Organic Chinese cabbage 'Path to Bekana'
identification
description
Organic Chinese cabbage 'Chemin vers Bekana' (Brassica rapa), offered by Ferme Tourne-Sol
The 'Chemin vers Bekana' Chinese cabbage is a unique and evolving variety, developed directly at Ferme Tourne-Sol , the result of a long process of traditional farming selection . It is distinguished by its curly, purplish-green leaves , sometimes greener or purpler depending on the plant, and by its thick, crisp, and juicy stems . Its flavor is mild, fresh, and very pleasant, whether eaten raw in salads or lightly sautéed .
This cabbage is not a fixed variety, but a living population , rich in genetic diversity. All the plants are edible, beautiful, and delicious, but they are not all alike. This is precisely what makes it so strong: increased resilience, adaptability, and a natural expression of biodiversity in the vegetable garden.
Type: Annual leafy vegetable
Plant habit: Open, flexible clump
Foliage color: Green to purple, curly leaves
Stems: Thick and crisp
Quantity per packet: 500 seeds
Maturity: Approximately 45 to 55 days (depending on conditions)
Family: Brassicaceae
Uses: Salads, sandwiches, stir-fries
Companion plants: Lettuce, spinach, radish, peas, carrot
Negative plants: Other brassicas in the same location (rotation recommended)
Farming method
The 'Chemin vers Bekana' Chinese cabbage can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors and then transplanted. It can be sown throughout the season and is very frost-tolerant , allowing for early spring and late autumn harvests.
Plant in full sun to partial shade , in well-drained soil . For a continuous production of tender leaves, sow seeds every 2 to 4 weeks . Maintaining consistent moisture promotes crisp stems.
Harvesting and use
Harvest young for salad mixes , or let them grow slightly larger for stir-fries where the stems reveal their full crispness. Harvesting leaf by leaf is also possible, extending the production period.
History of the seed
'Path to Bekana' was born from a simple desire:
What if Tokyo Bekana turned purple?
This variety, resulting from a free cross between Tokyo Bekana and Tatsoi Arc-En-Ciel , achieved through the discreet work of bees , has evolved over several generations. The purple plants were selected, sown, observed, and then re-selected, generation after generation.
Today, this cabbage represents a journey rather than a destination . It doesn't strive for perfect uniformity, but celebrates diversity, beauty, and flavor. It's a variety in motion, inviting gardeners to participate, too, in the adventure of living selection.
A living, free and committed seed
Growing 'Chemin vers Bekana' Chinese cabbage is cultivating a story in the making , a resilient, flavorful, and profoundly human plant. A perfect choice for those who love crisp vegetables… and seeds with a story to tell.
