main stalk is 25 cm high, the stalk is 2 cm thick, and the main stalk weighs about 100 grams.

(3) Lubao Chinese Kale. A Japanese F1 hybrid variety, the main stalk is 20 cm long, the stalk is 2 cm thick, and the main stalk weighs about 60 to 70 grams. It has strong side stalk sprouting ability and can be harvested multiple times.

(2) Mid-maturing Chinese kale - about 60 to 75 days from sowing to harvest; this type of variety is suitable for autumn and winter cultivation. Representative varieties include:

(1) Medium Flower Chinese Kale. Excellent quality, the main stalk is relatively thick, with a transverse diameter of 2.5 cm and a weight of 100 to 150 grams.

(2) Shiitake Chinese Kale. The plant has strong growth vigor, and small mushroom-shaped leaflets grow on the leaf surface. The main stalk is relatively thick, the main stalk is 30 cm high, with a transverse diameter of 2.5 cm and a weight of about 120 grams.

(3) Late-maturing Chinese kale - more than 75 days from sowing to harvest, with strong winter habit, requiring a certain amount of low temperature to bolt, and suitable for winter and spring cultivation. Representative varieties include:

(1) Late Flower Chinese Kale. The main stalk is 28 cm long and weighs 120 grams, with medium branching ability and tender, crisp flesh.

(2) Copper Shell Leaf Chinese Kale. The plant grows vigorously, the leaves are relatively thin, there is relatively little wax powder, and the weight of the plant stalk after harvest is more than 100 grams.

Overall, these Chinese kale varieties are relatively widely cultivated in China. Of course, before planting, different varieties must be selected according to the cultivation season and cultivation environment, and secondly, varieties must be selected according to market demand. Choosing the right variety is the necessary prerequisite for successful cultivation.

For wonderful pictures and articles and popular comments about the characteristics of Chinese kale varieties, you may be interested in the content recommended below by Nongxun Network. Welcome to read.

Agricultural products you may be interested in: High-quality Chinese kale seeds supplied nationwide