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Bopak is a compact, fast-maturing Asian cabbage (napa type) prized for its tender, sweet leaves and mild flavor. It's excellent fresh in salads, stir-fries, and fermented dishes like kimchi. Gardeners choose this cultivar for its reliable heading, disease resistance, and ability to produce in both spring and fall.

Seeds germinate best at soil temperatures of 65–75 °F and will sprout in 5–10 days. They do not require light for germination and can be sown in darkness, but will tolerate light conditions. No pre-treatment is necessary; direct sowing or starting indoors both work well.

Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your transplant date, or direct sow in garden beds. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep. Space transplants or thin seedlings to 12–15 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. Bopak prefers cool conditions, so plant for spring (February–March transplant in zone 7) or late summer (July–August) harvest. Avoid planting during peak summer heat unless you can provide afternoon shade.

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent splitting and rot. Fertilize every 2–3 weeks with balanced fertilizer or a nitrogen-rich formula to support leafy growth. Watch for cabbage moths, imported cabbageworms, and flea beetles; use row covers on young plants or hand-pick pests. Thin outer leaves if they yellow or show damage. Bopak is relatively compact and does not require staking.

Harvest when heads feel firm and dense, typically 55–65 days from transplant. Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife when 6–8 inches tall. For extended harvest, cut outer leaves individually while the plant is still young. Store heads in the refrigerator crisper for up to 3 weeks, or ferment for longer preservation. Harvest in cool morning hours for best crispness.