Organic Chinese 'Kailaan' Broccoli
Organic Kailaan produces generous harvests of nutritious stems and leaves that can be prepared in many different ways. Its rapid growth allows for early and repeated harvests.
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description
Organic Chinese Broccoli 'Kailaan' (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) is a fast-growing Asian vegetable prized for its thick, tender stems, abundant dark green leaves, and delicate young flower buds. Ready to harvest in about 50 to 60 days after sowing, it is a rewarding crop for home vegetable gardens. Its mild, slightly sweet, and delicately vegetal flavor is excellent in stir-fries, steamed dishes, soups, broths, and side dishes. If a few plants are allowed to bloom, their small yellow flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.
Sow Organic Chinese Broccoli 'Kailaan' from April through August, either directly in the garden or indoors for earlier harvests. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, cool, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, generously amended with mature compost. Cover the seeds with about 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil and keep the growing medium consistently moist until germination. Water regularly throughout the season to produce tender stems and reduce premature bolting. Thin seedlings to improve air circulation, then harvest the stems once the flower buds are well formed but still tightly closed.
In the garden, Organic Chinese Broccoli 'Kailaan' is ideal for diverse vegetable gardens, raised beds, Asian-inspired gardens, deep containers, and edible landscapes. Its lush foliage adds texture and visual appeal while providing quick harvests of nutritious, versatile vegetables. It grows well alongside Beans, Onions, and culinary herbs, but should be planted away from Fennel and Strawberries. Successive sowings extend the harvest from spring through summer, while a few flowering plants help support pollinators and increase biodiversity in the vegetable garden.
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