How to Grow Wombok in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
Chinese or napa cabbage with tight pale barrel-shaped heads, essential for kimchi, stir-fries and slaws. It bolts in warm weather, so sow from autumn into early spring in the north and cover against white butterfly.
What it looks like as it grows
When to plant wombok in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best wombok varieties for NZ
- Wombok (Wong Bok), Tall barrel-shaped Chinese cabbage with pale, tightly packed leaves. (Yates NZ, Kings Seeds)
- Chinese Mini Gold F1, Compact mini wombok with a sweet golden interior, good for small gardens. (Kings Seeds)
How to grow wombok
- Space plants about 45cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 75 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 8 days.
Companion planting
Grow wombok near: Onion, Dill, Beetroot.
Pests and problems
Watch for: White butterfly, Slugs, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
🌱 Plant Wombok in your garden →For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Wombok plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant wombok in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy wombok seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Yates NZ, Kings Seeds.