{"product_id":"merlot-chinese-cabbage-seeds","title":"Merlot Chinese Cabbage Seeds – F1 Hybrid Dark Red Napa Cabbage","description":"\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMerlot Chinese Cabbage Seeds – F1 Hybrid Dark Red Napa Cabbage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBring rich color and refined garden beauty to your cool-season harvest with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMerlot Chinese Cabbage Seeds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a premium \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eF1 hybrid red napa cabbage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e known for its full, bulky, dense heads and striking dark red to burgundy leaf color. This improved Red Dragon type produces attractive upright heads averaging \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e11–12 inches long\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, making it a beautiful and practical choice for home gardens, raised beds, Asian vegetable gardens, and market-style harvests.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMerlot Chinese Cabbage is prized for its dramatic color, crisp texture, and excellent use in fresh and cooked dishes. Its richly colored leaves bring a premium look to garden baskets and kitchen recipes, making it a standout variety for gardeners who want something more unique than traditional green napa cabbage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBasic Product Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name: Merlot Chinese Cabbage, Red Napa Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLatin Name: Brassica rapa var. pekinensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name: Brassica rapa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeed Type: F1 Hybrid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHybrid Status: Hybrid (F1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Type: Annual vegetable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Habit: Upright heading cabbage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDays to Maturity: Approximately 60 days from transplanting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHead Size: Average 11–12 inches long\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHead Type: Full, bulky, dense napa-style heads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColor: Dark red to burgundy-red\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest Season: Late summer, fall, and cool spring planting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest Uses: Fresh eating, stir-fry, soups, wraps, Asian cooking, kimchi-style recipes, and colorful harvest displays\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy Grow Merlot Chinese Cabbage?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMerlot is an eye-catching red Chinese cabbage variety designed for gardeners who want beauty, flavor, and performance in one crop. The heads are dense, full, and substantial, with a deep red color that creates a dramatic contrast in the garden and on the plate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis variety is especially suitable for cool-season growing. Chinese cabbage performs best when temperatures are mild and day length is gradually decreasing, making late summer and fall an excellent planting window in many regions. It may also be grown in spring when young plants are protected from cold stress and sudden temperature swings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting Depth: 1\/4 inch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransplant Age: 3–5 weeks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Spacing: 12–18 inches apart\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRow Spacing: 18–30 inches apart\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDirect Seeding: Sow 3–4 seeds every 12–18 inches, then thin to one strong plant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSunlight: Full sun to partial sun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Type: Fertile, well-drained garden soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering Needs: Moderate and consistent moisture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest Temperature: Cool to mild growing conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDays to Harvest: About 60 days from transplanting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvest Stage: Cut when heads are very firm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to Grow Merlot Chinese Cabbage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor spring planting, start seeds indoors in plug trays and sow about 1\/4 inch deep. Keep soil warm for germination, then grow seedlings in bright, cool conditions. Transplant outdoors in about 3–5 weeks, around the last frost date, once plants are strong enough and outdoor conditions are suitable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor summer and fall crops, start seedlings in mid-to-late June or direct seed from late May to mid-July, depending on your local climate. Direct sow 3–4 seeds every 12–18 inches and thin to one healthy plant per spacing. Keep rows about 18–30 inches apart to allow room for growth and airflow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChinese cabbage has a delicate root system, so handle seedlings carefully when transplanting. Water transplants well after planting and maintain steady moisture while plants are growing and forming heads.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant Growing Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMerlot Chinese Cabbage is more prone to internal tipburn than green varieties, especially during hot weather or uneven growing conditions. Internal tipburn is damage or decay of inner leaves that may not be visible until the head is cut open.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis variety may also bolt under stress, especially if young plants are exposed to frost or more than one week of nighttime temperatures below 50°F after transplanting. For best results, avoid transplanting too early in cold spring weather and keep plants growing steadily with consistent moisture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePest \u0026amp; Disease Tips\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProtect young plants from flea beetles and cabbage root maggots with floating row covers from the day of planting. Practice long crop rotation with non-brassica crops and use clean seed-starting mix to reduce disease pressure. Good garden sanitation, proper spacing, and steady moisture can help support healthier plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvest \u0026amp; Storage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvest Merlot Chinese Cabbage when the heads feel very firm and have reached full size. Cut the head at the base with a clean knife.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor short-term storage, keep harvested heads cool and humid. Properly trimmed heads may store for 1–2 months in a near-freezing humid cooler or root cellar when wrapped and handled carefully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest Uses in the Kitchen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMerlot Chinese Cabbage offers beautiful color and crisp texture for many fresh and cooked dishes. Its red napa-style leaves are excellent for:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFresh salads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAsian-style wraps\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStir-fry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoups and noodle dishes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSteaming\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKimchi-style recipes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColorful slaws\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGarden harvest baskets\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHome cooking and meal prep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting Tips for Best Results\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow during cool seasons for best head quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid extreme heat when possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProtect young plants from cold stress after transplanting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse row covers early to reduce insect pressure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide fertile soil and steady growth conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvest when heads are firm and dense.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis listing is for seeds only, not live plants. Germination, color development, head size, and harvest results may vary depending on temperature, soil quality, watering, planting time, pest pressure, and local growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMai’s Family LLC – Love Plants, Love Earth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mai's Family","offers":[{"title":"5+","offer_id":49793915289906,"sku":"693039731504","price":1.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10+","offer_id":49793915322674,"sku":"693039731505","price":2.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20+","offer_id":49793915355442,"sku":"693039731506","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50+","offer_id":49793915388210,"sku":"693039731507","price":5.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"250+","offer_id":49793915420978,"sku":"693039731508","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500+","offer_id":49793915453746,"sku":"693039731509","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0687\/9743\/2114\/files\/1_3ca5d0c9-d9d3-450b-8480-9fdf619d3568.png?v=1782358863","url":"https:\/\/maisfamily.us\/products\/merlot-chinese-cabbage-seeds","provider":"Mai's Family","version":"1.0","type":"link"}